Chapter 73

No.1

Victoria's past, hypocritical defenses of Isabella resurfaced online. Her disingenuous nature was exposed.

Isabella had won decisively.

Yet, she found herself speeding aimlessly on her Kawasaki. Her mind was consumed by Eleanor Kensington's words.

Isabella was accustomed to familial neglect. But watching her adoptive mother unconditionally defend Victoria was a fresh wound.

No one had ever shielded Isabella like that.

Hard work never earned her such fierce, blind loyalty.

She pulled over near the coast. The sea breeze whipped against her skin.

The sun was brutal. The wind felt cold and harsh.

Suddenly, an umbrella appeared, blocking the glaring light.

She turned. Nathaniel Blackwood stood beside her.

No.2

He towered over her, his shoulders broad and imposing.

From her low angle, his features were devastatingly sharp. His presence was magnetic.

His beauty remained a potent force, capable of stealing breath.

She looked back at the ocean. Her voice was flat, devoid of emotion. "Why are you here?"

The vulnerable woman from moments ago was gone. Nathaniel's expression was serious. "Ms. Montgomery, you promised to visit the Blackwood estate to see Christopher. Are you reneging?"

She remembered. She hadn't expected him to retrieve her personally.

She was free today.

"Don't worry. I keep my promises. Let's go."

She compartmentalized her pain. The helmet went on. She mounted the bike.

Nathaniel wanted to stop her. He knew better. He opted to follow in his car instead.

No.3

A woman on a powerful motorcycle drew attention. Especially one in light-colored gear.

A pack of street racers noticed her. They whistled, swerving to ride alongside her.

Nathaniel reacted instantly. His luxury car shot forward, cutting off the racers.

He accelerated. A subordinate grabbed his arm in panic. "Stop! Look at the license plate!"

The racer paled. The plate was unmistakable.

Mr. Blackwood. The man who owned Shelburne.

The racer swerved violently, fleeing the scene. His gang scattered behind him.

Isabella watched everything unfold through her rearview mirror. Something stirred deep within her heart.

This was what it felt like to be truly protected.

The convoy reached The Palace Heart approximately thirty minutes later.

No.4

The Palace Heart was an exclusive gated community of luxury villas. Each villa spanned nineteen floors, featuring sprawling pastures, Olympic-sized swimming pools, private golf courses, and meticulously curated man-made gardens. The price tag for a single villa hovered around ten digits.

Only the elite could afford such opulence.

Following Nathaniel's lead, Isabella parked her Kawasaki outside Villa No. 9.

Two neat rows of servants stood waiting at the grand entrance. They bowed in perfect unison, their voices respectful and synchronized. "Good evening, Mr. Blackwood. Good evening, Ms. Montgomery."

Their deference was reminiscent of courtiers greeting royalty.

The scene was familiar to Isabella. She paid it little mind, walking alongside Nathaniel into the villa.

Servants pushed the heavy, ornate doors open for them. A breathtakingly magnificent hall was revealed.

The entire space was lavishly adorned with countless pink roses. The villa appeared to be completely overtaken by a sea of blossoms. Helium balloons floated gracefully near the vaulted ceilings. It felt like stepping into a dreamlike fairy tale.

Isabella was momentarily stunned by the elaborate decor.

"Please, Ms. Montgomery," Nathaniel said respectfully.

No.5

He had been leading but suddenly shifted to walk behind her. Isabella had no choice but to step forward.

Just as they reached the center of the hall, a loud pop! echoed. A massive balloon above their heads burst, showering them with a cascade of delicate flower petals.

Oliver emerged from a nearby floral arrangement, his face beaming with joy. "Mommy! Happy Independence Day!"

His childish voice rang out clearly as he pulled the string on a confetti popper he held.

A shower of colorful ribbons and gold foil flakes rained down upon Isabella.

Standing there, enveloped in the celebration, she felt a surreal grandeur, almost like a wedding ceremony.

She had never experienced such thoughtful treatment since childhood...

Oliver rushed forward, grabbing Isabella's hand. "Mommy, I want a hug! I missed you so, so much!"

"It's only been a few days," Isabella smiled warmly. She bent down and scooped the chubby boy into her arms.

For some inexplicable reason, even though he wasn't her biological child, holding him filled her with a profound sense of maternal love and fulfillment.

No.6

Oliver melted into her embrace, wrapping his small arms tightly around her neck. "I miss you every second we're apart! I never want to be separated from you! Never, ever!"

Forever…

The word caused Isabella's gaze to darken instantly.

Could there ever be a 'forever' with Nathaniel and Oliver?

Probably not. Their fate had been sealed by that incident five years ago...

Noticing her shift in mood, Nathaniel swiftly changed the subject. "Momo, where is the gift you prepared for Mommy?"

"Oh! Right! Here it is!"

Oliver wriggled out of Isabella's arms and darted back to the flower arrangement. He retrieved a pristine white gift box and presented it to her.

"Mommy, this is for you. I spent three whole days and nights designing it. I had people make it special, just in time. I really hope you like it."

A gift? Custom-made for her?

No.7

Isabella had thought the stunning decorations were gift enough. Deeply touched, she accepted the box and carefully opened it.

Dozens of vibrant butterflies instantly fluttered out, creating a magical, dreamlike spectacle. And inside the box, revealed amongst the soft lining, was...

Isabella had expected something cute from Oliver.

A dress was the last thing she anticipated.