Chapter 1925
No.1
He nodded. “The most dangerous place is often the safest. I’m sure Ms. Montgomery understands that principle.”
It suddenly made sense to Isabella. Nathaniel had searched all over Westchester for her, but no one expected him to come to Rosewood Manor. She didn’t know how he managed it, but no one discovered his return. Not even her own people knew!
With Vivienne’s limited abilities, she would never guess Nathaniel planned to stay here with her.
“That’s a good plan,” Isabella agreed. “Let’s do it!”
Vivienne would undoubtedly hunt for them in the coming days, but Isabella would ensure she never succeeded. She would use every resource to make it happen.
Once the birthday celebration was over, Reginald Blackwood would stop pressuring Nathaniel to marry Vivienne.
Still, staying inside the manor for several days seemed challenging.
As if reading her thoughts, Nathaniel assured her, “Everything is arranged. We brought all the necessary supplies. Staying here for a month won’t be a problem.” Isabella glanced around and noticed men’s and children’s items scattered about.
Had Nathaniel planned to live with her for a while?
But looking at the snacks and food on her table, she decided to accept the situation.
She picked up a fork and ate the cake, sipping the milk he had prepared. Her movements were efficient and straightforward.
No.2
Nathaniel sat beside her, watching with gentle eyes.
After a few bites, Isabella remembered something important. Her four uncles mentioned someone had plotted against Nathaniel, that he was set up to sleep with a woman five years ago. They said Nathaniel had no leads on what happened or who was behind it.
She considered asking him for details to help, but hesitated, worried it might hurt his pride. He had kept it hidden from her, just as she kept things from him.
She understood how he felt. Besides, he was a man who had been violated…
She decided not to ask.
She finished her meal around two in the morning. “There are plenty of rooms here,” she said. “All brand new. Take your pick.”
Take his pick?
“Alright.”
Nathaniel carried Oliver in his arms and walked straight into Isabella’s bedroom.
She frowned and stepped forward to stop him. “This is my room. You can sleep in the one next door.”
Even though she had decided to accept him, many issues remained unresolved. They couldn’t sleep together all the time!
No.3
Besides, they only shared a bed to help Oliver’s condition, and the boy had improved significantly.
“Oliver cried a lot today,” Nathaniel reasoned. “He might have seizures tonight.”
That meant they had to share a bed again!
With that, he carried Oliver to her bed and laid him down.
Isabella was stunned by Nathaniel’s words.
That man always had an endless supply of excuses, and Christopher was constantly at the center of them!
Fine. Since it was for Oliver, she decided to let it go.
She moved to one side of the bed, making space for Oliver to sleep between them. Thankfully, Oliver was still sound asleep, completely unaware.
Nathaniel didn’t argue. He settled on the other side, next to Oliver. He switched off the lamp.
Moonlight streamed through the window, casting a soft glow. The room felt warm and peaceful.
Meanwhile, Alexander was furious.
No.4
He had even arranged for bats, hoping to play the hero and protect Isabella. Damn it, his plan had backfired completely!
To make matters worse, Vincent had been exposed. Isabella would definitely take action now.
Victoria rushed into the cave and grabbed Alexander’s hands. “Alexander, what do we do now?” she fretted. “I even gave up Vincent Moreau! I really wanted you two to be together. I can’t believe she’s so cold-hearted. She’s out there right now! What if she reports Vincent and then comes after me? I could end up in prison…”
“Then why did you do what you did five years ago if you were going to be this scared now?” Alexander snapped at her.
Five years ago, he had asked Isabella to meet him at The Grand Monarch, all so he could pressure her into asking Senior Theodore for the 15 percent family shares. Everything that happened afterward wasn’t part of his original plan, but he had to adapt.
Because of that mess, Isabella had hated him all these years!
Alexander had never yelled at Victoria before, but he had changed since Isabella returned to Westchester. He was different now…
Even though she was seething, Victoria lowered her head and pleaded for sympathy. “I’m sorry, Alexander. This is all my fault, it really is… Why don’t you just hand me and Vincent over? Send us to jail—maybe then she’ll forgive you…”
“I would have done that a long time ago if I could! Go home and rest. Lay low for the next few days. Don’t contact me.” Alexander took the umbrella from her and walked out into the rain.
Victoria watched him leave, her fists clenched tightly.
Did Alexander just tell her not to contact him? He was already pulling away!
No.5
Everyone in the Montgomery family had been giving her the cold shoulder since the failed wedding ceremony between Alexander and Isabella. Now Alexander was joining them!
Hah! What a family! What a bunch of hypocrites! Victoria had become a mere pawn, something everyone could discard!
It was ironic, considering how much they had once adored her.
This couldn’t go on. She had to regain her footing. Isabella would not bully her like this!
Victoria’s hand drifted to her stomach as a plan formed in her mind.
Soon… everything would unfold.
Her plan would work!
Vincent, who stood beside her, felt the cold aura she emitted and shuddered.
Only then did Victoria realize someone was next to her. She quickly masked her expression. “Any updates on what I asked you to check?” she asked.
Since Isadora had been imprisoned, Vincent was the only person she could trust.
Vincent replied, “I looked into Madam Whitmore. Her favorite thing is a skincare brand called Jules. Their products aren’t available to the public. Only the elite can get them. Wealthy socialites love this brand, but the producer only makes a hundred bottles per year. They go on sale on eBay at random times and sell out instantly. Madam Whitmore missed out this year. She’s very upset about it.”
No.6
Victoria frowned. She had heard of this brand; it launched three years ago. Rumor had it a genius developed the formulas in a lab. Coincidentally, Eleanor also adored this skincare line.
Victoria had tried to bid on a bottle for Eleanor to win her favor. She even attempted to buy the entire brand for her. But the seller only appeared on eBay. They never revealed their identity or responded to any messages.
Who would have guessed that Margaret Whitmore was also a devoted fan of the Jules skincare line?
Victoria Kensington’s eyes narrowed sharply.
“One more task,” she said coldly. “Get me the formulas for Jules. I don’t care what it takes.”
If customers were buying the products, all Victoria needed was one authentic Jules item.
She could have it analyzed in a lab, reverse-engineered, and reproduced.
Rex gave a firm nod. “Understood, Madam.”
After leaving the village, Alexander Whitmore summoned his assistant.
“From today onward, send fresh flowers and breakfast to Isabella Montgomery every morning.
And you are no longer authorized to manage my social media accounts.”
No.7
It had been Oliver sending those messages to Isabella all along.
No wonder she thought his efforts were hollow.
Isabella wasn’t the same woman she was five years ago.
She couldn’t be easily deceived anymore.
Alexander knew he had to step up his game.
Somehow, he found himself caring more about winning her back.
His mind was set on a single objective: he must reclaim her heart.