Chapter 344

No.1

Today, there was only silence. His monitoring software even showed she had logged into Twitter an hour ago.

Nathaniel said nothing. His expression grew even stormier.

Click.

The front door opened. Isabella walked in.

"I'm back," she announced cheerfully, as if completely unaware of the atmosphere.

"Mommy!" Oliver jumped up, ready to run to her.

Nathaniel's voice cut through the room, low and firm. "Momo, go to the study and finish your homework."

"Hmph..." Oliver pouted but obeyed, trudging away on his little legs. He glanced back over his shoulder several times.

Isabella finally sensed the heavy mood. Once Oliver was gone, she turned to Nathaniel. "What's going on?"

Nathaniel remained seated, his intense gaze fixed on her. "What is happening between you and Alexander Whitmore?" His voice was deep, magnetic, and laced with unmistakable displeasure and jealousy.

No.2

Understanding dawned on her. He was making a big deal out of this Alexander nonsense?

She slipped off her shoes and walked toward him. "I gave him one month to pursue me. How do you think Victoria will feel watching her precious darling shower me with attention?"

So, it was all to provoke Victoria?

Nathaniel's expression softened a fraction. "And after the month is over?"

"After a month?" A cold, calculated smirk played on her lips. "The real show begins then! I'll agree to marry him. On our wedding day, they will finally return what they stole from me five years ago!"

Her words were bold and carried a chilling edge, despite the summer heat. Nathaniel's tightly drawn brows relaxed slightly. It always took just a few words from her...

"Get some rest," he said, his voice now low and calm. "I'll call you when dinner is ready."

"No, I'm fine. I'll go keep Oliver company," Isabella said, heading for the study. She was worried the news had upset him; she couldn't risk him getting sick again.

She entered the study to find Oliver intently reading a report. It was about Vivienne Delacroix!

The document was incredibly detailed, covering her biography, her habits, her preferences... everything.

No.3

Isabella frowned. Why was there such a comprehensive dossier on Vivienne in Nathaniel's study?

Christopher jolted back in surprise, his small frame tensing as he saw Isabella standing there. He hastily shoved the report into the desk drawer, his voice trembling slightly. "Mommy, you... did you see that?"

Isabella made a noncommittal sound, choosing not to press him further. She settled beside him, her tone gentle but firm. "Oliver, I know you've seen the things online about me and that man. You mustn't believe any of it. It's all part of a strategy."

His eyes widened, hope flickering within them. "Really? So you'll stay with Daddy forever? You'll never leave us?"

The word 'forever' sent a subtle tremor through Isabella. Forever? Such a concept felt foreign, unrealistic. Her plan was strictly three months. Yet...

She forced a nod, keeping her doubts locked away. "Of course. Don't worry about these things. Focus on your studies and being happy. You need to grow up strong and healthy, understand?"

"Yes! Oliver will always listen to Mommy!" He nodded vigorously, relief washing over his small features. He studied her expression carefully before venturing, "Mommy, why didn't you ask about the report? It wasn't Daddy's. Grandfather Montgomery sent it. He said... at his sixtieth birthday party next month... he's announcing Daddy's engagement to Vivienne..."

He spoke honestly, fearing her anger.

But Isabella had anticipated this. It didn't affect her. "It's fine. I'm not upset."

Since her departure was inevitable, Anthony's engagements were irrelevant. They held no weight for her.

No.4

Oliver burrowed into her arms, his voice laced with worry. "But I only want you, Mommy. I don't like anyone else. I don't want another mommy. I want to be with you forever!" He nuzzled deeper into her embrace, whining softly.

Her heart softened. A sigh escaped her. She only planned for three months, yet he dreamed of a lifetime. Children were so pure, so trusting. A pang of concern hit her. What would happen when those three months ended?

Meanwhile, Victoria had departed Montgomery Manor, arriving in a remote, sleepy town far from the city's bustle.

