Chapter 328

No.1

The atmosphere at the table shifted immediately. Even William frowned. “A sister? Alexander, are you joking?”

After what happened to Isabella, Alexander had spent most of his time with Victoria. He had proposed to her multiple times. And now he called her a ‘little sister’?

Isabella leaned back in her chair, looking thoroughly amused. ‘This idiot is about to stir the pot again. Where’s my popcorn?’

As predicted, Alexander’s gaze swept toward Isabella before addressing the room. “Everyone here knows Isabella Montgomery was once my fiancée. I’ve loved her since we were children. Had it not been for… certain events, we would already be married.”

He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. “After everything happened, I was lost. Victoria was there for me. I mistook that comfort for love.” His voice grew softer, more intimate. “But seeing Isabella again made me realize the truth. My heart has always belonged to her.” His eyes, full of manufactured tenderness, locked onto Isabella. “This isn’t a sudden decision. I even confessed my true feelings to Victoria weeks ago.”

He was effectively using Victoria to validate his fabricated narrative.

Isabella nearly scoffed aloud. The audacity of this man, lying with such conviction. He was utterly repulsive.

Before she could interject, William Kensington’s voice cut through the tension. “You proposed to Victoria! You can’t just oscillate between sisters. It’s disrespectful!”

“Grandfather Kensington,” Alexander implored, his expression the picture of solemn sincerity. “You’ve known me my whole life. You know my character. I would never intentionally toy with anyone’s affections. My history with Isabella… our engagement, the tokens we exchanged… it spans fifteen years. From when she was just a child. What I had with Victoria was brief in comparison.” His performance was masterful, dripping with a pain that felt almost real.

Even William, initially furious, seemed momentarily swayed by the emotional display. “So,” he asked, his tone gentler, “you truly hold no regard for the incident five years ago against her?”

No.2

Alexander drew himself up, embodying noble forgiveness. “None whatsoever. As Mrs. Kensington said, everyone makes mistakes. Isabella was young. I was immature. It’s in the past.”

William sighed, turning his attention to his granddaughter. “Isabella? What are your thoughts on this?”

He knew of her long-held affection for this man. Her feelings had to be considered.

Eleanor Kensington watched, her emotions conflicted. Both were her daughters, though she favored Victoria. She knew a marriage without genuine love was a hollow cage. “If Isabella can move past it,” she ventured, “perhaps it’s for the best. Given the scandal from before… others might not be so accepting.” She looked directly at Isabella. “Well? You were engaged once. If you’re willing, we can begin preparations immediately.”

“How very considerate,” Isabella replied, a slight, icy arch to her brow. Her gaze was flat and dismissive as it landed on Alexander. “But no. I don’t go back for trash I’ve already taken out.”

Alexander’s face tightened imperceptibly. She was publicly humiliating him. After he’d offered her this gracious way back in? Now that she was Nathaniel Blackwood’s mistress, she thought she could act with such impunity?

A stunned silence fell over the room. No one had expected such a blunt, brutal rejection from the woman once known for her hopeless devotion.

Penelope Sinclair, whose daughter was still confined because of Isabella, seized the moment to sneer. “Of course. Our Isabella is the Diamond Boss now, swimming in assets. Why would she settle? She certainly has the attitude to match now.”

“Attitude?” Isabella’s retort was sharp and immediate. “Victoria wronged me repeatedly. I possessed evidence I could have handed to the police and the media. I showed restraint.” She let that hang in the air before continuing, her tone shifting to one of mock concern. “My refusal has nothing to do with Alexander himself. It’s out of consideration for Victoria. She is, after all, still my sister. How would it look if I took her discarded fiancé? What would that do to her?”

“Victoria stayed with you for five entire years. She gave you her most precious youth. Just because she made one terrible mistake, you want to come back to me? How do you think that makes her feel?” Isabella spoke with convincing emotion, every word dripping with feigned sincerity.

No.3

‘Hypocrisy is a language Victoria understands well. Now that her reputation is in ruins, it’s time to strip her of everything she has left,’ Isabella thought coldly.

As anticipated, the expressions of William, Frederick, and Eleanor shifted instantly. They had always viewed Isabella as ruthless and unfeeling. They never imagined she possessed such empathy.

Alexander grew visibly irritated. How could she twist his intentions like this? He couldn’t tolerate her narrative.

“I already discussed this with Victoria. She said herself she wants us to be happy. We had a history long before her, so she understands. I know you kept our engagement ring. You never returned it, even after you came back. You must still cherish what we had, don’t you?”

“The ring? I’d forgotten all about it until you mentioned it. I tossed it into a garbage bin somewhere in Africa. If you need it for another proposal, I can send people to look for it,” Isabella replied dismissively. “I’ll ensure you and Victoria can be together properly.”

Her tone then sharpened into a warning. “Even if Victoria tells you she understands, it doesn’t mean she isn’t hurting inside. She’s always been kind and self-sacrificing, bearing her pain alone. Her willingness to let you go only confirms my decision. I will never be with you again.”

Alexander was rendered speechless. How did she always manage to turn the situation around so effortlessly?

Eleanor felt a pang of sympathy. She never thought Isabella could be so considerate. Even Frederick sided with Isabella for once. He turned to Alexander. “Victoria hasn’t been herself lately. How would she feel about you abandoning her for Isabella?”

