Chapter 314
No.1
Public favor evaporated completely.
She was utterly notorious.
The detention room held an unnatural quiet.
Isabella slept deeply on the narrow cot.
She showed no concern for the world outside.
Nathaniel Blackwood arrived with Oliver in tow.
The scene gave him immediate pause.
He gestured for Oliver to wait down the hall.
Nathaniel entered alone.
An exquisite lunch box weighed in his hand.
No.2
"Your trial is tomorrow."
His voice cut the silence.
"Are you truly prepared?"
Isabella didn't bother opening her eyes.
"Everything is handled."
Her tone remained flat.
Nathaniel's frown deepened.
Discomfort prickled under his skin.
"By Julian Hawthorne?"
The name felt like acid on his tongue.
No.3
"Is that who you mean?"
Isabella's eyes snapped open.
She caught his jealous tone immediately.
Nathaniel moved to her bedside.
"Eric."
He whispered the name.
Gravel laced with clear displeasure.
Isabella frowned at his possessiveness.
Why would he even care?
Julian hadn't visited once during her incarceration...
No.4
Nathaniel misread her silence completely.
His hands shot out abruptly.
He gripped her shoulders with sudden force.
He pulled her upright from the cot.
Nathaniel remained seated beside Isabella’s bed.
His gaze was fixed on her. “Anything Julian can do, I can do too,” he said. “Next time something like this happens, you should think of me first.”
His voice was low, but it carried an undeniable authority.
He held her shoulders firmly, their proximity making the air between them feel charged.
All she could breathe in was his distinct, masculine scent.
For reasons she couldn't explain, her heart began to race, thumping erratically in her chest.
No.5
She pushed his hands away. “If I ever star in a drama and need someone to play a human leech, I’ll definitely consider you.”
Nathaniel fell silent for a moment.
Then a faint smile touched his lips. “If you’re the female lead, I’ll do it for free. Consider it a friends-and-family discount.”
Isabella had no comeback.
Internally, she thought, ‘When he decides to be bold, he really has no shame.’
“Why are you here?” she asked. “I was about to go to sleep early.”
“I brought you dinner,” Nathaniel replied.
He stood and uncovered the food container, then placed it in front of her.
Inside were delicious-looking dishes arranged in playful cartoon shapes.
‘Did Oliver make this for me?’ she wondered.
No.6
Even though she’d already eaten, she accepted the meal. “Please thank Oliver for me.”
“That might be a bit difficult,” Nathaniel said, his brow furrowing.
Isabella continued eating while giving him a puzzled look.
“Oliver said he won’t accept thanks through someone else,” Nathaniel explained. “He wants to hear it from you in person. He’ll be waiting for you at the Blackwood Estate.”
Isabella nearly choked on her food.
‘They’re scheming to get me to the Blackwood Estate? This meal was a trap all along!’
Nathaniel smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry, there are no wolves or tigers at the estate. Oliver has prepared a gift to celebrate your release. These past couple of days, he’s had no appetite and trouble sleeping. He misses you terribly.”
Hearing that, Isabella found it impossible to refuse.
“Fine,” she relented. “Once I’m out, I’ll make time to visit.”
Outside, Oliver leaped for joy. “Yes! Mommy is coming to our home as a guest! Daddy and Mommy can spend time together!”
No.7
Isabella heard a noise from outside. She frowned. “What was that? It sounds like someone’s out there.”
“No, it’s probably just… a mouse,” Nathaniel said quickly, glancing toward the door. He changed the subject. “Isabella, tomorrow is crucial. If you need any help, just ask.”
Tomorrow was the hearing date for her case.
The matter would finally be settled.