Chapter 1441
No.1
He offered no explanation as he guided her toward the eleven o'clock direction.
The paparazzi could hardly believe their luck.
This close-range shot with her hand on his arm was headline gold.
These photos could fuel gossip columns for months.
They snapped away furiously, caught up in their excitement.
Nathaniel suddenly stopped directly before the concealed bushes.
His expression turned icy as he stood with Isabella beside him.
"You have one minute to surrender your memory cards," he stated coldly. "Otherwise, I'll take them myself."
His authoritative voice carried undeniable weight.
No.2
The atmosphere grew thick with tension.
The hidden photographers trembled with sudden fear.
Nathaniel Blackwood had discovered them—he knew exactly where they were.
But surrendering their memory cards? After hiding all day for these exclusive shots?
The thought was unbearable.
Nathaniel raised his wrist, checking his watch with clouded, dominant eyes.
He spoke to Dominic who stood behind them. "Clear them out."
"Yes, sir!" Dominic immediately pulled out his phone.
The photographers behind the bushes shook with terror.
No.3
Some actually wet their pants in fear.
'Clear them out'? What did that mean?
Were they going to be fed to sharks? Or perhaps wolves?
They had forgotten who they were dealing with—the king of Westchester.
No media outlet had ever successfully published details about his private life.
Trying to publish these photos was equivalent to declaring war against him.
And everyone knew what happened to those who opposed Nathaniel Blackwood.
Instantly, one photographer scrambled out and handed over his memory card.
“Mr. Blackwood, this was a terrible mistake! I swear it won’t happen again! Everything is on this SD card—take it! Please, just let me go!”
No.4
“Have mercy, Mr. Blackwood! Here’s my memory card—no, take the whole camera! It’s yours!”
“Me too! I didn’t see or capture anything, I promise! I’m leaving right now!”
Trembling, the paparazzi scrambled to pile their SD cards on the ground. Fear of being “taken care of” drove them to abandon their equipment and stumble backward in a panic.
Nathaniel watched their frantic retreat, his voice cold. “Did I say you could leave?”
He wasn’t letting them go.
Terror seized them. Some dropped to their knees, begging desperately.
“Please, Mr. Blackwood, I’ve learned my lesson! I have a family depending on me! Spare me!”
“I swear to heaven, I’ll never take another photo of you. I’ll quit this job today!”
“Me too! Take my eyes, beat me—do whatever you want! Just let me live… I don’t want to die!”
No.5
Each one pleaded for their life.
Isabella was stunned. Nathaniel had only spoken a few words, yet they were all kneeling and begging? What had he done in the past to inspire such fear?
She didn’t even have that kind of power.
Calm and detached, Nathaniel studied the group. “Who sent you?”
The question surprised them.
Was he stopping them just to ask that? Did it mean they might be spared if they talked?
One answered instantly. “It was Harrison Caldwell! Alexander Whitmore’s assistant! Alexander set this up!”
“Yes! He’s engaged to Victoria, yet he’s still trying to interfere with your relationship! He’s despicable!”
“He won’t let his ex move on while he parades his engagement? It’s outrageous! We were fools to help him! Don’t worry, Mr. Blackwood, we’ll never do it again.”
No.6
“You and your wife enjoy your time. We’ll never take another photo! Never!”
Nathaniel’s icy expression softened slightly. The oppressive atmosphere lifted. “Dig up every piece of dirt on Alexander Whitmore,” he commanded. “Keep it in the headlines until his wedding day.”
Shock rippled through the group. It took a moment to process. Was Mr. Blackwood sparing them? Giving them a chance to redeem themselves?
They nodded eagerly. “Yes, sir! We’ll get right on it!”
With that, they scrambled away as if death was seconds behind them.
Isabella couldn’t suppress a smile. Being with Nathaniel had its perks! They could walk anywhere publicly, and no one would dare photograph or even glance their way twice!
The thought filled her with gratitude. She felt even more certain of her choice. Once she dealt with Victoria, she would help him find the woman from his past. He deserved peace.
Lost in thought, she barely noticed they had reached Genevieve’s grave. Isabella placed the flowers and fruit before the headstone. She smiled softly, speaking silently. ‘Don’t worry, Aunt Genevieve. The last five years were hell, but I’ve found happiness now. I’ll destroy the man who ruined me. He and Victoria will get what they deserve. If you can hear me, haunt Sebastian Blackwood for me…’
She quickly reconsidered. “No, forget I said that. Rest peacefully, Aunt Genevieve. You gave your life protecting my childhood. I’ll take care of myself now.”
No.7
Nathaniel watched Isabella pray. His eyes darkened slightly. He sensed not sorrow, but a cold, brutal fury radiating from her.
Isabella Montgomery stood upright after paying her respects at Genevieve Beaumont's grave. Memories of the woman's unwavering kindness and protection during her childhood flooded her mind. Isabella made a silent vow. She would resolve all outstanding issues and build a life with Nathaniel. Genevieve deserved to rest in peace, free from worry.
Nathaniel Blackwood and Christopher placed floral tributes with solemn reverence. Their research indicated Genevieve had shown Isabella exceptional kindness, caring for her for eight years. Tragedy struck when eight-year-old Isabella fell into a raging river. Genevieve saved the child but was tragically pulled under by the strong current and drowned. This incident drastically worsened Isabella's life within the Montgomery household. She was universally blamed for bringing misfortune upon the family.
Nathaniel's gaze remained fixed on the headstone. 'Rest assured. I will protect Isabella.'
Recent renovations to the cemetery grounds meant other visitors were present. A man dressed entirely in black was tending a grave several meters away. Appearing to be in his fifties, he wore a tailored black suit, his hair neatly tied back. His movements were deliberate, almost languid, and he seemed completely at ease, undisturbed by their presence.
Isabella noticed him but dismissed him as irrelevant.
Her phone vibrated. It was Maxwell Carter. "Ms. Montgomery, Victoria orchestrated a fire to rescue Richard. She also arranged for Takashi Yamamoto to train Benjamin in Westhaven. Richard and Eleanor have already transferred their twenty-five percent company shares to her. Theodore Montgomery approved the transaction!"
Isabella's eyes narrowed. Victoria was moving faster than anticipated. Her plan was finally in motion.