Chapter 136

No.1

Seraphina Delacroix retweeted Vivienne’s post and added her own: [Scarlet owes Gigi a public apology! Homewreckers don’t belong in this industry—and neither do the people who enable them! We should never support wrongdoing!]

Both women were powerful figures with massive followings. Since Arabella was clearly in the wrong, their tweets ignited a firestorm of attacks against her, Isabella, and GoldenPhoenix Company.

Behind the scenes, business partners quietly agreed to sever ties with Isabella. They would rather pay termination fees than be associated with her scandal.

Just like that, GoldenPhoenix and Isabella were thrust into the eye of the storm, with public opinion turning violently against them.

At the Blackwood Estate, Isabella was on a call.

“You don’t need to help me anymore, Isabella,” Arabella’s weak voice came through, heavy with guilt. “Let me go out and confess. Someone like me deserves to die. I can’t drag you and your company down with me.”

“You’ll drag the company down if you die now! Do you have any idea how much GoldenPhoenix has lost because of you? If you truly want to die, at least pay me back seven billion first,” Isabella shot back.

Arabella was stunned by the harsh words. Seven billion… How could she possibly have that kind of money? Supermodels appeared to live glamorous lives, but the reality was different. They spent fortunes on designer gowns and jewelry for every public appearance. While regular people could wear affordable clothes, a supermodel would be crucified online for it. On top of that, Arabella had made significant charitable donations and had given Harrison a substantial amount of money.

She didn’t have seven billion. If she died now, Isabella would suffer a massive financial loss because of her…

Her pride wouldn’t allow that.

No.2

Noting Arabella’s silence, Isabella continued, “Don’t worry. My people are gathering evidence right now. This will be resolved before the Celestial Gala. If you feel guilty, just focus on staying alive until then.”

Arabella gave a quiet sound of acknowledgment before hanging up, still consumed by misery and depression. Netizens were scrutinizing her, Isabella, and GoldenPhoenix relentlessly. The situation was incredibly complex. Could Isabella really turn things around?

It seemed highly unlikely…

Isabella sat by the garden pond, absently picking up a small stone and tossing it into the water. She wasn’t worried about Arabella anymore; she was more preoccupied with her complicated relationship with Nathaniel.

Should she tell him the whole truth? She still hadn’t told him about the pregnancy all those years ago…

Yet, it might not even matter. Nathaniel was so determined and persistent. Why was he so certain about her after such a short time? Everything was moving too fast. Isabella didn’t feel ready for any of it.

Suddenly, a deep red rose appeared in her line of sight. She turned to find Nathaniel standing beside her, having approached without a sound. He offered her the rose with an elegant, refined gesture. “When you can’t decide, let fate decide for you.”

Let fate decide?

Nathaniel began plucking the petals from the rose one by one, mimicking a scene from a romantic movie. What would be left once all the petals were gone?

Isabella stood up, brushing off her clothes. “I’m not a child. A person should make their own decisions. This is serious. Give me two more months. I’ll give you my answer before our contract ends.”

No.3

Nathaniel frowned. Two months felt like an eternity.

Nevertheless…

“Alright. I’ll wait for your answer.”

Since she would be staying at the Blackwood Estate for the next two months, he had plenty of time to win her over.

At that moment, Isabella remembered Vivienne. “Maybe I should move back to Rosewood Manor for a while?” Her eyes met his. “I’d prefer to keep this private for now.”

“Don’t worry. Today was just a coincidence. I wasn’t prepared. When she comes tomorrow, she’ll want to leave immediately.” A subtle glint shone in Nathaniel’s dark eyes.

Isabella frowned. Did that mean he had a plan for tomorrow? Vivienne was notoriously stubborn. How could she be made to back down so easily?

Isabella was deeply curious. She could hardly wait for the next day to arrive.

The next day came. Isabella was in the computer room from the crack of dawn. She was completely absorbed in her research, headphones on, blocking out the world.

Isabella Montgomery worked intently at her computer station.

No.4

Nathaniel Blackwood sat nearby on the sofa, reviewing company documents.

Their son Oliver quietly did his homework beside Isabella.

Though no words were exchanged, a comfortable silence enveloped them.

Nathaniel had moved his temporary office into the computer room to stay close.

Dominic Sterling entered and announced, "Mr. Blackwood, Ms. Montgomery, Vivienne Delacroix has arrived at the gate."

Isabella immediately turned to Nathaniel. "Handle this quickly."

She knew Vivienne's temper could escalate things to the Blackwood family elders.

Nathaniel remained completely calm. "Everything is under control."

He gave Oliver a subtle signal.

The boy set down his textbook and told Isabella, "Mommy, I'll handle this. You stay with Daddy. Watch me send her away from the monitors!"

No.5

He hurried out with determined steps.

Isabella frowned worriedly at Nathaniel. "You're letting a five-year-old confront her? She's dangerous."

A woman like Vivienne might harm Oliver without hesitation.

Nathaniel activated all the security monitors. "Just watch, Ms. Montgomery."

His confident tone suggested he had planned for every possibility.

Screens displayed every angle of the mansion's entrance hall.

Isabella's concern didn't fade. What had he prepared that made him so certain?

Downstairs in the grand lobby...

Vivienne Delacroix entered with her usual air of superiority.

All staff immediately bowed and greeted, "Ms. Delacroix."

No.6

Oliver came running toward her. "Aunt Vivienne! You came!"

Vivienne eyed him suspiciously. The boy usually ignored her completely.

His sudden enthusiasm seemed out of character.

But Oliver was Nathaniel's greatest weakness.

Winning his affection could secure her position as future Mrs. Blackwood.

She approached him with false sweetness. "You seem cheerful today, sweetheart. Where's your father?"

"Daddy had urgent business at headquarters. He told me to spend time with you. He said you might become my new Mommy."

Oliver delivered the lines with perfect innocence.

Vivienne's eyes lit up with triumph. "He actually said that?"

"Of course! Daddy said it depends on how well we get along. He just wants someone who can be a good mother to me."

No.7

Oliver looked up with wide, hopeful eyes. "Do you really want to be my Mommy, Aunt Vivienne? Will you treat me like your own son? Will you play games with me?"

"Absolutely," Vivienne answered without hesitation.

She reached to pat his head. "I've always loved children. I'll definitely treat you well."

"Then will you play with me? Daddy's always working. I get so lonely."