Chapter 290

No.1

Nearby, Sebastian watched, impressed. Their plan actually worked. They’d tricked her into agreeing!

His brother did know how to charm a woman. After 28 years, he was finally unleashing his skills on someone like Isabella.

Sebastian quickly slid back into the driver’s seat, playing his part. Nathaniel opened the car door like a true gentleman. “After you, Ms. Montgomery.”

Isabella carried Oliver inside and settled in the back. She almost told Nathaniel to sit up front, but then she saw the tall stack of files there. The words died in her throat.

Fine. At least Oliver was between them.

She buckled her own seatbelt, then helped Oliver with his. “Good boys always wear seatbelts,” she instructed. “It’s a rule. It keeps you safe.” Her tone left no room for argument.

Nathaniel silently fastened his own belt. Even Sebastian, in the driver’s seat, clicked his without a word. The car began to glide forward, heading for the amusement park.

Then Isabella spotted it. A small trash bin held a clump of crimson flowers. “Why are there flowers in here?” she asked curiously.

The air in the car instantly tightened.

Three voices answered at once.

No.2

“From a business partner.”

“An admirer sent them.”

“My school gave them to me.”

Nathaniel, Sebastian, and Oliver had all spoken. Isabella blinked, confused. Whose flowers were they? It was a simple question, so why did everything suddenly feel so awkward?

Nathaniel smoothly changed the subject. “Not important. Look what we got for you. See if you like it.” He pulled something out and handed it to her.

Isabella took it. It was a mask. Not just any mask… it was a Peppa Pig mask! “You bought this for me?” she asked, utterly surprised. What was going through Nathaniel’s mind? Was this his idea of romance?

“Isabella, it’s not wise for you to be seen in public at an amusement park,” Nathaniel’s voice came through the phone, calm but firm. “You should wear a mask.”

Isabella almost rolled her eyes. Was he serious? If anyone was at risk of being recognized, it was him and Oliver. One was known as the king of Westchester, the other its crown prince.

“Don’t worry, we’ll be wearing them too,” Nathaniel added, as if reading her mind. He produced two more masks, handing one to Oliver. The little boy’s face lit up as he eagerly put it on. Already adorable, the mask made him look impossibly sweeter.

Something felt…planned. These masks—Mama Bear, Papa Bear, and Baby Bear—were clearly a matching set. A family set. It looked suspiciously like they had been purchased in advance.

No.3

Had Nathaniel bought these before she even said yes? She was about to question him when the car glided to a smooth halt at the park’s grand entrance.

“I’ll drop you here,” Sebastian announced from the driver’s seat. “I have to pick up a friend. I’ll return for you later.”

“Understood,” Nathaniel replied smoothly. He secured his own mask, scooped Oliver into his arms, and stepped out. He held the car door open for her, a picture of effortless chivalry.

A chorus of excited squeals erupted from a group of girls nearby. “Oh my god! Look at his height! He has to be over six foot three!”

“And so gentlemanly! A man who treats his woman like that is so rare!” another sighed dreamily.

“I want a husband like that!” a woman whined, elbowing her own partner.

Still inside the car, Isabella frowned. ‘Even with half his face covered, Nathaniel causes a scene. These women are ridiculous,’ she thought, irritation prickling under her skin. Preferring anonymity, she quickly fastened her own mask before exiting the vehicle.

The three of them stood together. Nathaniel, tall and commanding, exuded a powerful, refined aura. Isabella, nearly five-foot-seven herself, carried a vibrant, energetic grace. And between them was precious Oliver, soft and cute enough to melt the hardest heart.

They became an instant spectacle. Heads turned. Whispers followed. Phones were raised, cameras clicking excitedly to capture the striking trio.

Isabella ignored it all. She had promised Oliver a fun day, and that was her only focus. She took the boy’s small hand in hers. “It’s very crowded, sweetheart. You must hold my hand or your father’s the entire time. No running off.”

No.4

“I promise, Mommy! I’ll be good!” Oliver chirped, patting his chest earnestly before clinging to her side.

Nathaniel followed a step behind, his dark eyes fixed on Isabella’s retreating form. This was his first time at an amusement park with a woman. He’d heard it was prime territory for romance.

He hoped his strategy would pay off today.

“Mommy! Look!” Oliver suddenly shrieked, pointing a chubby finger at the giant Ferris wheel dominating the skyline. “It’s huge! Can we go? Please? Oliver wants to ride it!”

“The Ferris wheel?” Isabella tried to gently dissuade him. “It’s not very exciting, darling. It just goes around slowly.”

