Chapter 653
No.1
"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?"
No.2
"Sebastian went to America. He's studying the latest treatment methods. We're optimistic."
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!]
No.3
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.
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.
No.4
“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.
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.
No.5
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!
Isabella wore a crisp white suit, looking every bit the professional. She spotted Vivienne and glanced at the room number. “Where’s Archibald Worthington?” she asked.
Vivienne recovered from her surprise and sneered. “How did you find out about this, Isabella? How do you know my grandfather is here? Do you think just anyone can meet him?”
Isabella’s eyes narrowed. So Archibald Worthington was Vivienne’s grandfather?
Since Beatrice Worthington had arranged the meeting, Isabella hadn’t bothered to investigate further, assuming it was just another industry contact. She never expected Archibald to be so invested in cleaning up Vivienne’s mess.
No.6
“Even if you get on your knees and beg him, he won’t sell to you. Now get out!”
Her words dripped with venom and disgust. The mere thought of Isabella being with Nathaniel made Vivienne’s stomach turn.
Isabella didn’t even bother rolling her eyes. She simply turned and walked away, her steps steady and confident, radiating an undeniable aura of power.
Vivienne scoffed. A cheap nouveau riche trying to steal Nathaniel from her? She would make her pay dearly.
When Archibald returned to the room, he checked his watch with a puzzled expression. “What’s going on? Didn’t she say she’d be on time? Where is she?”
“Grandpa, why don’t you call and ask? Who would dare keep you waiting?” Vivienne suggested.
Archibald agreed and took out his phone to call Beatrice. Little did he know…
“Isabella? Where is she?” Nathaniel’s voice was sharp through the phone.
“Mr. Blackwood! She did arrive, but she claimed your granddaughter offended her and forced her departure!” Gloria’s tone was strained with helplessness.
No.7
Archibald Worthington’s brow furrowed deeply. The expert he’d pleaded with came, and his own granddaughter drove her away?
He ended the call abruptly, his palm slamming onto the polished mahogany desk. “Vivienne! What is the meaning of this? Do you comprehend how difficult it was to secure this meeting? How could you be so foolish? Do you even care about salvaging your reputation? I, Archibald Worthington, will disinherit you!”
His face flushed a deep crimson, his neatly trimmed mustache seeming to bristle with his rage.
Vivienne had never witnessed her grandfather so enraged. She quickly tried to explain. “Grandfather, I did not dismiss the person you invited! I only removed Isabella Montgomery from the premises!”
She stopped mid-sentence, her eyes narrowing as a dreadful suspicion took hold. “Grandfather… the expert you invited… it wasn’t her, was it?”
“How would I know her name? All I know is she masterminded the Celestial Gala! She transformed Arabella Fontaine and Genevieve Beaumont overnight! One was a perpetual third wheel, the other a faded star! Yet she made them both shine! Your situation would be trivial for her! Why must you always let your temper destroy everything?!”
Archibald’s roar echoed in the lavish study. It took every ounce of his self-control not to strike his granddaughter.
The truth crashed down on Vivienne. Who else could have engineered those turnarounds but Isabella Montgomery?
The so-called expert her grandfather revered was that woman all along!