Chapter 193
No.1
Were they going to be fed to sharks? Or perhaps wolves?
They had forgotten who they were dealing with—the king of Westchester.
No media outlet had ever successfully published details about his private life.
Trying to publish these photos was equivalent to declaring war against him.
And everyone knew what happened to those who opposed Nathaniel Blackwood.
Instantly, one photographer scrambled out and handed over his memory card.
“Mr. Blackwood, this was a terrible mistake! I swear it won’t happen again! Everything is on this SD card—take it! Please, just let me go!”
“Have mercy, Mr. Blackwood! Here’s my memory card—no, take the whole camera! It’s yours!”
“Me too! I didn’t see or capture anything, I promise! I’m leaving right now!”
No.2
Trembling, the paparazzi scrambled to pile their SD cards on the ground. Fear of being “taken care of” drove them to abandon their equipment and stumble backward in a panic.
Nathaniel watched their frantic retreat, his voice cold. “Did I say you could leave?”
He wasn’t letting them go.
Terror seized them. Some dropped to their knees, begging desperately.
“Please, Mr. Blackwood, I’ve learned my lesson! I have a family depending on me! Spare me!”
“I swear to heaven, I’ll never take another photo of you. I’ll quit this job today!”
“Me too! Take my eyes, beat me—do whatever you want! Just let me live… I don’t want to die!”
Each one pleaded for their life.
Isabella was stunned. Nathaniel had only spoken a few words, yet they were all kneeling and begging? What had he done in the past to inspire such fear?
No.3
She didn’t even have that kind of power.
Calm and detached, Nathaniel studied the group. “Who sent you?”
The question surprised them.
Was he stopping them just to ask that? Did it mean they might be spared if they talked?
One answered instantly. “It was Harrison Caldwell! Alexander Whitmore’s assistant! Alexander set this up!”
“Yes! He’s engaged to Victoria, yet he’s still trying to interfere with your relationship! He’s despicable!”
“He won’t let his ex move on while he parades his engagement? It’s outrageous! We were fools to help him! Don’t worry, Mr. Blackwood, we’ll never do it again.”
“You and your wife enjoy your time. We’ll never take another photo! Never!”
Nathaniel’s icy expression softened slightly. The oppressive atmosphere lifted. “Dig up every piece of dirt on Alexander Whitmore,” he commanded. “Keep it in the headlines until his wedding day.”
No.4
Shock rippled through the group. It took a moment to process. Was Mr. Blackwood sparing them? Giving them a chance to redeem themselves?
They nodded eagerly. “Yes, sir! We’ll get right on it!”
With that, they scrambled away as if death was seconds behind them.
Isabella couldn’t suppress a smile. Being with Nathaniel had its perks! They could walk anywhere publicly, and no one would dare photograph or even glance their way twice!
The thought filled her with gratitude. She felt even more certain of her choice. Once she dealt with Victoria, she would help him find the woman from his past. He deserved peace.
Lost in thought, she barely noticed they had reached Genevieve’s grave. Isabella placed the flowers and fruit before the headstone. She smiled softly, speaking silently. ‘Don’t worry, Aunt Genevieve. The last five years were hell, but I’ve found happiness now. I’ll destroy the man who ruined me. He and Victoria will get what they deserve. If you can hear me, haunt Sebastian Blackwood for me…’
She quickly reconsidered. “No, forget I said that. Rest peacefully, Aunt Genevieve. You gave your life protecting my childhood. I’ll take care of myself now.”
Nathaniel watched Isabella pray. His eyes darkened slightly. He sensed not sorrow, but a cold, brutal fury radiating from her.
Isabella Montgomery stood upright after paying her respects at Genevieve Beaumont's grave. Memories of the woman's unwavering kindness and protection during her childhood flooded her mind. Isabella made a silent vow. She would resolve all outstanding issues and build a life with Nathaniel. Genevieve deserved to rest in peace, free from worry.
