Chapter 324
No.1
Even a family as powerful as the Blackwoods had a net worth estimated around one hundred and fifty billion. This penalty would strip away two-thirds of their entire fortune.
Every clause, except the first, was designed to build a fortress between her and Nathaniel.
Men usually drafted contracts to protect themselves from women’s claims. Here, Isabella was the one building walls against him.
A billionaire with immense power, yet Nathaniel Blackwood faced such disdain from Isabella Montgomery?
Sebastian Blackwood glanced at his brother with genuine pity.
Nathaniel remained expressionless. His composure seemed unshakable.
“I accept all terms.”
He extended his hand toward Dominic Sterling, who promptly handed him the printed contract.
Nathaniel signed without hesitation. He even added his thumbprint for verification.
Isabella signed as well. Staring at the crimson impressions left by their thumbs, she felt momentarily disoriented.
Was she now Nathaniel’s contracted girlfriend? Just like that?
She had intended to reveal the truth about that night five years ago, but this sudden turn of events changed everything. Confessing now felt pointless. Besides, if Christopher discovered her past, wouldn’t it jeopardize his treatment?
After careful consideration, Isabella decided to keep her secret buried.
After all, this was merely a contractual arrangement. Their separation was inevitable.
No.2
She met Nathaniel’s gaze and warned, “Mr. Blackwood, remember not to develop feelings for me during these six months. I will leave when the contract ends, regardless of circumstances.”
Nathaniel’s expression darkened briefly before returning to neutral. “Understood.”
They had ample time ahead.
Sebastian secretly gave Nathaniel an approving thumbs-up. This was remarkable progress!
Christopher’s condition was concerning, but Nathaniel had skillfully turned the situation around.
It seemed a wedding might be imminent in six months!
Sebastian firmly believed no one could resist falling for Nathaniel after spending half a year with him.
That night, Isabella remained worried about Christopher. She decided to stay and sleep beside him.
Nathaniel instructed the staff to change the bedding to new dark blue sheets adorned with stars and moons. The arrangement felt surprisingly warm.
Isabella cradled Christopher as they settled into bed. She gently stroked his pale cheek.
His complexion had turned porcelain-like after the recent episode.
She whispered softly, “Momo, you must recover quickly. Your aunt…”
Pausing, she remembered the contract. “…Your mommy will stay right here with you.”
The word “mommy” felt foreign yet strangely comforting. It carried a warmth and sweetness she hadn’t anticipated.
No.3
Though still asleep, Christopher’s brows relaxed noticeably. He seemed to rest more peacefully in Isabella’s embrace.
Just as Isabella prepared to sleep, her phone vibrated abruptly.
She checked the screen. A message from Julian Hawthorne. “Not staying at Rosewood Manor tonight?”
Isabella replied, “No. Christopher had an episode. I’m staying with him at the estate.”
She expected opposition, but Julian’s response surprised her. “Alright. Nathaniel is a decent man.”
A decent man?
Isabella frowned in confusion. Had she read that correctly?
Since her return, Julian consistently warned her against dating. He claimed all men were trash, himself included.
Yet now, he described Nathaniel as decent?
Where exactly was this decency she hadn’t noticed?
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.
“It’s me,” a deep, magnetic voice announced from behind the door. Nathaniel.
Isabella’s brow furrowed in confusion.
What was Nathaniel doing here at this hour?
No.4
Since it was his estate, she had no choice but to yield.
“Come in,” she murmured softly.
Nathaniel entered, followed by maids carrying a mattress and blankets.
They moved with swift efficiency.
Within moments, a sleek gray mattress was laid out on the floor.
Simple, yet undeniably elegant.
The maids exited, closing the door behind them.
Isabella’s frown deepened.
“Mr. Blackwood, what is the meaning of this?”
“Oliver could fall ill at any moment tonight,” Nathaniel stated flatly, already settling onto the mattress.
He wore pure black silk pajamas.
“I need to be here.”
Isabella fell silent, standing just a meter away.
Was this really necessary?
No.5
Still, his reasoning wasn’t entirely unfounded.
Having him nearby if Oliver’s condition worsened did make sense.
Choosing not to argue, she closed her eyes and tried to rest.
Nathaniel lay down and used his phone to switch off the lights.
Darkness enveloped the room instantly.
Only a sliver of moonlight filtered through the window, casting a soft silver glow.
Nathaniel turned onto his side, facing Isabella’s back.
A faint smile touched his lips as he watched her silhouette.
They were inching closer.
The day he had waited for was finally approaching.
That night was the most peaceful sleep Isabella had experienced in five years.
No nightmares haunted her.
She slept straight through until ten in the morning.
“Good morning, Mommy!” he chirped, his voice sweet and cheerful.
No.6
His plump cheeks were lifted in an adorable grin.
Isabella’s heart melted instantly.
She sat up, surprised.
“Oliver, are you feeling better now?”
“Yes! Thank you for asking, Mommy! I feel much better!”
His small, jelly-like arms wrapped around her neck.
His eyes sparkled as he asked, “Did Mommy hold Oliver while he slept? Did I sleep in your arms?”
“Mhm. Mommy will always be with you,” Isabella said, gently smoothing his hair.
“So you have to be good and focus on getting better, okay?”
Oliver’s eyes widened with hope.
“Does that mean Mommy will never leave Oliver? Daddy told me you would be my mommy forever! Is it true?”
Isabella was momentarily caught off guard, but she nodded gently.
Her only concern was ensuring Oliver’s full recovery in the coming months.
Overjoyed, Oliver began bouncing on the bed in circles.
No.7
“Oliver has a Mommy now! Mommy won’t ever leave again!”
His adorable face beamed with pure delight.
Isabella wanted to savor the moment longer, but her phone rang abruptly.
It was her grandfather.
The moment she answered, she heard the urgency in his voice.
“Isabella? Are you busy? Can you come to the manor right away? They’re all causing a scene, pressuring me to change my decision!”
Isabella’s expression tightened.
Pressure? This had to be about the ten percent shares.
Victoria was undoubtedly behind it.
If Victoria wanted to play games, Isabella was more than ready to engage.
“Alright, I’ll be there soon,” she replied.