Chapter 384
No.1
Since she would be staying at the Blackwood Estate for the next two months, he had plenty of time to win her over.
At that moment, Isabella remembered Vivienne. “Maybe I should move back to Rosewood Manor for a while?” Her eyes met his. “I’d prefer to keep this private for now.”
“Don’t worry. Today was just a coincidence. I wasn’t prepared. When she comes tomorrow, she’ll want to leave immediately.” A subtle glint shone in Nathaniel’s dark eyes.
Isabella frowned. Did that mean he had a plan for tomorrow? Vivienne was notoriously stubborn. How could she be made to back down so easily?
Isabella was deeply curious. She could hardly wait for the next day to arrive.
The next day came. Isabella was in the computer room from the crack of dawn. She was completely absorbed in her research, headphones on, blocking out the world.
Isabella Montgomery worked intently at her computer station.
Nathaniel Blackwood sat nearby on the sofa, reviewing company documents.
Their son Oliver quietly did his homework beside Isabella.
Though no words were exchanged, a comfortable silence enveloped them.
No.2
Nathaniel had moved his temporary office into the computer room to stay close.
Dominic Sterling entered and announced, "Mr. Blackwood, Ms. Montgomery, Vivienne Delacroix has arrived at the gate."
Isabella immediately turned to Nathaniel. "Handle this quickly."
She knew Vivienne's temper could escalate things to the Blackwood family elders.
Nathaniel remained completely calm. "Everything is under control."
He gave Oliver a subtle signal.
The boy set down his textbook and told Isabella, "Mommy, I'll handle this. You stay with Daddy. Watch me send her away from the monitors!"
He hurried out with determined steps.
Isabella frowned worriedly at Nathaniel. "You're letting a five-year-old confront her? She's dangerous."
A woman like Vivienne might harm Oliver without hesitation.
No.3
Nathaniel activated all the security monitors. "Just watch, Ms. Montgomery."
His confident tone suggested he had planned for every possibility.
Screens displayed every angle of the mansion's entrance hall.
Isabella's concern didn't fade. What had he prepared that made him so certain?
Downstairs in the grand lobby...
Vivienne Delacroix entered with her usual air of superiority.
All staff immediately bowed and greeted, "Ms. Delacroix."
Oliver came running toward her. "Aunt Vivienne! You came!"
Vivienne eyed him suspiciously. The boy usually ignored her completely.
His sudden enthusiasm seemed out of character.
No.4
But Oliver was Nathaniel's greatest weakness.
Winning his affection could secure her position as future Mrs. Blackwood.
She approached him with false sweetness. "You seem cheerful today, sweetheart. Where's your father?"
"Daddy had urgent business at headquarters. He told me to spend time with you. He said you might become my new Mommy."
Oliver delivered the lines with perfect innocence.
Vivienne's eyes lit up with triumph. "He actually said that?"
"Of course! Daddy said it depends on how well we get along. He just wants someone who can be a good mother to me."
Oliver looked up with wide, hopeful eyes. "Do you really want to be my Mommy, Aunt Vivienne? Will you treat me like your own son? Will you play games with me?"
"Absolutely," Vivienne answered without hesitation.
She reached to pat his head. "I've always loved children. I'll definitely treat you well."
No.5
"Then will you play with me? Daddy's always working. I get so lonely."
Oliver tugged her hand gently with pleading eyes.
Vivienne had never seen him act so affectionately.
Though she despised the child's biological mother, she needed his approval.
"What would you like to play? I'll play anything you want."
"Yay! Finally someone will play with me! Come with me, Aunt Vivienne!"
Oliver eagerly pulled her toward the back gardens.
Vivienne followed, pleased at how easily she was winning him over.
She hadn't expected him to lead her outside.
In the extensive gardens stood a massive...
No.6
A massive steel enclosure dominated the room. Inside coiled over a dozen enormous serpents. The smallest among them measured at least the width of a woman's wrist. The largest rivaled the circumference of a large serving bowl. It was a truly terrifying spectacle.
Isabella stared, her scalp prickling with unease. Goosebumps erupted across her skin.
Oliver skipped toward the cage cheerfully. "Aunt Vivienne, come see!" he chirped. "These are all my friends. This is Sir Emerald. This is Lady Crimson. And this is Lady Gold."
His small hand reached through the bars. He began stroking the massive reptiles. The pythons displayed a variety of hideous colors. The yellow one was particularly nauseating. Its garish, overly bright scales made it distinctly stand out.
Vivienne remained pale near the doorway. "Christopher, do you only play with them in daylight?" she blurted. "Perhaps I could take you somewhere else? For a different activity?"
His expression fell. "But they haven't eaten today," he protested. "I need to feed them. And give them a bath. You promised you'd stay with me, Aunt Vivienne. Will you help me feed them?" His innocent eyes pleaded with her.
Her gaze drifted back to the cage. About ten monstrous snakes writhed together. The sight made her shudder violently. Yet, this was a rare moment of Oliver seeking her attention. She couldn't let this chance slip away.
They were securely behind bars. It had to be safe... right?
She forced a steadying breath. "What... what do they eat?"
"Over there, Aunt Vivienne." He pointed to a corner. "Could you please bring them for me?"
No.7
She turned. Another metal cage sat in the shadowy corner. It was filled with live frogs! Their bumpy, mottled skin looked utterly disgusting and frightening.
Vivienne's face contorted in revulsion. "The snakes eat... these?"
"Yes! I'll show you!" Oliver hurried over. He grabbed a struggling frog. He carried it back to the python enclosure. He placed it near one of the larger snakes. Instantly, the python's maw gaped open. It was a bloody, horrifying sight. The frog disappeared into its throat.
Ribbit! Ribbit! Ribbit!