Chapter 642
No.1
[They're both top-tier entrepreneurs. Maybe Vivienne can't handle another woman matching her status?]
You know what they say—two tigers can't share one mountain. I'm convinced Vivienne and Isabella have serious history!]
[Hah! Vivienne probably thought Isabella was some clueless trust fund baby. Never expected a real boss, did she?]
Netizens typed furiously, thoroughly entertained by the clash. Hundreds of thousands of comments piled up within a single day.
A sly smirk touched Isabella's lips. They could hire trolls, but so could she!
Did Vivienne want a war? She should've anticipated this!
The drama escalated further. When the stock market opened the next morning, TitanTech's shares nosedived, losing billions in value.
Influencers erupted over Vivienne's actions, hosting live streams condemning TitanTech. Public opinion turned sharply against her.
Her pristine, flawless 'princess' image shattered completely.
Another company hit hard was SilverPeak.
No.2
Harrison—as SilverPeak's CEO—committed an unforgivable act, yet Seraphina still attacked GoldenPhoenix.
Once the truth surfaced, the company faced relentless backlash.
Artists who previously tried to terminate contracts with SilverPeak were outraged. They genuinely admired Isabella and wanted to join GoldenPhoenix instead.
They gathered outside the Entertainment Guild, demanding the chairman's arbitration.
Seraphina had contacted the Guild chairman beforehand, relying on their good relationship.
But the chairman not only ignored her pleas, the Guild actually assisted the artists in successfully terminating their contracts.
SilverPeak became a deserted shell of its former self, stripped of all glory, and was eventually forced to shut down.
Seraphina completely lost her composure. She trashed the company office in a fit of rage.
This drew threats from various parties, forcing her to flee the country.
Isabella learned all this during breakfast with Oliver and Nathaniel.
No.3
She was eating while reading a text from Julian:
(SilverPeak is closed. All their artists have signed with Golden Phoenix.)
Isabella frowned. SilverPeak collapsed this fast? In just one day?
Suspicious, she turned her gaze toward Nathaniel. “Mr. Blackwood, was this your doing again?”
“A minor intervention,” Nathaniel replied casually, placing a piece of salmon on her plate.
Her heart skipped a beat. This man always knew how to get to her.
His constant help was starting to make her feel... inadequate.
Her eyes flickered. “Is Vivienne coming today?”
“Yes! I heard she even got some special snake-repellent medicine. She’s trying to get close to Daddy!” Oliver pouted, his frustration clear.
Why did that Auntie want to ruin his Daddy and Mommy? Bad Auntie!
No.4
Isabella simply ruffled his hair. “Don’t worry. I have a way to make her back off from your Daddy.”
“Really?” Oliver chirped, his eyes sparkling like stars.
A perfect smirk curled her lips. “Really. Leave her to me when she arrives.”
Isabella spoke with unwavering confidence. She outlined her strategy clearly. “Oliver must wait in the study. You cannot look at what we’re doing, understood? The plan fails if you see. Mommy doesn’t want you witnessing something inappropriate. Okay?”
“Yes! Oliver promises to complete the mission!” Christopher saluted sharply.
If it meant getting rid of that horrible Auntie, he would do anything. Even staying locked in the study for hours.
After the meal, Christopher went to his study under the butler’s watchful eye.
Isabella turned to Nathaniel. “This plan requires me to make a personal sacrifice today. Remember, it’s all an act. Nothing is real.”
A sacrifice? An act?
Nathaniel’s brow furrowed. What exactly was this plan?
No.5
Isabella elaborated. “Vivienne is attracted to your pristine reputation. Among global elites, you’re known for your restraint. Unlike other men with countless affairs. A genius like Vivienne is inherently proud. She would never accept a man who flirts openly with other women. So, I’ve arranged for several ladies to join us later. You just need to pretend to be a playboy. It will shatter her idealized image of you.”
Pretend to be a playboy?
Nathaniel frowned deeply. “I don’t think I can do that.”
Inappropriate women made him intensely uncomfortable. He avoided them instinctively. Flirting was utterly impossible.
“Relax. Since you’ve helped me so much, I’ll take the lead. The others will simply provide a shoulder or foot massage,” Isabella added.
Nathaniel’s gaze sharpened. Isabella would take the lead? So the person he was supposed to flirt with was… her?
“Okay.”
His reply was immediate. Direct. Without hesitation.
This man… Why was he being so strange?
She pulled out her phone and made a call. She reminded him, “Don’t expect miracles. This is just phase one. It won’t completely destroy her opinion of you. We’ll plan the next step based on her reaction today.”
No.6
“Okay.” Nathaniel voiced no objection.
Isabella sensed a hint of anticipation from him. But his expression remained flawlessly calm and elegant. Unreadable.
Whatever! She was doing this for him! Vivienne’s pedigree was suitable, but her attitude was vile. Isabella refused to let a woman like that become Oliver’s mother. She would help Nathaniel escape her clutches.
Right on schedule, Vivienne arrived at the Blackwood Estate in her luxury car. She gazed up at the imposing mansion, her eyes filled with venomous grandeur. How dare Isabella attack her online? Vivienne had become a public laughingstock. Omega’s stock had plummeted. She would make that woman pay. Once she secured Nathaniel and Oliver’s affections, they would be engaged by the end of the month at Senior Blackwood’s birthday gala. She would become Nathaniel’s wife. The First Lady of Westchester’s wealthiest man!
Then, crushing a nobody like Isabella would be effortless. Did Isabella really think she could steal her man? Dream on!
She composed herself, adjusted a scented sachet, and strode into the mansion. She expected Oliver to lead her to the pythons again. But… the mansion was eerily quiet. Deserted.
Several maids scurried toward the backyard, seemingly fleeing something. Vivienne swiftly grabbed one by the arm. “Where is Nathaniel? Where is Oliver?”
“Oh! Oliver is in a tutoring session. And Mr. Blackwood… He… He…” The maid stammered, her face flushing with clear embarrassment. Just then, the distinct sound of feminine laughter echoed from upstairs.
She bolted up the staircase as the maid attempted to block her path. “Ms. Delacroix, Mr. Blackwood gave strict orders not to be disturbed—”
“Don’t touch me!” Vivienne shoved the maid’s hand away and charged upward.
No.7
The sounds of laughter grew distinct and louder. The door stood slightly open when she reached it, and inside…
Nathaniel lounged indolently on the charcoal sofa, encircled by a cluster of women attending to his every need. Some kneaded his shoulders, others attended to his feet, while one offered him tea.
Isabella, clad in a form-fitting black lace dress, perched on his lap. She held a bunch of grapes, feeding them to Nathaniel one by one.
He accepted each grape, his hands resting possessively on her waist. Their bodies were pressed so close they seemed fused together. The scene was intensely provocative.
Vivienne stumbled backward, a scorching wave of fury and envy crashing through her.
How… How was this possible?
She had always believed Nathaniel to be virtuous and disciplined, maintaining a respectful distance from women—flawless as a storybook prince. Yet now…