Chapter 401
No.1
Memories of five years ago surfaced instantly.
Victoria had sent her to that same hotel back then.
There had been no available rooms that night either.
"The Phoenix Hotel is the next closest," she suggested.
"It would take too long to reach in this weather."
Nathaniel adjusted his grip on her. "The Grand Monarch will have space."
He began moving through the chest-deep water.
The Grand Monarch was Westchester's largest luxury hotel.
It spanned nineteen floors of opulent accommodations.
They finally reached the grand entrance.
No.2
A receptionist's eyes widened in recognition.
Mr. Blackwood here at this hour!
And carrying a woman in his arms!
Isabella immediately turned her face away.
She buried it against Nathaniel's chest.
Another headline scandal was the last thing she needed right now.
Isabella Montgomery, usually so bold and defiant, now felt like a frightened kitten nestled in Nathaniel Blackwood's embrace.
A faint smile touched Nathaniel's lips, but he quickly schooled his expression. "Bring two sets of clothing to the suite immediately," he commanded.
"Yes, Mr. Blackwood." The staff kept their eyes lowered, not daring to glance at the woman in his arms. Some things were better left unseen if they valued their employment.
Nathaniel carried Isabella into the elevator, which ascended smoothly to the penthouse level.
No.3
While the rest of the building housed private karaoke rooms, the top floor contained only one space—the exclusive presidential suite.
This suite belonged solely to Nathaniel Blackwood. It remained vacant when he wasn't present, maintained daily by a specialized cleaning crew.
Entering the lavish room, Nathaniel glanced down at the woman still hiding her face against his chest. "How much longer do you plan to stay like this?"
Isabella started at his voice, scrambling out of his arms. She stood upright, but as her eyes swept the room, an odd sense of familiarity washed over her.
She'd been here before.
Every detail seemed recognizable. How was that possible?
Nathaniel noticed her strange expression and assumed she felt unwell. "You should shower first."
Isabella didn't respond, instead wandering through the space. The familiarity intensified with each step, particularly when she paused outside the bedroom.
The sight of the large gray bed triggered fragmented memories that flashed through her mind.
She struggled to grasp any single memory, but the images vanished as quickly as they appeared.
No.4
Something felt wrong.
She stood frozen by the bedroom door, straining to remember.
A man's figure materialized in her mind, followed by a sharp, stabbing pain in her skull.
"Ah!" she cried out, clutching her head.
Nathaniel was at her side instantly. "What's wrong?" Concern laced his voice.
Isabella massaged her temples while staring at the room that felt both known and unknown. "Nothing..." she managed through the pain.
She'd never been here before. Had the storm affected her mind?
Seeing her distress, Nathaniel swept her into his arms and carried her toward the bathroom.
"Put me down!" she protested.
"Given your current state, I can't leave you alone," he stated firmly, settling her gently into the marble bathtub.
No.5
Isabella frowned. What did that mean? Would he stay in the bathroom with her?
Seeing Nathaniel standing in the corner with a worried expression, she explained, "It was just a headache. I'm fine now. You can leave."
"I'll stay. I won't look," he said, turning his back to her.
Isabella stared in disbelief.
How could she bathe with him standing there? Even with his back turned, they were still a man and woman alone together. What if he turned around?
When she remained motionless and silent, Nathaniel frowned. "What now? Do you need my help?"
His question carried a suggestive undertone.
Flustered, Isabella grabbed a nearby bathrobe and threw it at him. "Help? Don't be ridiculous! Get out! Wait outside the door, and I'll call if I need anything. Stop being a pervert!"
The robe hit Nathaniel's back before falling to the floor.
Rather than anger, a slight smile touched his lips as his eyes darkened. "Fine. Call if you need anything."
No.6
Nathaniel stepped out of the bathroom moments later.
Isabella finally released the breath she had been holding.
She began removing her damp clothes.
The warm water soothed her skin as it cascaded over her.
She felt immediate relief washing over her.
But as she rinsed her face, the strange flashback returned with startling clarity.
Why did everything feel so hauntingly familiar?
The steamy bathroom seemed to ease her discomfort.
Perhaps the rain had triggered something unpleasant within her.
A proper bath appeared to be the antidote.
No.7
She resolved to push these thoughts aside for now.
Stepping out of the tub, she reached for her clothes.
Her hands met empty air.
Her towel was missing.