Chapter 1835
No.1
He fought them all, defiant. He kept Oliver by his side. This was the reason he now avoided the family estate entirely.
Isabella’s question left him speechless. Should he confess that Oliver was his biological son? Should he reveal the truth about that night and the other woman?
Would she be able to accept his past? The fear that the truth would make her despise him was paralyzing.
“It’s nothing serious,” he finally said, his voice tight. He took a slow sip of coffee. “They are just traditional. They disapprove of the concept of IVF. Oliver has had seizures since infancy. They see it as a bad omen.”
‘Is that all?’ Isabella frowned, unconvinced. “Mr. Blackwood, you must resolve this. It’s difficult enough for a child to grow up without a mother. Having his own family reject him is too heavy a burden for a young heart. A child needs a real family, not just a father.”
Nathaniel nodded slowly. “You’re right, Ms. Montgomery. I will speak with them. I will try to change their minds.”
Isabella trusted he would keep his word. Satisfied, she left to prepare a fruit platter for Oliver.
The moment the door closed, Nathaniel’s composure broke.
A wave of anxiety crashed over him.
No.2
‘What if Isabella discovers my past? Will she still look at me the same way?’
‘What if she finds out about that girl? What will I do?’
Tormented by doubt, he picked up his phone. His fingers moved quickly, sending a message on WhatsApp.
Nathaniel's message flashed on Dominic's screen. (Locate that girl. Immediately.)
He needed to identify her. Compensation had to be arranged. A guarantee she would vanish from his world forever.
His, and Isabella’s.
That woman might try to win his family over. She could charm them into accepting Oliver quickly. Earn their affection and trust.
He refused to entertain the thought. Nathaniel opened his social media and uploaded several photos of Christopher.
“Whoa! What’s this, Bro? Your feed’s been dead for years. Now this?” Sebastian’s surprised text popped up.
No.3
Notifications flooded in instantly.
(Oliver is so big now! Adorable!) Aunt Beatrice commented.
(He’s Nathaniel’s miniature copy. Sigh. If only his mother was Vivienne.) Mrs. Blackwood wrote.
[Stop shaming the family with these photos!] Mr. Blackwood’s comment was sharp.
Nathaniel muted the alerts. He returned to his work.
Morning arrived swiftly.
Isabella rose from bed. Christopher still slept soundly.
Today’s bridal shoot was at Greenwish Park. After that, she planned to visit The Ritz-Carlton. The investigation into that night five years ago awaited.
She kissed Oliver’s soft cheek. Slipped out quietly. Nathaniel followed her.
No.4
“Look after Momo. Tell him I’ll be back tomorrow afternoon,” Isabella said.
“I’ll have Dominic drive you.” Nathaniel reached for his phone.
“It’s fine. Just a short shoot. I’ll take my Kawasaki.” She moved toward the door.
He walked her to the garage. “Drive safely,” he advised before she left.
“Don’t worry. I handle roads well. Take good care of Momo.” She secured her helmet. Pulled away from the estate.
She glanced in her rearview mirror. A small smile touched her lips.
Having someone see her off felt strangely nice.
“Assign covert protection for her. I’ll handle The Grand Monarch investigation alone today,” Nathaniel instructed Dominic after she disappeared from view.
“Understood, Sir.”
No.5
Greenwish Park sat isolated. Prehistoric-themed. Decorated with pavilions and bridges over a serene river. Normally, entry required a fee. Today, Amor Group booked the entire park for the shoot.
The company also reserved a suite at The Ritz-Carlton for Isabella’s team.
She paused in the hotel’s grand lobby. Her mind drifted back five years.
Those memories were a nightmare. This was the place. Where she lost her innocence. That night forced a complete transformation. A shy girl forced out of her shell.
She was no hypocrite. But society held no tolerance for such things.
Suddenly…
“You’re here, Isabella.” A gentle voice broke her reverie.
Isabella Montgomery turned her head and saw Seraphina Delacroix, the founder and lead designer of Amor Group.
At twenty-five, Seraphina Delacroix came from one of Shelburne's most influential families. She had launched her bridal empire at just sixteen. In only nine years, she built Amor Group into the premier bridal brand worldwide.
No.6
Yet, she was not the star of the Delacroix family. That title belonged to the eldest daughter, Vivienne.
Vivienne was fluent in multiple languages, skilled in arts, finance, investment, and even crafts like stitching and pottery. She was the golden child, the prodigy.
Rumors also claimed Vivienne was the Blackwood family's chosen daughter-in-law, a perfect match for Nathaniel.
Isabella felt a sharp pang of envy at the thought.
"The makeup artist is waiting for you in the dressing room," said Seraphina, her tone both humble and aristocratic.
"Alright." Isabella followed the assistant to a room on the first floor.
The vanity was lined with an array of luxury cosmetics. The wardrobe overflowed with exquisite bridal gowns.
This room felt different from the one five years ago. That difference might hold the key to uncovering the truth.
"Could you tell me the theme for today's shoot?" Isabella asked.
No.7
"Today is mainly for fitting and styling," the assistant explained. "We're doing a relaxed, sunset-themed session. Tomorrow, we'll capture the sunrise shots. Then we're done."
"Understood," Isabella replied as the team began preparing her.
"Immerse yourself in Ms. Montgomery's unique aura. Enhance her natural charisma. She will embody our designs perfectly," Seraphina instructed the stylist.
She turned back to Isabella. "Today's concept is a departure from Guci's usual bold style. We're focusing on elegance and refinement. Please be prepared so we don't waste anyone's time."
Seraphina's words were polite but carried a condescending edge. Privately, she disliked Isabella. She viewed her as arrogant and ill-suited for the gown's delicate theme.
However, Isabella was the hottest celebrity right now. Her involvement would generate massive buzz. Seraphina had to concede.
"Don't worry. I only accept projects I know I can master. I'm more concerned this collaboration might tarnish my reputation," Isabella retorted coolly.
Seraphina's expression tightened. She couldn't fathom how someone so insolent could portray elegance.