Chapter 824
No.1
A stunned silence fell over the room. No one had expected such a blunt, brutal rejection from the woman once known for her hopeless devotion.
Penelope Sinclair, whose daughter was still confined because of Isabella, seized the moment to sneer. “Of course. Our Isabella is the Diamond Boss now, swimming in assets. Why would she settle? She certainly has the attitude to match now.”
“Attitude?” Isabella’s retort was sharp and immediate. “Victoria wronged me repeatedly. I possessed evidence I could have handed to the police and the media. I showed restraint.” She let that hang in the air before continuing, her tone shifting to one of mock concern. “My refusal has nothing to do with Alexander himself. It’s out of consideration for Victoria. She is, after all, still my sister. How would it look if I took her discarded fiancé? What would that do to her?”
“Victoria stayed with you for five entire years. She gave you her most precious youth. Just because she made one terrible mistake, you want to come back to me? How do you think that makes her feel?” Isabella spoke with convincing emotion, every word dripping with feigned sincerity.
‘Hypocrisy is a language Victoria understands well. Now that her reputation is in ruins, it’s time to strip her of everything she has left,’ Isabella thought coldly.
As anticipated, the expressions of William, Frederick, and Eleanor shifted instantly. They had always viewed Isabella as ruthless and unfeeling. They never imagined she possessed such empathy.
Alexander grew visibly irritated. How could she twist his intentions like this? He couldn’t tolerate her narrative.
“I already discussed this with Victoria. She said herself she wants us to be happy. We had a history long before her, so she understands. I know you kept our engagement ring. You never returned it, even after you came back. You must still cherish what we had, don’t you?”
“The ring? I’d forgotten all about it until you mentioned it. I tossed it into a garbage bin somewhere in Africa. If you need it for another proposal, I can send people to look for it,” Isabella replied dismissively. “I’ll ensure you and Victoria can be together properly.”
No.2
Her tone then sharpened into a warning. “Even if Victoria tells you she understands, it doesn’t mean she isn’t hurting inside. She’s always been kind and self-sacrificing, bearing her pain alone. Her willingness to let you go only confirms my decision. I will never be with you again.”
Alexander was rendered speechless. How did she always manage to turn the situation around so effortlessly?
Eleanor felt a pang of sympathy. She never thought Isabella could be so considerate. Even Frederick sided with Isabella for once. He turned to Alexander. “Victoria hasn’t been herself lately. How would she feel about you abandoning her for Isabella?”
“Alexander, you’ve been with Victoria for five years. Since Isabella clearly has no feelings for you, you should make your choice clear and treat Victoria better. If you hurt her, I will not forgive you.”
With the momentum against him, Alexander had no choice. “Of course,” he conceded.
He still had time to execute his plan.
After lunch, Isabella had other matters to attend to. She bid the family farewell and left the manor.
Alexander quickly followed her. He caught up and grabbed her arm. “Isabella, we’re alone now. You can drop the act. Have you considered what I said? Do you truly believe Nathaniel is in love with you?”
“Huh? Is there a dog barking? I hear incessant yapping. It’s so annoying!” Isabella sneered, pulling her arm from his grasp. She walked away without looking back.
No.3
Alexander’s face darkened. He glared at her retreating figure, his fists clenched tightly.
‘Isabella, you leave me no choice...!’ he seethed silently.
Isabella walked out through the main gates toward the road. She was about to call for a taxi when she noticed a sleek black car parked nearby. Wasn't that Nathaniel’s car? Why was he still here? Frowning, she began walking toward it.
Isabella approached the vehicle, her steps slowing as she took in the scene. Nathaniel sat motionless in the driver's seat, eyes closed, while Oliver slept soundly in the back. Dappled sunlight filtered through the canopy above, casting shifting patterns across Nathaniel's sharp features. The crisp white shirt he wore seemed to glow under the golden light, enhancing his aristocratic bearing.
An unexpected warmth bloomed in her chest. How long had they been waiting? Her meeting had lasted nearly four hours. "Nathaniel?" she called softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
His eyes opened instantly, dark and alert. Recognizing her, he straightened in his seat. "Finished?"
She nodded, studying him closely. "You waited here the whole time? Without eating?"
"Oliver insisted on staying. My schedule was clear today anyway." His tone was casual, dismissive. He moved to exit the car, but as his feet touched the pavement, his legs buckled. He stumbled forward, catching himself against her.
Isabella reacted instinctively, her hands flying to his waist to steady him. For a moment they stood frozen, her cheek pressed against the solid wall of his chest, his body leaning into hers. The scent of his cologne filled her senses—clean and masculine.
No.4
Two heartbeats passed before she regained her composure, pushing him upright. "What's wrong?"
"Pins and needles." His voice was tight, his expression carefully neutral. "From sitting too long."
She opened the rear door without hesitation. "Get in the back with Oliver. I'll drive."
