Chapter 1362
No.1
The Gala attracted the city’s elite and their entourages. Clashes were not uncommon. Avoiding the commotion was the wiser choice. A narrow alleyway opened up just ahead, too tight for the car.
“We’ll have to walk from here,” Evelyn stated, shifting the car into park.
Nathaniel, who had been reviewing documents, finally looked up. He neatly filed the papers away and exited the vehicle, moving to open Isabella’s door. His voice was a low, husky murmur. “I’ll escort you through.”
“No, it’s fine,” Isabella said quickly, stepping out. She glanced toward the alley’s entrance. “Others might use this route too. If we’re seen together… it wouldn’t be good.” Her tone was laced with a reluctant worry.
Nathaniel’s brow furrowed. A shadow of disappointment crossed his features. “Am I an embarrassment to you now?” The question was sharp, edged with clear displeasure.
Isabella was taken aback. Of course he wasn’t, but…
Isabella Montgomery and Nathaniel Blackwood shared no real connection. They weren't even in a relationship. Why create unnecessary complications?
In two months, their paths would diverge completely. They'd become strangers again. If anyone discovered their current arrangement, it would be utterly humiliating.
She couldn't voice these thoughts in front of Oliver, so Isabella chose her words carefully. "You should stay with Christopher. The alley is only five hundred meters away. Evelyn will accompany me. We can discuss this after Christopher feels better."
Her final sentence carried a hidden meaning: Everything would end once Oliver recovered.
No.2
Nathaniel's expression darkened, but he didn't press further. "Take care of her," he instructed Evelyn.
"Yes, sir," Evelyn replied dutifully, moving to support the long train of Isabella's gown.
Isabella waved at Oliver. "Be good for Mommy, alright? Wait for me at home." She blew him a kiss.
Oliver reached out with his small, chubby hand, pretending to catch the floating kiss. His face lit up as if he'd truly captured it. "Okay! Be careful, Mommy!"
Isabella nodded and turned to leave. Nathaniel felt an unexpected pang of jealousy watching Oliver's tiny fist clutching the imaginary kiss...
The alley ran behind the venue, squeezed between two towering hotels. The pavement was even, manageable even in heels. Still, Isabella deliberately slowed her pace for Evelyn. Without the three-meter train, she would have walked alone. Evelyn noticed the consideration, feeling impressed.
Isabella usually maintained a cool, distant aura, except when speaking to Oliver. Yet in small gestures, she showed more genuine care than many superficially sweet celebrities. Still, these qualities weren't enough for someone like her to deserve Boss Blackwood!
They walked single file toward the venue. As they rounded the corner...
"Grrr!"
A massive brown Tibetan Mastiff suddenly charged toward them. The beast stood a meter tall, covered in thick, luxurious fur. It looked powerfully built, almost lion-like in its ferocity!
No.3
Before they could react, the mastiff lunged directly at Isabella!
"Ah! Watch out!" Evelyn screamed instinctively, grabbing Isabella and pulling her aside.
Isabella jumped away just as the mastiff leaped. Enraged by their escape, the dog emitted a deep, guttural bark. It launched forward again with monstrous speed.
"Run!" Evelyn's voice cracked with panic as she dragged Isabella into a sprint.
Nathaniel and Oliver were still outside. Mr. Blackwood could handle that beast if he were here!
But how could they outrun a mastiff? It would catch them in seconds.
The worst part: when they turned to flee, the alley's entrance was suddenly blocked by a large ceramic jar. They were trapped!
They reached the dead end and spun around. The mastiff was barely two meters away, jaws wide open. A bloody scent wafted from its mouth.
The normally composed Evelyn cried out in terror. A mastiff this size could tear flesh with a single scratch. One bite could easily crush a skull and end a life!
What could they do? What could they do?!
No.4
Isabella's face turned grave as she desperately scrambled for a solution.
Not far from the alley, Seraphina Delacroix watched the mastiff attack Isabella, a vicious smirk twisting her lips. How dare Isabella steal her company's resources? This was the price she had to pay! She even stole her gown? Fine! Let her die wearing it! Seraphina would attend the Celestial Gala gloriously. She would walk on stage to accept her Number One Supermodel Award!
The mastiff closed in on Isabella. Its bloody jaws gaped open. Its sharp claws aimed directly for Isabella's body.
One scratch. One bite. That was all it would take to end Isabella Montgomery.
Evelyn Sinclair squeezed her eyes shut in terror.
The mastiff lunged, jaws gaping. Inches from impact, Isabella’s arm snapped forward with explosive force.
The blow sent the massive dog stumbling backward. It scrambled away, fleeing down the alley.
Straight toward Seraphina Delacroix.
Seraphina’s face drained of all color. She spun and bolted, screaming. “Help! Somebody help me!”
No one heard. This was the deserted back of the venue. Her flight triggered the beast’s chase instinct.
No.5
It accelerated, claws unsheathed. They raked across Seraphina’s back with brutal force.
Riiip.
The sound of tearing silk echoed sharply.
Her gown shredded. A deep, bleeding gash tore from her shoulder down to her thigh.
Seraphina shrieked, a raw, agonized sound.
The scent of blood maddened the mastiff. It targeted her again.
She ran desperately, her injury crippling her speed. Her heel caught on uneven pavement.
She pitched forward, plunging into an uncovered maintenance sewage tank.
“Arf! Arf! Arf!” The mastiff stood at the edge, barking furiously at the figure flailing in the filth below.
“Get me out! Help!” Seraphina screamed, terrified the beast would leap down and finish her.
No.6
Evelyn watched, stunned and horrified. Disbelief locked her in place.
What just happened?
Why was Seraphina Delacroix here?
Why did the dog attacking Isabella suddenly turn on Seraphina?
She turned to Isabella. “Did you… do that?”
A cold smile touched Isabella’s lips. “I simply returned what was given.”
She strode forward and scooped up a small packet of powder from the ground. With a sharp flick of her wrist, she hurled it down the alley, away from the tank.
The mastiff leaped, snapping at the airborne packet, and charged after it, vanishing around a corner.
Isabella had spotted the packet the moment the dog charged. Velcro strips covered it, meant to cling to her clothes. Seraphina’s trap.
With the immediate threat gone, Isabella walked to a heavy metal gate. She pulled it shut with a definitive clang.
No.7
Silence descended. The danger was contained.
Meanwhile…
Seraphina thrashed in the murky sewage, only her head above the surface. She clung to a rusty metal bar, preventing a complete submersion.
She saw Isabella approaching. “Isabella! Pull me up! Get me out of here!” she shrieked.
Isabella stopped at the edge. She looked down, her expression icy. “Who are you? Why should I help you?”