Chapter 856
No.1
“Open it.” His voice was deep and pleasing.
She eyed the large matte black box, frowning in curiosity. She reached for it instinctively. Lifting the lid, her pupils dilated in shock.
Inside lay the gown designed by Mr. Ashford! The red dress contrasted exquisitely against the black box. Even folded, the phoenix embroidery was vibrant. The entire phoenix was stitched with pure gold thread, glowing as if alive. This was a masterpiece born from a lifetime of dedication. One glance conveyed its spirit and story.
Nathaniel’s brows furrowed in astonishment. Why did Alexander have this gown? Was he the one who bought it from Mr. Ashford for ten billion?
“That’s right. If you see anything you like soon, tell me immediately,” Nathaniel’s voice was deep and magnetic.
Isabella’s heart fluttered traitorously. He spent ten billion…just because she admired a gown?
She studied his face. “Why are you so generous to me?”
They owed each other nothing. Their relationship was contractual, temporary. She had been clear—she would leave in two months.
Nathaniel’s gaze held a knowing glint. “Are you certain you wish to know the reason?”
No.2
That tone. That suggestive depth.
“Never mind,” Isabella cut in quickly. “I…I should go check on Oliver. Thank you.”
She clutched the elegant box and hurried away.
If she had let him answer, he would have confessed again. Admitted his feelings. Repeated rejections would wound his pride. Better to escape.
Yet, as she carried the precious box containing the item she desired, an unfamiliar warmth spread through her. A quiet joy. Her lips curved into a soft smile without her realizing.
She didn’t notice how much she resembled a smitten young girl.
Only when she passed the full-length mirror in her room did she freeze. The reflection showed a radiant, happy woman. Was that truly her?
Since when had she become this person? And because of Nathaniel Blackwood, of all people. The untouchable, powerful Nathaniel.
Who was he? The undisputed king of Westchester. The formidable head of the Blackwood empire.
No.3
Her own wealth paled in comparison. She possessed barely a fraction of his assets.
What if he discovered the truth about her past? The events five years ago? Would his kindness remain? Would he still look at her with that intensity?
She stared at the large box in her hands. After a long moment, she pulled out her phone and texted her private banker.
(Transfer ten billion to Nathaniel Blackwood’s account.)
(Ten billion?) came the shocked reply.
[Yes. Immediately.)
She didn’t know what came over her earlier. But now, clarity returned. Who was she to accept such an extravagant gift? She was leaving soon. It was better to owe him nothing.
Nathaniel was feeling pleased with himself until his phone buzzed with an alert.
(Your account ending XXX received 1,000,000,000…)
No.4
He frowned. Ten billion. From Isabella? She seemed fine moments ago. Why would she…?
His expression darkened.
Night fell. Oliver came to her, his small face pale. “Mommy, my head feels dizzy tonight.”
“Dizzy? I’ll take you to the hospital.” She reached for his hand, ready to leave.
“No, it’s okay,” Oliver shook his head. “It happens sometimes. Especially…a few hours before…”
His voice trailed off. Isabella’s stomach clenched. Did that mean a seizure was coming?
Nathaniel approached, his presence calming. “Don’t worry. I’ll stay with you tonight.”
“Yay!” Oliver perked up instantly. He tugged Isabella’s hand toward the bedroom, then looked back at his father. “I’m sleeping with Mommy tonight. You can watch over us from the chair.”
The chair? Watch over? Isabella’s senses went on alert. Something was definitely brewing.
No.5
Nathaniel stood rigid. “I’ll take the sofa.”
Oliver’s sobs began to shake the room. “No… no! I want Daddy to stay. I’m scared!”
Isabella pulled the trembling boy into her arms. “It’s alright, sweetheart. Mommy’s here. Daddy can watch over you from the sofa.”
“But Ethan told me he sleeps between his parents! They hold his hands and hug him all night!” Oliver’s tears soaked through Isabella’s sleeve. “Everyone laughed at me because I’ve never done that!”
His small body convulsed with each ragged breath. Isabella’s heart clenched. She’d give anything to stop his tears.
Still… sharing a bed with Nathaniel?
She attempted reason. “Oliver, research shows sleeping between adults isn’t healthy. The carbon dioxide—”
“I don’t care!” he wailed. “I’ve waited five years for this! It’s all I want!”
His crying intensified. Small shoulders shook with violent tremors. A seizure seemed imminent.
No.6
Nathaniel strode forward, his expression dark. “Oliver Blackwood. Stop this behavior.” He retrieved a wooden ruler from the drawer. “Go to sleep. Now.”
The ruler struck Oliver’s bottom with a sharp crack.
The boy jolted, crying harder. “Why are you mad? I just want what other children have!”
He choked between sobs, gasping for air. Isabella panicked. She couldn’t risk another medical episode.
She pulled him close, shooting Nathaniel a sharp look. “He’s sleeping with us tonight.”
Nathaniel’s brow furrowed. “That’s not appropriate—”
“Since when are you so proper? Get on the bed.” Her tone brooked no argument.
After a tense pause, Nathaniel relented. “Fine.”
He moved to the far side of the bed. Isabella settled Oliver between them, stroking his back. “No more tears, my brave boy. Mommy and Daddy are here. You need to stay healthy for us, alright?”
No.7
Oliver’s tears vanished. A radiant smile spread across his face as he snuggled against her.
The three of them lay in uneasy proximity. Thankfully, Oliver served as a barrier. His well-being outweighed her discomfort.
Isabella wasn’t bound by convention. Her son’s peace mattered most.
She switched off the lights. Moonlight spilled through the window, softening the room’s edges.
Oliver’s breathing soon steadied into sleep’s gentle rhythm. Nathaniel watched Isabella through the silver light, a faint smile touching his lips before he closed his eyes.
Isabella’s eyes snapped open in the darkness.
What had she just agreed to?
They lay together like a proper family. The intimacy of it unnerved her.
She had made the firm decision to pull away from Nathaniel just this afternoon too.