“But it is exciting!” he insisted, stomping his little foot. “Ethan told me! He went on the carousel with his mommy and daddy. I want to go on rides with my mommy and daddy too!”

Her resistance crumbled. “Alright, alright. I heard you. Stay right here. I’ll get the tickets.”

“I’ll handle it,” Nathaniel interjected, his voice a low rumble. “You wait here with Oliver. In the shade.” His hands found her shoulders, large and sure, guiding her gently beneath the broad canopy of an oak tree.

His touch was surprisingly cool despite the summer heat. A jolt, unexpected and unwelcome, shot through her. By the time she collected herself, he was already striding toward the ticket booth.

A faint, involuntary smile touched her lips as she watched him go. The man was undeniably magnetic. Oliver peeked up at her, a secret, knowing grin spreading across his face.

No.5

Maybe Mommy didn’t dislike Daddy so much after all.

He giggled, a sound of pure joy. “Mommy, my daddy is the handsomest. He works super hard. And he’s responsible! He never lets other Aunties get close!” He puffed out his chest, imitating his father. “Daddy says a real man’s pride isn’t having lots of girls. It’s loving one person with his whole heart. Forever and ever. That’s what makes him proud.”

Isabella couldn't help but laugh at Oliver's unexpectedly mature observation. "Christopher, your attempt to matchmake me with your father is painfully transparent. Did he put you up to this?" she teased, amusement dancing in her eyes.

The little boy shook his head vigorously, his doe-like eyes wide with feigned innocence. "Daddy would never! Every word is true!"

She ruffled his hair affectionately, seeing right through his act. "I know you better than anyone. I can even guess how many cookies you've sneaked today. You're too young to come up with such lines on your own."

His lower lip trembled in protest. "But it's all real! Daddy actually said those things!"

Isabella reached beneath his mask to pinch his soft cheek playfully. "Confess now: how many women has your father sent you to charm with these smooth words?"

A deep, familiar voice spoke directly beside her ear. "Does someone finally want to know about my dating history?"

Isabella jerked her head up, nearly colliding with Nathaniel's sharp jawline. His clean, masculine scent enveloped her instantly. She stumbled backward several steps, glaring at him. "Absolutely not! I was merely teasing your son."

She snatched the tickets from his hand and marched toward the Ferris wheel, pulling Oliver along with her.

No.6

Nathaniel watched her retreating figure, a faint smile touching his lips. He had all the time in the world.

The amusement park stood as Westchester's most exclusive playground, designed specifically for the city's elite. Only five hundred privileged families held membership passes to this lavishly equipped paradise. The limited access meant remarkably short queues for all attractions.

Oliver began hopping with excitement as they approached the massive Ferris wheel. "Daddy, hurry! We're going up! This is the best day ever!"

Nathaniel joined them at the boarding platform, presenting their tickets. The attendant promptly opened the gated entrance with respectful deference. Oliver clung to both their hands, bouncing between them with unrestrained joy.

Isabella studied the boy's ecstatic expression. "Christopher, why are you so fascinated with Ferris wheels?"

She found it peculiar. Weren't spinning teacups or roller coasters more appealing to young boys? The Ferris wheel offered nothing but stationary seating and slow movement.

His eyes sparkled behind his mask. "This is my first time at any amusement park! My very first Ferris wheel ride! Look how beautiful the gondolas are!"

Beautiful? Isabella examined the minimalist design. Transparent tempered glass formed the entire structure, devoid of any decorative elements. Plush blue leather benches lined both sides of the cabin. While undoubtedly luxurious, "pretty" seemed an odd description.

As the wheel began its gradual ascent, Oliver's energetic bouncing ceased abruptly. A huge yawn escaped him. He slumped onto the seat with sudden lethargy.

"You should stand for a better view," Isabella suggested.

No.7

"I'll watch from here for now," he mumbled drowsily. "Maybe stand later."

Isabella's brows furrowed in concern. His sudden shift in energy felt strange. She settled beside him without further comment.

Nathaniel took the opposite bench, removing his mask. His strikingly handsome features seemed even more pronounced in the confined space.

Despite having seen him countless times, Isabella's breath caught. Mere meters separated them in the intimate cabin. His fresh, earthy scent filled the small space, making her heart pound erratically against her ribs.

The close proximity created palpable tension. The air thickened with unspoken possibilities.

Every slight movement felt magnified. The gentle sway of the gondola. The quiet hum of machinery. The sound of their breathing.

Oliver's head began to nod, his earlier excitement completely vanished. His small body leaned gradually toward Isabella's side.