Nathaniel stared at her, surprised by the command. When he didn't move, she added firmly, "I'm not letting someone with numb legs drive. It's a safety issue—for all of us."
Reluctantly, he slid into the backseat, settling Oliver's sleeping form across his lap. This was a first—being chauffeured by a woman. But Isabella handled the vehicle with confident precision, her movements smooth and controlled. She drove with unusual care, clearly mindful of her sleeping passenger.
Nathaniel found himself watching her—the way her hands rested lightly on the wheel, the focused set of her shoulders. An unfamiliar sense of peace settled over him.
Instead of heading directly to the Montgomery estate, she pulled into an upscale restaurant parking lot. Isabella emerged from the driver's seat and opened their door. "Let's eat."
Nathaniel hadn't expected such consideration. He gathered Oliver in his arms just as the boy stirred awake. Bleary eyes focused on Isabella, and immediately brightened. "Mommy! Mommy!" Oliver reached for her, his small arms waving excitedly.
Isabella took him, gently pinching his cheek. "You're awake now? Why did you wait for me outside? Next time, wait at home, promise?"
No.5
Oliver blinked, then glanced at Nathaniel. "Well...I wanted to go home, but Daddy said—"
A sharp cough from Nathaniel cut him off. "Are you hungry, Oliver?"
The boy's eyes lit up with understanding. "Oh! Right! I begged Daddy to wait! I was scared you'd forget about me." He beamed at Nathaniel before turning back to Isabella. "Yes, I'm starving! Let's eat, Mommy!"
Isabella's lips curved into a faint smile. She'd play along with their little charade—for now. Cradling Oliver in her arms, she led the way into the restaurant.
Nathaniel exhaled softly in relief. ‘Thank goodness. Dad made me promise to protect his image in front of Isabella. If she finds out he was waiting outside like a lovesick fool, it would ruin everything.’
The restaurant was one of Westchester’s most exclusive establishments, renowned for its impeccable privacy and discreet service. Its staff were accustomed to hosting high-profile celebrities and dignitaries, so the appearance of Nathaniel Blackwood and Isabella Montgomery caused no visible stir. The doorman greeted them with practiced calm.
“Good evening.”
The manager recognized Nathaniel immediately and glided forward. “Mr. Blackwood, your usual room is ready.”
Nathaniel maintained a permanent private dining suite here. It remained reserved for him, regardless of whether he had a reservation.
No.6
Once they were seated in the elegant, soundproofed room, Nathaniel turned his gaze to Isabella. His voice was infused with a soft, almost tender warmth. “What would you like to order?”
The manager nearly faltered, stunned by the unfamiliar gentleness in Nathaniel’s tone. Nathaniel Blackwood never brought women here. Seeing him with Isabella Montgomery was a revelation.
Isabella settled Oliver into his chair. “I’ve already eaten. Just order for yourself and Oliver.” She handed the menu to the boy. “What would you like, sweetheart?”
“Hmm…” Oliver pondered, tapping his chin dramatically before brightening. “The pork chop! And the crispy chicken wings! And the special family platter!”
“Excellent choices,” the manager said, inputting the order onto his tablet.
Nathaniel added one more savory dish and then swiped to the dessert menu. “We’ll also have the signature chocolate fondant cake.”
“Right away, sir,” the manager replied, bowing slightly before exiting to place their order.
Isabella raised a skeptical eyebrow at Nathaniel. “Since when do you have a sweet tooth? I thought that was more of a… feminine preference.”
Nathaniel’s eyes held hers. “It’s for you. I thought you might want something to enjoy while we eat.”
No.7
Her heart gave a traitorous, frantic leap against her ribs. Why did he have to be so perceptive? So damn considerate?
“I need to use the restroom. Watch Oliver for me.”
Nathaniel gave a single nod. “Of course. Be careful.”
Isabella stood and left the room, her mind a whirlwind of conflicted emotions. In just two days, the dynamic between them had shifted into something dangerously intimate. If this continued, she was terrified she’d fall for him completely, irrevocably.
Inside the restroom’s opulent silence, she braced her hands on the cool marble vanity and stared at her reflection. ‘Isabella Montgomery, get a grip! You cannot fall for Nathaniel Blackwood! You’re leaving in six months. This can’t happen… it just can’t!’
The restroom door swung open, breaking her reverie.
A woman walked in. It was Genevieve Beaumont.
Recognition flashed in Genevieve’s eyes, followed by a calculated gleam. “Isabella?” she exclaimed, her voice dripping with false warmth.
After the recent scandal, Genevieve had made herself scarce. She couldn’t risk anyone discovering she was the one who leaked the video to Isadora. She knew Isabella was a formidable force, an enemy she couldn’t afford to make. For days, she’d tried every channel to contact Isabella, all failing. Running into her here was an unbelievable stroke of luck.