Chapter 1944
No.1
The sweltering heat became irrelevant in their excitement.
Isabella walked beside Nathaniel toward the cemetery entrance.
Oliver trailed slightly behind them on his short legs.
His large, observant eyes scanned their surroundings carefully.
After a moment, he spoke softly. "Daddy, eleven o'clock. Nine paparazzi behind the bushes. That's most of them."
Nathaniel showed no reaction to this information.
Instead, he took Isabella's hand and placed it firmly on his arm.
She lowered her voice. "Nathaniel, what are you doing?"
This posture clearly signaled their relationship status.
No.2
He offered no explanation as he guided her toward the eleven o'clock direction.
The paparazzi could hardly believe their luck.
This close-range shot with her hand on his arm was headline gold.
These photos could fuel gossip columns for months.
They snapped away furiously, caught up in their excitement.
Nathaniel suddenly stopped directly before the concealed bushes.
His expression turned icy as he stood with Isabella beside him.
"You have one minute to surrender your memory cards," he stated coldly. "Otherwise, I'll take them myself."
His authoritative voice carried undeniable weight.
No.3
The atmosphere grew thick with tension.
The hidden photographers trembled with sudden fear.
Nathaniel Blackwood had discovered them—he knew exactly where they were.
But surrendering their memory cards? After hiding all day for these exclusive shots?
The thought was unbearable.
Nathaniel raised his wrist, checking his watch with clouded, dominant eyes.
He spoke to Dominic who stood behind them. "Clear them out."
"Yes, sir!" Dominic immediately pulled out his phone.
The photographers behind the bushes shook with terror.
No.4
Some actually wet their pants in fear.
'Clear them out'? What did that mean?
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!”
No.5
“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!”
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!”
No.6
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?
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.”
No.7
“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.”
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…’