Chapter 1684
No.1
Young master?
She called Oliver Blackwood ‘young master’?
Benjamin’s soul nearly left his body. He was Isabella’s brother—the only blood relative she had in this entire building!
And the way she spoke to him… Was she treating Oliver like her own child? Was she truly serious about Nathaniel too?
“Isabella, have you forgotten our conversation the other night?” The words slipped out before Benjamin could stop himself. “You’re being reckless.”
Nathaniel was playing with her! How could she be so naive?
“Don’t you dare speak to my Mommy like that!” Oliver jumped up, positioning himself protectively in front of Isabella. “You’re the reckless one! Your whole family is reckless! You’re completely blind!”
Benjamin was stunned into silence.
It was the first time he had ever been scolded by a child. But this was Nathaniel Blackwood’s son. He couldn’t afford to offend him—especially not with his father around.
Defeated, Benjamin muttered under his breath, “Isabella, I hope you’ll reconsider. Be rational! Victoria is getting married soon. It’s time you started looking for a husband too.”
With that, he turned and stormed out of the room. He marched down the stairs and slumped onto the sofa.
A restless feeling settled in his chest. The thought of Isabella becoming the other woman—Nathaniel’s mistress—made his blood boil.
Five years ago, she had shamelessly chased after Alexander. Now, five years later, after finding someone better, she was repeating the same mistakes?
No.2
Just then, the front door swung open.
Click!
Nathaniel stepped inside. As expected, a man was sitting on the sofa. From this angle, he could only see the back of his head.
Judging by his silhouette… he looked young.
So, Isabella had a thing for younger men?
His expression darkened instantly. “Throw him out.”
Those three words were spoken calmly, yet carried a sharp, venomous edge.
This man—whoever he was—had the audacity to get close to Isabella and ride on the back of her motorcycle!
Damn it!
Dominic immediately signaled two bodyguards. They moved forward to seize Benjamin.
Pulled roughly to his feet, Benjamin stared at them in confusion.
The atmosphere grew thick with tension.
Nathaniel’s eyes narrowed. Benjamin? The man Isabella brought home was her brother, Benjamin?
No.3
Dominic was equally shocked. So the person who returned with Isabella was Benjamin after all?
Mr. Blackwood had almost thrown out his own brother-in-law!
Nathaniel shot him an icy glare. “Get out. One hundred push-ups. Now.”
Dominic felt a pang of injustice. Benjamin had been wearing a helmet earlier, making it impossible to identify him. How was he supposed to know it was Mr. Blackwood’s brother-in-law?
Perfect. He had offended Benjamin and nearly caused his boss to eject his own family.
“I’ll do them right away, sir!” Flustered, he hurried out with the two bodyguards.
Benjamin frowned. What was Nathaniel playing at? One moment he nearly had him thrown out, the next he dismissed his guards?
But Nathaniel was the most powerful man in Westchester. Fearful of crossing him, Benjamin kept his mouth shut.
Nathaniel acted as if nothing had happened. He removed his suit jacket and hung it on the coat stand. Then he walked over and settled into the sofa. “What are you doing here?”
His tone was neutral, devoid of its earlier edge.
“I’m staying with my sister for three days.”
Three days?
Nathaniel’s brow furrowed slightly. The air around him grew heavier. His dark eyes revealed nothing—no emotion, no thought.
No.4
Benjamin felt the pressure intensify. It was as if the oxygen had been sucked out of the room.
Just when he thought Nathaniel was about to kick him out, Nathaniel spoke again. “Do you need anything? Toiletries? Clothes?”
Benjamin was speechless. Was he hearing things? What kind of question was that?
Nathaniel’s gaze remained fixed on Benjamin before he retrieved his phone to call Dominic.
“Prepare a set of daily essentials for Mr. Kensington.”
Dominic, who had been bracing for punishment, accepted the new assignment without hesitation.
“Right away, sir!”
Benjamin snapped out of his daze.
Was Nathaniel Blackwood actually arranging personal supplies for him?
The untouchable head of the Blackwood family was showing him consideration?
Nathaniel rose to his feet.
“No need to be tense. I’m your brother-in-law.”
His voice was low and textured, carrying an air of effortless sophistication.
No.5
Then he turned and headed upstairs.
Benjamin stared after him, completely stunned.
Brother-in-law…?
Did Nathaniel just say that—so openly, so casually?
Upstairs, Isabella was with Oliver in his room, speaking softly.
“Don’t let Benjamin upset you, sweetheart. He’s just stubborn and set in his ways.
How about some exercise? Or we can play with your new toys.”
As long as his immunity strengthened, Oliver’s recovery would accelerate.
Oliver nodded obediently.
“Okay! A big person doesn’t fight with a small one.
I’m a grown-up five-year-old, after all!”
Just then, Nathaniel walked in.
His eyes immediately landed on Maxwell, who stood near Isabella.
No.6
Maxwell had striking silver hair and was dressed in sharp black tactical wear—like a special ops agent.
He looked familiar; Nathaniel was sure he’d seen him at an international security conference before.
What was he doing here, so close to Isabella?
Under Nathaniel’s intense scrutiny, Maxwell nearly flinched.
He’d faced combat zones and high-stakes negotiations, but Nathaniel’s gaze—authoritative and faintly possessive—was unnerving.
“Mission complete, Ms. Montgomery,” Maxwell said quickly.
“I’ll take my leave.”
He exited the manor almost at a sprint.
Isabella didn’t stop him.
She turned warily to Nathaniel.
“Weren’t you at the corporate gala? Why are you back so early?”
“It was tedious,” Nathaniel replied dismissively.
Noticing the safety harness Isabella had ready, he added,
No.7
“You two carry on. I’ll handle lunch.”
“Alright.”
Lately, Nathaniel had taken over most meal preparations.
They were premium pre-made dishes, designed to be heated precisely—each labeled with exact microwave timings by world-class chefs.
The results were consistently flawless.
Isabella helped Oliver with his rock wall and pull-up bar exercises.
Downstairs, Benjamin remained frozen on the sofa, struggling to process the situation.
Then he watched Nathaniel enter the kitchen and tie on a black apron.