Chapter 1685

No.1

Benjamin frowned. What was happening?

Nathaniel unwrapped the gourmet packages, placed them in the microwave, and set the timer.

He retrieved plates from the sterilizing cabinet—first three, then, noticing Benjamin in the living room, a fourth.

Benjamin stared, disbelieving.

Was he hallucinating?

Nathaniel Blackwood—ruthless, formidable, a titan of industry—was in the kitchen preparing a meal?

He lived with Isabella… Wasn’t she supposed to be the subordinate? The dependent?

Why was he the one cooking?

With innate elegance, Nathaniel set the table with plates and cutlery, then arranged the dishes.

Every movement was fluid and precise, like a scene from a classic romance film.

Thirty minutes later, four exquisite dishes graced the table.

No.2

Nathaniel removed his apron and looked toward Benjamin.

“Go inform your sister and your nephew it’s time to eat.”

Benjamin stiffened.

Nephew…

The young master of Westchester—his nephew?

And he was really about to share a meal with Nathaniel Blackwood?

The idea made Benjamin's blood run cold. But Nathaniel had already given the order. Benjamin had no choice but to call them down.

Isabella was training on the pull-up bar with Oliver. Their movements looked professional and impressive—an adult and child effortlessly performing chin-ups.

The scene felt warm and domestic, like a real family enjoying time together.

Benjamin shook off the thought and called out flatly, "Lunch is ready."

Isabella landed gracefully before lifting Oliver down from the bar. "Remember to stretch after exercising," she instructed. "Just like Mommy is doing."

No.3

She clasped her hands above her head and bent side to side, stretching her arm muscles. Oliver mimicked her movements, his small limbs making him look utterly adorable. After finishing their leg stretches, Isabella took Oliver's hand and they walked downstairs together.

Four different dishes sat in the center of the table, with empty plates set before each seat.

Nathaniel sat at the head of the table, placing his napkin on his lap with his usual elegance. Benjamin observed everything as he descended the stairs. It suddenly struck him why Isabella would agree to be Nathaniel's secret lover. The man was perfection personified, and every movement captivated those around him.

The rectangular dining table perfectly accommodated four people. Benjamin lacked the courage to sit beside Nathaniel, quickly taking the seat farthest from him.

Oliver immediately protested. "That's my spot! I want to sit next to Mommy!"

"Christopher, he's your uncle. Show some respect. Come here," Nathaniel warned sternly.

Oliver pouted as he trudged to Nathaniel's side, his little face clouded with displeasure.

Isabella smiled helplessly and took the seat opposite Nathaniel. She gave Oliver a chicken wing. "Be good, sweetheart. You can still see your beautiful Mommy right across from you."

"Oh yeah! I can't let anyone else have the best view! Hmph!" Oliver pouted and glared at Benjamin, his expression both arrogant and adorably childish.

Benjamin felt utterly speechless.

The young master clearly viewed him with hostility, though he'd done nothing wrong. He lowered his head and began eating quietly.

No.4

Nathaniel placed a slice of fish on Isabella's plate. "You're too thin. Eat more."

"Okay." Isabella accepted without hesitation.

This surprised Benjamin. A serving spoon lay on the table, yet Nathaniel used his own fork to serve Isabella.

Moreover, Isabella didn't seem to mind at all!

Benjamin remained the only one using the serving spoon. He knew how much the upper class valued table etiquette. Even when dining with the Montgomery family, they always used serving utensils.

What more the Blackwoods?

When had these two become so intimate?

Just then, knocks sounded at the door.

Isabella frowned. Who would visit at this hour? She rose to answer it, finding Dominic standing outside with several other men. Each held boxes filled with various items.

"These are the daily necessities prepared for Mr. Kensington," stated Dominic. "Please inform us if anything is missing."

Benjamin stared at the boxes containing everything from toiletries to clothing. There was even a brand new four-piece suit and a large-screen computer.

No.5

He was only staying with Isabella for three days, yet Nathaniel had them prepare all this?

Even Isabella looked shocked as she turned to Nathaniel. "Benjamin is only staying three days! This seems wasteful."

"It's fine. He's your brother."

Nathaniel's voice was impossibly soft. His eyes held a gentle glow, filled with undeniable affection.

Benjamin frowned deeply. Was Nathaniel being kind only because he was Isabella's brother?

Was Isabella really just his secret lover? Something felt off. Very off.

Warmth spread through Isabella's chest at his words. Right then, she made a firm decision.

In two days, once she had a moment, she would help Nathaniel investigate the incident from five years ago.

She needed to find out who he had slept with that night.

Meanwhile…

The Montgomerys and the Whitmores finalized the wedding plans. Time was tight. Most luxury venues were fully booked.

No.6

They eventually settled on The Ritz-Carlton.

It was the same hotel where Alexander and Isabella had held their engagement party. A five-star establishment, but not the absolute pinnacle of luxury.

When the families announced the news online, it exploded across social media.

A former top supermodel. The so-called 'National Husband'. Their scandal was still fresh in everyone's minds.

#Victoria-marrying-Alexander instantly trended at number one.

(Is Victoria actually marrying Alexander?!)

(Didn't he just propose to Isabella at the Night of Glory gala?)

(Her nudes leaked, then she slept with him at his wedding to Isabella, and now this? Marriage?)

(That's all history! They're perfect for each other! They have a five-year history!)

(He proposed to Isabella and failed. Now he's marrying Victoria? Who does he actually love? Both?)

(Isabella hasn't taken any modeling jobs since the wedding. She's stepped back from the spotlight. Probably heartbroken.)

No.7

(It must destroy her, watching her ex marry her sister…)

(Sending love to Isabella.)

(Sending love to Isabella +10086)

Despite being the bride, Victoria's name was overshadowed. Isabella's name was searched more frequently.

Netizens dredged up everything: the leaked photos, the plots against other models, the betrayal with her almost brother-in-law.

The comment section was a warzone.

Victoria had just returned home. She was in her room, reviewing her schedule, when she saw the comments.

Her fists clenched until her knuckles turned white.