Chapter 790
No.1
Sebastian offered feeble consolation. “However, I can confirm they are not romantically involved.”
“Ah. But that describes the present, not the future, correct?”
A corrosive wave of envy washed over him, witnessing her easy, comfortable dynamic with another man.
Nathaniel would need to work much harder.
Meanwhile, Julian drove his sleek sports car toward Moon Studio.
Moon Studio was the most exclusive photography destination in Westchester, reserved for A-list celebrities and major international productions.
They were greeted immediately by Cassandra, the studio's formidable manager.
“Julian! So good to see you,” Cassandra beamed, her eyes already assessing Isabella.
“We need to use your space for a quick shoot. Hope it's not an inconvenience,” Julian said smoothly.
“None at all. Everything is at your disposal.” Cassandra’s gaze swept over Isabella with professional curiosity.
No.2
Julian led Isabella to the extensive wardrobe department.
She selected a simple avocado green dress and pulled her hair into a severe ponytail.
“I’m ready,” Isabella stated.
“No makeup? No stylist?” Julian asked, perplexed.
“No. Make me look completely average,” she instructed firmly, moving toward the plain white backdrop.
The backdrop was intentionally bland, almost clinical.
Julian couldn't comprehend her strategy. Most clients demanded glamour and perfection.
Victoria’s photos were always stunningly polished. Wasn't Isabella trying to compete?
“Is this some kind of reverse psychology move?”
“Do I look like I’m playing games?” Isabella retorted with a sharp glance.
No.3
“Just shoot it. Post them with minimal editing. You’ll understand in three days,” she added cryptically.
He knew better than to press her further. Isabella always had her reasons.
During the session, Isabella adopted deliberately casual poses.
She sat on the floor, feigned bored yawns, rested her chin on her hand.
Without makeup, her features looked ordinary. The unflattering dress made her blend into the background.
“Seriously, Isabella. You want these published?” Julian finally voiced his concern.
“Yes. Immediately. And remember, only basic edits.” She emphasized her point with a firm tap on his shoulder.
The exhausting session drained her. She hadn't pulled an all-nighter like this in ages.
Yawning repeatedly, she stepped out of the studio.
Suddenly, a black sports car screeched to a halt beside her.
No.4
The passenger door swung open, revealing a familiar muscular frame.
“What are you doing here?” Isabella asked, genuinely surprised.
Nathaniel moved closer. “I was in the neighborhood. Let me give you a ride. It’s on my way,” he offered, his voice warm and inviting as he held the car door open.
Isabella’s brow furrowed. “Aren’t you staying at The Royal Crest? I live at Rosewood Manor. That’s in the opposite direction. How is that on your way?”
A playful smirk touched his lips. “You know where I live. Seems like you’ve been keeping tabs on me.”
She scoffed, rolling her eyes. “You’re Westchester’s most eligible bachelor. Everyone knows you live in that gated fortress. Gossip follows you everywhere.”
Nathaniel’s expression sobered. He needed to be more careful about his reputation. He didn’t want her hearing anything that might push her away.
“I’m heading that direction anyway,” he insisted smoothly. “Besides, you made a promise to Christopher this afternoon. That makes us friends, doesn’t it?” He gave a slight, gentlemanly bow and gestured for her to enter the vehicle.
She hesitated, knowing she had arrived in Dominic’s Ferrari. He was likely still with Cassandra. Reluctantly, she slid into the passenger seat. A wave of satisfaction washed over Nathaniel.
The city streets were quiet, bathed in the soft glow of amber streetlights under a blanket of stars.
No.5
As they drove toward Rosewood Manor, Nathaniel’s gaze kept drifting to Isabella. The silvery moonlight caught the delicate necklace resting against her collarbones. He was surprised she still wore it. A part of him had expected her to remove it.
He wanted to talk to her, but noticed her eyes were closed. She was already asleep.
Curled on her side, she looked small and vulnerable. Her defensive daytime demeanor was gone, revealing a hidden fragility.
A pang of protectiveness shot through him. Gently, he reclined her seat so she could rest more comfortably.
He slowed the car, aiming for a smoother ride. The usual thirty-minute journey stretched to a full hour.
The car came to a stop in the underground garage of Rosewood Manor.
He cut the engine and decided not to wake her. He reached for a blanket in the back.
The moment the soft fabric touched her, Isabella jolted awake. Her eyes flashed with instant alertness. Her hand shot out, gripping his wrist with surprising strength. Her fingers were slender, yet firm.
“It’s just me,” Nathaniel said, his voice calm.
Recognition replaced the cold vigilance in her eyes, though her expression remained distant.
No.6
“Thanks for the ride.” She pushed the blanket aside and sat up.
“Aren’t you going to invite me in for…” The car door slammed shut, cutting off his sentence. Isabella was already walking away without a backward glance.
Nathaniel felt no urgency. His entire future stretched before him.
Isabella was utterly exhausted. She collapsed into bed the moment she reached home.
Her day had been relentless. A magazine shoot occupied her morning. The afternoon brought an amusement park visit.
Evening was spent establishing GoldenPhoenix Entertainment. An unexpected photoshoot capped the night.
Such a grueling schedule left her completely drained.
She switched her phone to airplane mode. Sleep claimed her instantly.
While Isabella slept deeply, Julian was tearing his hair out.
He had posted the lightly retouched photos per her instructions. The comments section erupted with criticism.
No.7
Her most devoted fans offered no support.
[Ms. Montgomery, I truly admire you. But these photos are painfully average. I can't defend them.]
[The plain white background might symbolize purity, I suppose?]
This remark silenced further discussion.