Chapter 405

No.1

She decided to let it go—for now.

But she resolved to avoid public appearances with him whenever possible.

The car glided smoothly toward the Blackwood Estate.

Isabella remembered Vivienne’s spy and instinctively moved to lie across Nathaniel’s lap.

Then she recalled last night’s embarrassment and hesitated.

Her eyes scanned the interior.

This was the latest Rolls-Royce J11 custom model, with seats that could recline fully flat.

She pressed the button beside her seat.

The leather hummed as it gradually lowered.

Nathaniel watched, his lips curving slightly.

Dominic had delivered the car just that morning.

How did Isabella know its features so well?

No.2

What other secrets was she hiding?

Vivienne’s spy was left with nothing once again.

The car entered the private elevator and ascended directly into the mansion.

As they stepped out, Oliver came running toward Isabella.

He wrapped his small arms around her legs.

“Mommy! You’re back! I had them make soup for you! Drink it while it’s warm!”

A maid approached, carrying a tray with a steaming bowl.

It was chicken liver soup.

Isabella’s cheeks flushed.

Why had Oliver requested this specific soup?

He took her hand, guiding her toward a sofa.

“Sit down, Mommy. Be careful. You have to protect the baby in your tummy.”

No.3

Isabella froze.

Baby?

Her head snapped toward Nathaniel.

What had he told Oliver?

Nathaniel stared at her, equally bewildered.

Christopher had already guided her to the dining chair. He picked up a spoon and held it toward Isabella's lips.

She frowned. "I'm not hungry, sweetheart. Mommy already ate."

"But you need nutrients! Even I know that. Don't be shy, Mommy."

His eyes sparkled as they dropped to her abdomen. "So," he whispered excitedly, "will it be a brother or a sister?"

Isabella froze.

A sibling?

Did Oliver believe she and Nathaniel had been intimate at the hotel?

No.4

Of course he would. Why else would he prepare liver soup and mention babies?

"Darling," she explained gently, "Mommy didn't do anything like that. You're letting your imagination run wild. And besides—"

"I understand! You're superstitious and won't talk about it before three months!" He pressed a finger to his lips. "Don't worry, it's our secret!"

Isabella sighed in exasperation.

What were children learning these days? Before she could formulate a proper explanation, Oliver suddenly brightened and scurried into his bedroom.

Through the cracked door, she watched him sorting through his toys.

She turned to Nathaniel. "What do we do now? How do we explain this?"

"We don't. Sebastian said maintaining his happiness is crucial for his health." Nathaniel remained completely unbothered.

Isabella rolled her eyes. Of course he wouldn't mind—he wasn't the supposedly pregnant one.

Speaking of which...

"Didn't you promise to focus on curing Oliver within three months? Any progress?"

"Sebastian went to America. He's studying the latest treatment methods. We're optimistic."

No.5

Isabella's brow furrowed. Optimistic?

So there were no guarantees?

She supposed that made sense. Mental health remained one of medicine's greatest challenges worldwide.

Her gaze returned to Oliver, who now alternated between toy cars and dolls with a delighted smile. He seemed to be deciding which toy would suit a brother or sister.

He deserved a joyful childhood. Why did he have to suffer like this? If only he had a permanent mother figure—someone who could give him a sibling. Perhaps then he'd find daily happiness and eventually heal.

The thought tugged painfully at her heart.

A notification chimed on her phone.

A message from Beatrice. [Master Worthington expects you at The Ivy at 8 PM tonight. Don't forget. Thank you!]

Isabella replied with a simple [Okay.]

The incident between Arabella and Genevieve had exploded across social media. The Horizon Night event had dominated international headlines, creating a publicity windfall for everyone involved.

The industry had crowned Isabella with a new title: "God's Hand."

People resurrected her Guci counter-strategy story. They now called her the "Undisputed God's Hand," surpassing even Genevieve Beaumont—though nobody had heard from the former PR queen since her company collapsed.

No.6

Isabella had been back in Westchester for less than two months, yet everything had changed.

At The Ivy, Master Worthington sat waiting with a woman beside him.

It was Vivienne.

Vivienne wore a beige designer dress that screamed elegance and sophistication.

“You made me dress this formally, Grandpa. Who exactly are we meeting?” she asked, curiosity evident in her tone.

“A tremendously influential figure who can turn any situation to her advantage. Your reputation took quite a hit these past few days, didn’t it? This person can help restore it. Make sure you’re on your best behavior,” advised Archibald Worthington.

Vivienne’s eyes narrowed slightly. An incredibly prominent person? She thought she knew every major player in their circles.

And what did he mean about her reputation suffering? She had sent those system messages to TitanTech users and faced backlash, but she hadn’t bothered to address it. What could a bunch of internet trolls really do?

She looked at her grandfather, her arrogance clear. “Grandpa, why should I care what a bunch of keyboard warriors think? They’re all broke and classless. Their opinions mean nothing.”

“Look at you! How can you be so dismissive? Everyone cares about their online reputation these days. I’ve seen people still posting on your Twitter, demanding you apologize to Arabella!

“You’re my only heir. All my assets will be yours one day. You need to protect your public image. Understand?”

“Fine.” Vivienne reluctantly gave in.

No.7

Archibald checked his watch. “Three more minutes. Important people are always punctual. I’m going to the restroom. Wait here for her and make good conversation.”

“Okay.” Vivienne agreed, though she wasn’t happy about it.

Her grandfather worried too much about appearances. Vivienne was too preoccupied with the whole Nathaniel and Isabella situation to bother with trivial matters. Still… if this could help her reputation, it might be worth it.

After all, Archibald Worthington valued his reputation immensely and expected his heir to be free from scandals and criticism to avoid future complications.

Vivienne took out a compact mirror to touch up her makeup.

Just then, the sharp click of high heels echoed through the room. Vivienne looked up and saw a woman standing in the doorway.

It was Isabella Montgomery!