Chapter 303

No.1

As she pondered, Nathaniel grilled a sizable Argentine lobster.

He offered a succulent piece to her lips again.

Using the same hand he'd just sucked clean?

"I don't— Oh!" Her protest got cut off by the inserted morsel.

Her mind reeled at the indirect kiss implication.

"Nathaniel!"

"Present. What requires attention?" He feigned innocence perfectly.

Isabella scowled at his audacious thick-skinned act.

Clearly, direct confrontation became necessary.

She turned to Oliver. "Sweetheart, fetch Mommy's orange juice from the upstairs fridge please?"

"Right away!" Oliver abandoned his utensils cheerfully.

No.2

He scampered off on his mission.

Nathaniel's brow tightened almost imperceptibly.

Isabella deliberately sent Oliver away.

Whatever she planned to discuss privately likely boded ill for him.

Just as he anticipated, the moment Christopher left the room, Isabella spun around to face him with a stern expression. “Nathaniel. I expect you to behave appropriately around me from now on. Especially in front of the child. He’s still young and impressionable.”

“Hmm? Behave inappropriately? When did that happen?” Nathaniel’s expression was the picture of pure innocence.

Isabella was momentarily speechless. ‘Am I reading too much into this? His acting skills are truly exceptional,’ she thought to herself.

“In that case, let’s address the real issue. Starting today, do not come looking for me with Christopher,” Isabella stated firmly.

Nathaniel’s hand, which was holding the fork, twitched almost imperceptibly. The warmth in his eyes gradually cooled.

Isabella continued, undeterred by his shifting mood. “You know perfectly well that nothing can ever happen between us. Oliver needs to adjust to life without me. A clean break is better than a prolonged attachment. As his father, you should help him move on. Otherwise, he’ll be devastated when the inevitable separation comes.”

Nathaniel’s face darkened. He set down his fork and fixed her with an intense gaze. “I’m curious. What gave you the impression that we are impossible? What exactly is it about me that you find so objectionable? Feel free to be blunt.” His demeanor was deadly serious, his eyes probing.

No.3

Isabella’s heart gave a little flip before the memories of five years ago came rushing back. She remembered her circumstances.

Avoiding his penetrating stare, she replied coolly, “I don’t care for men who are overly persistent. It’s unattractive. I prefer men who are aloof and unattainable. I enjoy the challenge. Furthermore, I believe in instant connections. To be perfectly honest, my first impression of you was not favorable. I never developed any feelings for you. Love cannot be forced.”

Nathaniel suddenly rose and leaned across the table, closing the distance between them. Isabella watched his face draw nearer, her heart beginning to race uncontrollably. She struggled to maintain her composure. “What are you doing?”

He captured her wrist with one hand, his other tilting her chin upward. His lips moved inexorably closer. Trapped by his grip, Isabella could neither retreat nor pull away. In an instant, his face was mere inches from hers, so close their noses almost touched.

With each breath, she was enveloped by his distinct, masculine scent. One small movement forward would bring their lips together… Her heart hammered wildly against her ribs, like a frightened animal fleeing for its life. It felt ready to burst from her chest.

Nathaniel watched her, his lips beginning their final descent. Isabella quickly turned her head, evading the kiss. His cool lips brushed against her cheekbone, landing perilously close to her earlobe. A wave of sensation swept through her, leaving her momentarily paralyzed.

A faint smile touched Nathaniel’s lips as he whispered near her ear, “A normal resting heart rate for a woman is between sixty and one hundred beats per minute. In the last thirty seconds, yours was fifty-five. Are you still certain you feel nothing for me? Hmm?”

As he spoke, his grip on her wrist tightened almost imperceptibly. Isabella’s body went rigid. So that was his game. Grabbing her wrist, moving closer… all to measure her pulse? The man was infuriatingly meticulous.

She snatched her hand back, fighting to keep her voice steady. “Has no one ever told you that heart rates fluctuate? Temperature, digestion… countless factors affect it. I told you I have no feelings for you. That is the truth. From now on, unless it’s strictly business, do not seek me out.” Her tone was ice-cold, utterly devoid of emotion.

For the first time, Nathaniel felt a sharp, slicing pain deep in his chest. He was silent for a long moment before replying with quiet resignation, “Very well. I will respect your wishes.”

Perfectly on cue, Christopher returned with the juice, entering the kitchen. Nathaniel took the glass and set it on the counter before reaching for the boy. “Come. We’re leaving.”

No.4

“But… Oliver hasn’t finished his steak yet…” Christopher’s face fell, disappointment written all over it.

Nathaniel gently stroked his hair. “Be good. I’ll make you more another time. We mustn’t disturb Mommy today, alright?”

“Okay.” Christopher pouted, turning to wave at Isabella. “Goodbye, Mommy. Eat lots and get super full.”

An unexpected ache tightened Isabella’s throat. It felt constricted, and it took her a moment to force out a single word.

“Alright,” Isabella responded to Oliver.

Nathaniel carried the boy and stepped outside. The storm raged violently. Lightning flashed across the sky, followed by deafening thunder.

Though it was daytime, the heavy clouds made it feel like dusk had fallen early.

Isabella watched the door close. Silence enveloped her. Peace returned, but a strange emptiness settled in her chest.