She surveyed the unappealing cottage with open disgust. But she steeled herself. This was necessary for her plan. She had to endure it.

"Clean this hovel!" she snapped at Penelope. "I want it spotless before dark!"

"Yes, Miss Kensington..." Penelope bowed her head, immediately beginning to tidy with efficient movements.

Victoria found a relatively clean spot and pulled out her phone to kill time. She intended to browse the news, but her feed was flooded with updates about Alexander and Isabella.

Alexander's post was shockingly heartfelt. He seemed genuinely serious! She had just been exiled to this backwater, and he was already publicly pursuing Isabella?

What if he actually fell for her during this process? No, impossible! Alexander was far too arrogant. Why would he ever want a woman with a tainted past? Besides, Isabella was just Nathaniel's mistress!

She tried to soothe her rising insecurities. Her plan needed to accelerate. Immediately.

No.5

That evening, she created a new Instagram account. She posted carefully curated videos of the rustic scenery—rolling hills, a babbling brook, farmland, and simple villagers. She narrated in her soft, cultured voice, "Finding peace within while rediscovering myself. This is a journey of self-reflection and a new beginning."

A meticulously calculated move to rehabilitate her image.

Victoria's video failed to gain significant traction on Instagram. The new account struggled to compete against the platform's overwhelming content volume.

At Whitmore Enterprises...

Harrison Caldwell presented a bound document to Alexander. "Mr. Whitmore, this relationship proposal was developed by a certified intimacy coordinator. Following this protocol for thirty days guarantees Miss Montgomery's emotional investment."

Alexander skimmed the contents, his stomach churning at the prescribed rituals: mandatory morning and evening texts, daily floral arrangements, chauffeur services...

The proposal detailed shared meal preparation, pet ownership bonding exercises, and curated couple's retreats. Memories of performing these actions organically with Victoria soured his mood. Reducing romance to checklist items felt degrading, especially when targeting someone like Isabella.

His expression darkened as he circled acceptable tasks before shoving the document back. "Use my burner phone. You're handling these."

"Sir? This approach seems... inadequate," Harrison hesitated.

Though aware of Alexander's asset acquisition motives, such perfunctory execution felt reckless. Isabella Montgomery wasn't some naive socialite to be manipulated through textbook gestures.

No.6

Alexander's glare sharpened. "Problem?"

"No, sir. Immediate implementation." Harrison retreated swiftly.

Alexander's gaze lingered on the discarded proposal, frustration tightening his features. Delegating half the tasks provided minimal relief—the remaining requirements still demanded personal involvement.

He'd monitor Isabella's reactions before committing further. Both anticipated sarcastic rejections or deliberate complications. Neither predicted her unsettling compliance.

Despite ignoring WhatsApp messages, she accepted every delivered gift. Gourmet meals, designer outfits, rare delicacies—all received without protest.

Mid-month, Isabella updated her private feed: Revisiting the past sometimes brings unexpected clarity.

Accompanying screenshots displayed Alexander's daily texts and all accumulated gifts. The narrative suggested genuine emotional impact.

A cold smirk touched Alexander's lips. Women truly were predictable creatures. A few baubles and perfunctory attention melted all resistance. Now to finalize arrangements with both families.

The Jordan family monitored Isabella's private account, including Victoria among her "close friends."

Victoria reclined on her veranda, cucumber mask obscuring her features as she scrolled. Penelope dug planting beds nearby, burying vegetable seeds. Victoria avoided Twitter to escape Isabella's professional triumphs, only to confront her personal life here.

No.7

Alexander had been sending Isabella daily affirmations? Purchasing exorbitant gifts? He belonged to her!

No. Composure was essential. One more month of performance remained. The internet's scrutiny demanded her silence, but watching Isabella flaunt stolen affections sickened her. Her parents must be equally disgusted.

Her thumb hovered over Joey's contact when Alexander's name flashed across her screen.

He was calling? After days of impersonal texts, this sudden direct contact sparked wild hope. Had he finally remembered her?