No.5
Nathaniel Blackwood and Christopher placed floral tributes with solemn reverence. Their research indicated Genevieve had shown Isabella exceptional kindness, caring for her for eight years. Tragedy struck when eight-year-old Isabella fell into a raging river. Genevieve saved the child but was tragically pulled under by the strong current and drowned. This incident drastically worsened Isabella's life within the Montgomery household. She was universally blamed for bringing misfortune upon the family.
Nathaniel's gaze remained fixed on the headstone. 'Rest assured. I will protect Isabella.'
Recent renovations to the cemetery grounds meant other visitors were present. A man dressed entirely in black was tending a grave several meters away. Appearing to be in his fifties, he wore a tailored black suit, his hair neatly tied back. His movements were deliberate, almost languid, and he seemed completely at ease, undisturbed by their presence.
Isabella noticed him but dismissed him as irrelevant.
Her phone vibrated. It was Maxwell Carter. "Ms. Montgomery, Victoria orchestrated a fire to rescue Richard. She also arranged for Takashi Yamamoto to train Benjamin in Westhaven. Richard and Eleanor have already transferred their twenty-five percent company shares to her. Theodore Montgomery approved the transaction!"
Isabella's eyes narrowed. Victoria was moving faster than anticipated. Her plan was finally in motion.
This development meant Victoria now held thirty percent of the Montgomery shares, having acquired twenty-five from Richard and Eleanor. Isabella personally held twenty-five percent. Theodore also retained thirty percent. This placed Victoria on equal footing with Theodore, granting her matching authority within the company!
If anything were to happen to Theodore, Victoria would effectively gain control of the entire corporation…
A dark shadow crossed Isabella's features.
No.6
Standing beside her, Christopher tilted his head. "Mommy, that bad woman isn't even a real Montgomery. Why can't you just make her leave? Those shares should be yours!"
His words pulled Isabella from her dark thoughts. She knelt to his eye level. "You're still young, my love. Some matters are complex. Reclaiming shares is straightforward. Winning back loyalty and affection is the true challenge. Victoria lived as a Montgomery for twenty-three years. Even knowing she isn't their blood, their hearts may not readily accept me. These things require patience. But it will conclude soon. She has made her opening move. I hope she is prepared for the consequences!"
A cold, determined glint hardened Isabella's eyes.
The middle-aged man, still within earshot, overheard the exchange. His expression darkened slightly. Her words echoed in his mind: 'Victoria lived as a Montgomery for twenty-three years. Even knowing she isn't their blood…!'
She was not the actual daughter…
Not the actual daughter…
Isabella departed with Nathaniel and Christopher. The man remained, deeply contemplative. He watched their retreating figures with a grave and intense focus.
A bodyguard approached him cautiously. "Sir, shall we proceed with the investigation? If their claims are verified, should we arrange for Madam's immediate return?"
"Patience. If it is indeed her… a marriage is impending. We must gather more intelligence before we act," the middle-aged man instructed, his voice low and measured.
No.7
"Understood, Sir." The bodyguard withdrew.
After finalizing the necessary cemetery paperwork, Isabella, Nathaniel, and Christopher prepared to leave. Given the likely schemes of Alexander Whitmore and Vivienne Delacroix, returning to the safety of the estate was paramount.
Nathaniel's phone rang as they settled into the car. A panicked shareholder's voice came through the speaker. "Mr. Blackwood, urgent situation! Critical issues have emerged with the outreach initiative. Immediate intervention is required!"
Nathaniel's composed demeanor shifted, a storm of emotions brewing beneath the surface. This project had run smoothly for three years. Why would catastrophic problems arise so abruptly?
"Convene a meeting in thirty minutes." He ended the call and turned to Isabella. "Please take Oliver home directly. I must go to the corporate office immediately."
"Alright."
Nathaniel needed to go to the office.
He had spent over two weeks at Rosewood Manor with Isabella, only handling meetings remotely.
Dominic drove Isabella and Oliver back to the manor first.