The meat on the table continued to sizzle. The warmth had vanished from the room. Exhausted, she slumped into a chair. Her appetite was gone. Disgust for Victoria and Alexander churned inside her. She loathed the man from that night five years ago. They had ruined everything.

If only she had met Nathaniel first. Things would be different. But now, she distrusted all men. For years, her sole focus had been revenge. That was her only purpose. She closed her eyes, trying to adjust to the crushing quiet.

Suddenly, the front door burst open. Nathaniel rushed back inside, Oliver still in his arms. Her eyes widened in shock. “Why did you come back?”

No.5

“You said only for business. I’m here as the CEO of Blackwood Corporation. To discuss a professional matter.” He set Oliver down and approached her, handing her a contract.

She took it. It was a modeling contract for a car show. Blackwood Corp and Mercedes were co-hosting a major national auto event. Thirteen new models were launching, including a limited edition gold sports car. All participating models were elite, seasoned professionals with years of experience. He was offering this to a newcomer like her?

“Nathaniel, is this an abuse of power?”

“Ms. Montgomery, you misunderstand. My duty is to hire the best talent. You are currently the industry’s brightest rising star. Securing you would be an honor for the company. Furthermore, Victoria Kensington is also hired for this event. She will be in a supporting role to you. Still not interested?” His expression was utterly serious, all business.

She glanced at the model list. Victoria’s name was there. Her endorsement was for the lowest-tier car, positioned in the farthest corner of the hall. He knew her too well. He understood her desires perfectly.

Her entire reason for returning was to crush Victoria. To destroy her modeling career utterly. Only when backed into a corner would Victoria’s true, vile nature show. Then the Montgomery family would finally see the truth. Anything that displeased Victoria pleased her immensely.

Making Victoria play a secondary, supporting role was the perfect humiliation. Isabella picked up a pen and signed her name with a sharp, elegant flourish.

A faint smile touched Nathaniel’s lips as he carefully stored the contract. “As business partners, sharing a meal to celebrate is acceptable, yes?”

“Of course! We have many details to discuss!” Oliver chirped, not waiting for her reply. He scampered to the table and resumed eating his interrupted meal.

Nathaniel sat across from her, pouring wine for them both. He raised his glass. “Ms. Montgomery. To a successful collaboration.”

She narrowed her eyes. These two were like persistent kidnappers she couldn’t shake. Yet, watching them, feeling the warmth from the food, the earlier emptiness began to fade, replaced by a reluctant contentment.

No.6

Fine. She would play along for now. As long as the job proceeded smoothly. The thought of Victoria being her accessory made her lips curve into a smile. She could already picture Victoria’s furious expression. The day of the auto show would be a glorious spectacle.

Isabella finished her meal and was immediately pulled toward the sofa by Oliver. He insisted she rest with him. It didn't take long before his breathing evened out into a soft, steady rhythm. He was asleep, curled on her lap. His small, warm body felt like a little ball of sunshine against her. She gently ran her fingers through his soft hair, her gaze drifting away from him.

It wandered across the room and into the kitchen.

Nathaniel stood there. A stark gray apron was tied over his impeccably tailored suit. He was washing dishes. The contrast was almost jarring. The formal business attire looked utterly out of place against the domestic backdrop of the kitchen. His movements were efficient, yet somehow still carried an air of practiced unfamiliarity. Outside, the heavy downpour had ceased. A single, brilliant beam of sunlight broke through the dissipating clouds. It cut through the window.

By some trick of light, it fell directly upon him.

The light gilded his tall, powerful frame, outlining him in gold. He looked devastatingly handsome, like a statue brought to life. Isabella found herself completely captivated. Her hand stilled on Oliver’s head. She watched, mesmerized.

She couldn't pinpoint the exact moment it had happened. Her life had become… louder. Fuller. Since these two had barged into it. The thought of future days without them…

She caught herself. A sigh escaped her. What was she thinking? A future without them would be no different than her present. She wasn't with them. This was a business arrangement. A contract. Nothing more.

The rain had stopped. Their reason for staying was gone. She deliberately turned her head away, closing her eyes. She willed the unwelcome, sentimental thoughts to scatter. Just then, Nathaniel entered the living room. The apron was gone. He was back to his usual, coolly composed self.

She didn’t look at him. “Take him,” she said, her tone direct and businesslike. “You can go home now.”

“I’m afraid that won’t be possible today,” Nathaniel responded. He sat down on the sofa beside her. His arm casually draped over the back of the cushion, behind her shoulders.

No.7

“Why not?” Isabella scowled. What excuse had he concocted now to linger?

“Did you thoroughly read the agreement before you signed?” he asked, his voice devoid of any humor.

“Of course I did,” she retorted instantly. Isabella Montgomery was meticulous. She scrutinized every clause, every line of any contract she ever signed. No one had ever managed to trap her in fine print before. This contract was between her and Blackwood Corporation. There was no possible clause that could force Nathaniel to remain in her home.

Nathaniel held her gaze, his expression unreadable. “Recite the second to last clause for me.”

Isabella’s mind raced, pulling the document from her memory. “After signing the contract, Party B shall be obliged to confirm all plans related to the auto show with the appointed person-in-charge, henceforth known as Party A…” Her voice trailed off. Her frown deepened. “You’re the person-in-charge?”

“Yes.” The single word was delivered with utter seriousness.