Chapter 680
No.1
Perfect. He had offended Benjamin and nearly caused his boss to eject his own family.
“I’ll do them right away, sir!” Flustered, he hurried out with the two bodyguards.
Benjamin frowned. What was Nathaniel playing at? One moment he nearly had him thrown out, the next he dismissed his guards?
But Nathaniel was the most powerful man in Westchester. Fearful of crossing him, Benjamin kept his mouth shut.
Nathaniel acted as if nothing had happened. He removed his suit jacket and hung it on the coat stand. Then he walked over and settled into the sofa. “What are you doing here?”
His tone was neutral, devoid of its earlier edge.
“I’m staying with my sister for three days.”
Three days?
Nathaniel’s brow furrowed slightly. The air around him grew heavier. His dark eyes revealed nothing—no emotion, no thought.
Benjamin felt the pressure intensify. It was as if the oxygen had been sucked out of the room.
Just when he thought Nathaniel was about to kick him out, Nathaniel spoke again. “Do you need anything? Toiletries? Clothes?”
Benjamin was speechless. Was he hearing things? What kind of question was that?
Nathaniel’s gaze remained fixed on Benjamin before he retrieved his phone to call Dominic.
“Prepare a set of daily essentials for Mr. Kensington.”
No.2
Dominic, who had been bracing for punishment, accepted the new assignment without hesitation.
“Right away, sir!”
Benjamin snapped out of his daze.
Was Nathaniel Blackwood actually arranging personal supplies for him?
The untouchable head of the Blackwood family was showing him consideration?
Nathaniel rose to his feet.
“No need to be tense. I’m your brother-in-law.”
His voice was low and textured, carrying an air of effortless sophistication.
Then he turned and headed upstairs.
Benjamin stared after him, completely stunned.
Brother-in-law…?
Did Nathaniel just say that—so openly, so casually?
Upstairs, Isabella was with Oliver in his room, speaking softly.
“Don’t let Benjamin upset you, sweetheart. He’s just stubborn and set in his ways.
No.3
How about some exercise? Or we can play with your new toys.”
As long as his immunity strengthened, Oliver’s recovery would accelerate.
Oliver nodded obediently.
“Okay! A big person doesn’t fight with a small one.
I’m a grown-up five-year-old, after all!”
Just then, Nathaniel walked in.
His eyes immediately landed on Maxwell, who stood near Isabella.
Maxwell had striking silver hair and was dressed in sharp black tactical wear—like a special ops agent.
He looked familiar; Nathaniel was sure he’d seen him at an international security conference before.
What was he doing here, so close to Isabella?
Under Nathaniel’s intense scrutiny, Maxwell nearly flinched.
He’d faced combat zones and high-stakes negotiations, but Nathaniel’s gaze—authoritative and faintly possessive—was unnerving.
“Mission complete, Ms. Montgomery,” Maxwell said quickly.
“I’ll take my leave.”
No.4
He exited the manor almost at a sprint.
Isabella didn’t stop him.
She turned warily to Nathaniel.
“Weren’t you at the corporate gala? Why are you back so early?”
“It was tedious,” Nathaniel replied dismissively.
Noticing the safety harness Isabella had ready, he added,
“You two carry on. I’ll handle lunch.”
“Alright.”
Lately, Nathaniel had taken over most meal preparations.
They were premium pre-made dishes, designed to be heated precisely—each labeled with exact microwave timings by world-class chefs.
The results were consistently flawless.
Isabella helped Oliver with his rock wall and pull-up bar exercises.
Downstairs, Benjamin remained frozen on the sofa, struggling to process the situation.
Then he watched Nathaniel enter the kitchen and tie on a black apron.
No.5
Benjamin frowned. What was happening?
Nathaniel unwrapped the gourmet packages, placed them in the microwave, and set the timer.
He retrieved plates from the sterilizing cabinet—first three, then, noticing Benjamin in the living room, a fourth.
Benjamin stared, disbelieving.
Was he hallucinating?
Nathaniel Blackwood—ruthless, formidable, a titan of industry—was in the kitchen preparing a meal?
He lived with Isabella… Wasn’t she supposed to be the subordinate? The dependent?
Why was he the one cooking?
With innate elegance, Nathaniel set the table with plates and cutlery, then arranged the dishes.
Every movement was fluid and precise, like a scene from a classic romance film.
Thirty minutes later, four exquisite dishes graced the table.
Nathaniel removed his apron and looked toward Benjamin.
“Go inform your sister and your nephew it’s time to eat.”
Benjamin stiffened.
No.6
Nephew…
The young master of Westchester—his nephew?
And he was really about to share a meal with Nathaniel Blackwood?
The idea made Benjamin's blood run cold. But Nathaniel had already given the order. Benjamin had no choice but to call them down.
Isabella was training on the pull-up bar with Oliver. Their movements looked professional and impressive—an adult and child effortlessly performing chin-ups.
The scene felt warm and domestic, like a real family enjoying time together.
Benjamin shook off the thought and called out flatly, "Lunch is ready."
Isabella landed gracefully before lifting Oliver down from the bar. "Remember to stretch after exercising," she instructed. "Just like Mommy is doing."
She clasped her hands above her head and bent side to side, stretching her arm muscles. Oliver mimicked her movements, his small limbs making him look utterly adorable. After finishing their leg stretches, Isabella took Oliver's hand and they walked downstairs together.
Four different dishes sat in the center of the table, with empty plates set before each seat.
Nathaniel sat at the head of the table, placing his napkin on his lap with his usual elegance. Benjamin observed everything as he descended the stairs. It suddenly struck him why Isabella would agree to be Nathaniel's secret lover. The man was perfection personified, and every movement captivated those around him.
The rectangular dining table perfectly accommodated four people. Benjamin lacked the courage to sit beside Nathaniel, quickly taking the seat farthest from him.
Oliver immediately protested. "That's my spot! I want to sit next to Mommy!"
"Christopher, he's your uncle. Show some respect. Come here," Nathaniel warned sternly.
No.7
Oliver pouted as he trudged to Nathaniel's side, his little face clouded with displeasure.
Isabella smiled helplessly and took the seat opposite Nathaniel. She gave Oliver a chicken wing. "Be good, sweetheart. You can still see your beautiful Mommy right across from you."
"Oh yeah! I can't let anyone else have the best view! Hmph!" Oliver pouted and glared at Benjamin, his expression both arrogant and adorably childish.
Benjamin felt utterly speechless.
The young master clearly viewed him with hostility, though he'd done nothing wrong. He lowered his head and began eating quietly.
Nathaniel placed a slice of fish on Isabella's plate. "You're too thin. Eat more."
"Okay." Isabella accepted without hesitation.
This surprised Benjamin. A serving spoon lay on the table, yet Nathaniel used his own fork to serve Isabella.
Moreover, Isabella didn't seem to mind at all!
Benjamin remained the only one using the serving spoon. He knew how much the upper class valued table etiquette. Even when dining with the Montgomery family, they always used serving utensils.
What more the Blackwoods?
When had these two become so intimate?
Just then, knocks sounded at the door.
Isabella frowned. Who would visit at this hour? She rose to answer it, finding Dominic standing outside with several other men. Each held boxes filled with various items.