“Alexander, you’ve been with Victoria for five years. Since Isabella clearly has no feelings for you, you should make your choice clear and treat Victoria better. If you hurt her, I will not forgive you.”

With the momentum against him, Alexander had no choice. “Of course,” he conceded.

No.4

He still had time to execute his plan.

After lunch, Isabella had other matters to attend to. She bid the family farewell and left the manor.

Alexander quickly followed her. He caught up and grabbed her arm. “Isabella, we’re alone now. You can drop the act. Have you considered what I said? Do you truly believe Nathaniel is in love with you?”

“Huh? Is there a dog barking? I hear incessant yapping. It’s so annoying!” Isabella sneered, pulling her arm from his grasp. She walked away without looking back.

Alexander’s face darkened. He glared at her retreating figure, his fists clenched tightly.

‘Isabella, you leave me no choice...!’ he seethed silently.

Isabella walked out through the main gates toward the road. She was about to call for a taxi when she noticed a sleek black car parked nearby. Wasn't that Nathaniel’s car? Why was he still here? Frowning, she began walking toward it.

Isabella approached the vehicle, her steps slowing as she took in the scene. Nathaniel sat motionless in the driver's seat, eyes closed, while Oliver slept soundly in the back. Dappled sunlight filtered through the canopy above, casting shifting patterns across Nathaniel's sharp features. The crisp white shirt he wore seemed to glow under the golden light, enhancing his aristocratic bearing.

An unexpected warmth bloomed in her chest. How long had they been waiting? Her meeting had lasted nearly four hours. "Nathaniel?" she called softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

His eyes opened instantly, dark and alert. Recognizing her, he straightened in his seat. "Finished?"

No.5

She nodded, studying him closely. "You waited here the whole time? Without eating?"

"Oliver insisted on staying. My schedule was clear today anyway." His tone was casual, dismissive. He moved to exit the car, but as his feet touched the pavement, his legs buckled. He stumbled forward, catching himself against her.

Isabella reacted instinctively, her hands flying to his waist to steady him. For a moment they stood frozen, her cheek pressed against the solid wall of his chest, his body leaning into hers. The scent of his cologne filled her senses—clean and masculine.

Two heartbeats passed before she regained her composure, pushing him upright. "What's wrong?"

"Pins and needles." His voice was tight, his expression carefully neutral. "From sitting too long."

She opened the rear door without hesitation. "Get in the back with Oliver. I'll drive."

Nathaniel stared at her, surprised by the command. When he didn't move, she added firmly, "I'm not letting someone with numb legs drive. It's a safety issue—for all of us."

Reluctantly, he slid into the backseat, settling Oliver's sleeping form across his lap. This was a first—being chauffeured by a woman. But Isabella handled the vehicle with confident precision, her movements smooth and controlled. She drove with unusual care, clearly mindful of her sleeping passenger.

Nathaniel found himself watching her—the way her hands rested lightly on the wheel, the focused set of her shoulders. An unfamiliar sense of peace settled over him.

Instead of heading directly to the Montgomery estate, she pulled into an upscale restaurant parking lot. Isabella emerged from the driver's seat and opened their door. "Let's eat."

No.6

Nathaniel hadn't expected such consideration. He gathered Oliver in his arms just as the boy stirred awake. Bleary eyes focused on Isabella, and immediately brightened. "Mommy! Mommy!" Oliver reached for her, his small arms waving excitedly.

Isabella took him, gently pinching his cheek. "You're awake now? Why did you wait for me outside? Next time, wait at home, promise?"

Oliver blinked, then glanced at Nathaniel. "Well...I wanted to go home, but Daddy said—"

A sharp cough from Nathaniel cut him off. "Are you hungry, Oliver?"

The boy's eyes lit up with understanding. "Oh! Right! I begged Daddy to wait! I was scared you'd forget about me." He beamed at Nathaniel before turning back to Isabella. "Yes, I'm starving! Let's eat, Mommy!"

Isabella's lips curved into a faint smile. She'd play along with their little charade—for now. Cradling Oliver in her arms, she led the way into the restaurant.

Nathaniel exhaled softly in relief. ‘Thank goodness. Dad made me promise to protect his image in front of Isabella. If she finds out he was waiting outside like a lovesick fool, it would ruin everything.’

The restaurant was one of Westchester’s most exclusive establishments, renowned for its impeccable privacy and discreet service. Its staff were accustomed to hosting high-profile celebrities and dignitaries, so the appearance of Nathaniel Blackwood and Isabella Montgomery caused no visible stir. The doorman greeted them with practiced calm.

“Good evening.”

The manager recognized Nathaniel immediately and glided forward. “Mr. Blackwood, your usual room is ready.”

No.7

Nathaniel maintained a permanent private dining suite here. It remained reserved for him, regardless of whether he had a reservation.

Once they were seated in the elegant, soundproofed room, Nathaniel turned his gaze to Isabella. His voice was infused with a soft, almost tender warmth. “What would you like to order?”

The manager nearly faltered, stunned by the unfamiliar gentleness in Nathaniel’s tone. Nathaniel Blackwood never brought women here. Seeing him with Isabella Montgomery was a revelation.

Isabella settled Oliver into his chair. “I’ve already eaten. Just order for yourself and Oliver.” She handed the menu to the boy. “What would you like, sweetheart?”