Chapter 1393
No.1
The situation descended into utter chaos.
Isabella slipped off her heels as she stepped into the Blackwood Estate.
Nathaniel’s gaze shifted toward her. “If you need anything, just say the word,” he murmured, his voice low and compelling.
His tone was tender, layered with unmistakable concern. Before Isabella could respond, her phone buzzed.
Gregory Whitmore, the screen read.
She answered. “Vice President Montgomery,” Gregory’s voice came through, “given the mounting backlash, we’ll need to disclose your identity publicly. Are you in agreement?”
Isabella gave a faint smile. “Do I have a choice?”
“I’ll proceed then, Vice President Montgomery. I’ll handle the announcement immediately.” Gregory ended the call.
Nathaniel’s eyes narrowed. Vice President Montgomery? So she was the vice president of Vertex Communications? He had suspected her connection to the company, but never imagined she held such a high position.
What other secrets was this woman keeping?
Noticing the curious looks from Nathaniel and Oliver, Isabella explained casually, “Before Eleanor Kensington retired, Vertex was searching for her successor. I happened to assist them in securing the patent for fifth-gen wireless tech. That allowed Vertex to launch the industry’s first cellular tech package ahead of everyone else.”
She spoke with detached indifference, as though it were a trivial matter.
Oliver’s eyes sparkled as he gazed at her with admiration. “Mommy is amazing! Just as amazing as Daddy! Last year, Daddy’s R&D team created the first fully integrated fifth-gen wireless smart home system!”
“Quantum Systems?” Isabella asked.
No.2
Oliver nodded eagerly. “Yes! How did you know? It’s incredible! The system can detect incoming storms and close windows automatically! It prepares breakfast, adjusts curtains, and even cleans dust! Most importantly, it can put out fires on its own!” He beamed with pride.
Isabella glanced at Nathaniel. It was the first time she had learned about his work since moving in, and it intrigued her—smart home tech was something she had a genuine interest in.
“I’ve tried similar systems before,” Isabella began, “but many functions still required manual control via phone, which I found inconvenient. Once, I was watching TV and couldn’t find the remote or the power button. I had to use the app, but my phone was missing. It was frustrating. Another major flaw is network vulnerability. If hackers breach the system, they could unlock doors and windows. Has Quantum resolved these issues?”
“What do you think, Ms. Montgomery?” Nathaniel’s tone carried a hint of mature confidence.
Isabella frowned. That tone… Had he already solved these problems? Was domestic smart home technology this advanced?
Seeing they finally had common ground, Oliver grinned and quietly slipped out of the room.
Nathaniel moved to the sofa and poured Isabella a glass of water, gesturing for her to sit. Once she was settled, he continued, “Quantum already addressed those concerns. Last year, we upgraded to a sixth-gen AI system. It no longer relies on remotes or phone apps.”
“It operates through built-in artificial intelligence, automating lights and appliances. It also responds to voice commands in nearly a thousand languages, including various dialects. As for security…” He paused. “Even if Quantum is compromised, no other system in the world would remain intact.”
Nathaniel’s voice was sharp and deliberate.
He spoke with a relaxed, commanding presence.
Only a man of his stature could carry such confidence.
Isabella studied him, a flicker of admiration stirring within her.
Over the years, she had conquered countless fields.
No one had ever truly impressed her.
No.3
But this man…
Her eyes swept the room.
“If it’s as impressive as you say,” she began, “why isn’t it installed here?”
Nathaniel’s expression tightened almost imperceptibly.
He seemed to be guarding a secret.
After a brief pause, he lifted his glass and signaled the butler.
The butler approached with a matte black device.
He set it gently on the coffee table.
“Hello, Kitty,” the butler said.
The machine responded instantly.
“How can I assist you, Uncle?”
Its voice was soft and charming, almost childlike.
The butler turned to Isabella.
“Ms. Montgomery, would you like to try?”
No.4
Isabella’s gaze fell upon the machine.
“Hello, Kitty.”
The device replied without hesitation.
“What can I do for you, Mommy?”
Isabella’s brow furrowed as understanding washed over her.
Nathaniel gave a slight nod.
The butler promptly removed Kitty from the room.
They were alone again.
Nathaniel turned to her.
“Quantum’s Smart Home System is named Kitty. It’s designed to feel like a family pet. To make the experience more personal, it recognizes voices. It calls the eldest male ‘Grandpa,’ the female head ‘Mommy,’ and so on.”
He paused, his voice growing heavier.
“Last year, I took Oliver to the demo house. He saw other children with their parents. Their systems called out ‘Mommy.’ His never did. He had a seizure that night. We never used it again.”
Isabella’s heart clenched painfully.
She could picture it clearly—a room full of happy families, and a little boy standing alone.
No.5
His device silent where others spoke.
The ache must have been unbearable.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
“Why not contact the surrogate? She gave birth to him. The Blackwoods have resources. She might have returned for him.”
Besides, his real mother would understand him better.
Nathaniel’s gaze darkened.
If only it were that simple.
He thought of that night five years ago.
Would Isabella still look at him if she knew?
She despised men who took advantage.
After a tense silence, he replied, “It was handled discreetly. No records exist. And the Blackwoods would never accept a surrogate. You know how my father is.”
Isabella pressed her lips together.
He was right.
Senior Blackwood was ruthless.
No.6
He would never allow a woman of “lower status” near his grandson.
It would destroy Oliver to lose a mother twice.
But something felt off.
Nathaniel always grew tense when this subject arose.
Suddenly, Dominic burst into the room.
His face was pale.
“Boss,” he gasped. “The Blackthorn Syndicate—they’ve escaped.”
Escaped?
Nathaniel’s face turned to ice.
His elite team never failed.
How could anyone outsmart them?
Isabella’s brows drew together as she studied Nathaniel with a skeptical look. “You went after the Blackthorn Syndicate?”
Nathaniel gave a firm nod. “I couldn’t stand by while you were dealing with this.”
All she wanted was to uncover the man’s identity, and Nathaniel decided to dismantle the entire syndicate?
No.7
Even worse, the Blackthorn Syndicate had managed to evade his team.
“We spent days preparing,” Dominic explained, “but somehow, they got wind of it. By the time we reached their headquarters, they were gone. They cleared out every piece of evidence and document.”
Isabella’s frown deepened. So the syndicate had discovered their plan?
On second thought, the Blackwoods were high-profile, and Nathaniel had publicly defended her. Whether it was Vivienne, Alexander, or even Victoria, any of them could have uncovered their connection. With the syndicate’s escape, the situation had grown far more complicated.
“Don’t worry,” Nathaniel assured her, his voice steady. “I’ll handle this for you.”
He turned to Dominic, his tone commanding. “I don’t care what it takes. Track down every last one of them.”
“Understood, Sir.” Dominic moved to leave.
“Wait!” Isabella called out quickly. “Keep it quiet this time. Operate in the shadows. Just find Vincent Moreau.”
“Yes, Madam.” With a nod, Dominic exited.
Nathaniel’s expression darkened at the name. Vincent Moreau? Was that the man who had hurt Isabella?
A fresh wave of anger tightened his features.
That same day, Blackwood Corporation issued a stark warning to all partners and suppliers: anyone connected to Vincent Moreau would be terminated immediately and face triple penalties.