Chapter 1919
No.1
"I brought you a new chess strategy book. Look through it when you have a moment." Alistair placed several thick volumes on her desk.
Silas handed her a stack of recent research papers. Reginald unrolled a set of architectural blueprints.
Isabella watched them finally leave and let out a long sigh of relief.
These men had trained her. They had provided her with endless resources over the years. They were the architects of the woman she had become. If only they would stop obsessing over her marital status, everything would be perfect.
The villa fell into a welcome silence after their departure. Isabella sank into the plush sofa and opened her messaging app.
Since the four elders were so insistent, she might as well get this over with. She sent the contact request. Frederick accepted it immediately.
[Isabella, how are you?]
During her time at the research base, everyone had called her by her first name. The habit had stuck.
[I'm fine. I added you because there's something I need to tell you.]
No.2
She wanted to be direct, to state her purpose clearly. But Frederick's next message popped up before she could type it.
[Isabella, could you take a look at this project? We've hit a major snag. The machine just won't function properly. Any idea what could be wrong?]
[I've been troubleshooting for days. I didn't want to bother you, but I'm completely stuck. I have no other choice but to ask for your help.]
His words were polite, infused with a warmth and gentleness that was uniquely his. Even through text, she could feel it.
She had expected a conversation about their supposed relationship. This technical problem was a surprise. Her brow furrowed in concentration.
[There's a problem? Send me the files. Let me see.]
Frederick transferred the documents instantly. Isabella opened them, her focus shifting entirely to the complex data on her screen.
Meanwhile, at the Blackwood Estate…
Oliver tugged relentlessly at Nathaniel's sleeve. "Daddy! Daddy, please take me to Mommy! I want to see Mommy! I want to watch her play the game! Please, take me to her!"
No.3
"No. Let go of my arm," Nathaniel commanded, his voice cool.
It had only been one day. He couldn't just show up at her door and bother her. Furthermore, the situation with Vivienne was still unresolved. It demanded his full attention.
Oliver refused to give up. He shook his father's arm harder, his voice pitching into a whine. "Waaah…! I won't let go…! I want Mommy! I need to see her!"
Watching Isabella utterly dominate Takashi Yamamoto had only increased his awe of her. He craved her presence, yearned to be held in her arms again.
Nathaniel's expression remained an icy mask. His refusal had been clear. Why did the child persist?
Just as he was about to issue a firmer reprimand, Sebastian hurried into the room. "Brother, we have a problem. A big one. Latest intel: My future sister-in-law is being pressured to marry some guy named Frederick Ashford. They're currently chatting on WhatsApp right now!"
"What?" Nathaniel's head snapped up, his frown deepening. Oliver was instantly forgotten.
Oliver immediately stopped his fussing. He stood up straight, his wide eyes fixed on Sebastian.
Sebastian continued, his tone urgent. "You heard me. I have a mutual contact with Frederick. He saw some old men messaging Frederick about Isabella. He also confirmed Frederick is texting her right now. He contacted me immediately."
No.4
A dangerous glint flashed in Nathaniel's dark eyes.
Frederick Ashford? Isabella was texting Frederick Ashford?
She had been gone for a single day. And she was already entertaining another man?
His gaze cut toward Dominic, cold and sharp. "Get the car ready. We're leaving for Rosewood Manor. Now."
“Right away, Sir.” Dominic moved quickly to prepare the vehicle.
Nathaniel held Christopher’s hand firmly as they walked toward the exit. Sebastian followed closely behind, eager not to miss a moment of the unfolding drama.
The matte black luxury sedan pulled away from the Blackwood Estate, heading straight for Rosewood Manor.
Meanwhile, at Rosewood Manor…
Isabella’s phone buzzed repeatedly with notifications. They were all messages from Maxwell and his team.
No.5
[Westchester Defeats Takashi Yamamoto for One Billion!]
[Takashi Yamamoto, Utterly Crushed!]
[Who Is The Real Boss!?]
She ignored every alert, focusing instead on the documents William had sent. She needed to resolve these issues so she could finally cut ties with him.
After last night, Isabella had made her decision. She was choosing Nathaniel. But first, she had to clean up this mess with William to get her uncles off her back.
Just then…
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Instantly alert, Isabella approached the door. She peered through the peephole and saw Alexander standing outside.
What was he doing here again?
No.6
She opened the door and gave him a cold look. “Back for another rejection?”
“Isabella, I’m here on important business. You wanted to find Vincent Moreau, correct? I can take you to him,” Alexander stated bluntly, not wasting any time.
Isabella’s eyes narrowed. Vincent Moreau?
“You know his location?”
“Naturally. I’ve even prepared a gift for you. Follow me,” Alexander said before turning to leave.
Hesitation flickered within her for only a second. The name Vincent Moreau was all the motivation she needed. Isabella followed Alexander. She could always deal with him later. Finding Vincent was her priority.
With his testimony, Victoria would be finished.
Alexander smiled to himself when he heard her footsteps behind him. His plan was working. Since the last incident, his reputation had been in tatters. Whitmore Enterprises’ stock had plummeted, costing him millions daily. His family and shareholders were furious.
Everything depended on this. He needed to win Isabella over. He had to make her fall for him.
No.7
They got into a car that quickly left Westchester, heading for a remote village. Isabella sat in the back, eyes closed, but her senses remained sharp. She periodically checked their route, memorizing road signs and directions.
The drive lasted eight hours. Evening had fallen by the time the car finally stopped at the base of a mountain.
Alexander exited and opened her door like a gentleman. “I’m afraid we have to continue on foot from here. My apologies for the inconvenience.”
Isabella ignored his offered hand. She opened the other door and stepped out gracefully. She stood by the roadside, surveying the area.
A small village nestled at the mountain’s foot came into view. The paths were rough and uneven. Countless huts with tiled roofs dotted the landscape.
The scene was picturesque, almost like a painting. Wisps of dark smoke curled from the chimneys.
Who would have thought Vincent Moreau had been hiding in such a peaceful place for five years?
Alexander closed the car door and walked to her side. “The path is rocky. You should hold my arm for support.”
Victoria had nearly fallen walking here. Surely Isabella would need his help too. A little physical contact was all it would take. She would start developing feelings for him.