Chapter 908
No.1
Had Nathaniel been hiding the truth from her?
The way Lawrence spoke suggested Christopher’s birth was shrouded in secrets.
“That surrogate story was just a cover fabricated by the Blackwoods,” Alistair explained. “Five years ago, an unknown force orchestrated Nathaniel’s encounter with a mysterious woman. That same winter, Christopher was delivered to the hospital where Sebastian was being treated. The timing was too perfect to be coincidence. But what does it matter if the child was given to the Blackwoods? The mother could have been anyone. A family of their status would never accept her.”
“Nathaniel’s parents assumed Christopher’s mother was some common woman. Perhaps a prostitute or a gold digger trying to trap their son. That’s why they resented the boy. They refused to acknowledge him as family.”
Everything suddenly made sense to Isabella. Now she understood why Nathaniel always hesitated and avoided eye contact whenever she asked about Christopher’s mother. He had been keeping secrets. No wonder the Blackwoods treated Christopher with such contempt and rejection.
Was this the real reason behind everything?
“A man as powerful as Nathaniel was set up?” Isabella’s voice held disbelief.
“Exactly! This is why William is the better choice! He’s a good man who has always been faithful to you!” Reginald insisted enthusiastically.
Silas nodded in agreement, immediately switching to matchmaker mode. “He’s right! Men like William are rare treasures these days! You won’t find another even if you search with a spotlight! Isabella, you must choose carefully!”
No.2
“What choice is there? It has to be William! Nathaniel’s family is too complicated, and there’s some mysterious force involved! Too dangerous!” Lawrence declared, slamming his hand on the table for emphasis.
Among the four elders, Alistair remained silent, watching Isabella intently. He trusted that a smart woman like her would make the right decision.
However…
A beautiful smile curved Isabella’s lips. “Exactly! William is too good for me. I would only end up hurting him. Someone like me belongs with a man like Nathaniel.”
Her smile widened as she spoke Nathaniel’s name. A deep sense of relief shone in her eyes.
The four elderly men stared at her in stunned silence. Had they heard correctly? Did she just choose Nathaniel?
“Isabella, are you feeling unwell?” Lawrence reached out to check her forehead.
Given her ruthless reputation in the gaming world, how could Isabella accept a man who had slept with another woman? They knew her carefree nature well—she had always prioritized her freedom above all else. She wanted to live without constraints after achieving her revenge. Choosing Nathaniel would mean stepping into endless complications!
“I’m perfectly fine! My mind has never been clearer!” Isabella argued. “I was hesitant before because I didn’t want to hurt Nathaniel. But now I know he was set up, just like I was forced into that situation with another man. We’re perfectly matched, don’t you think?”
No.3
The four men recoiled in shock.
“Isabella! What kind of logic is that?!”
“How can you call this a perfect match? This is like a blind cat stumbling upon a dead mouse!”
“If you choose Nathaniel, you’ll be dragged into his family’s mess! Do you really have time for that drama?”
“And what about this mysterious force? Nathaniel has been searching for answers for five years with no success. No one knows their motives. You could get hurt!”
“Visible threats are manageable. Hidden enemies are the real danger. You cannot take this gamble! Don’t act recklessly!”
The four elderly men attempted to dissuade Isabella from her chosen path.
Isabella remained resolute, offering only a faint smile. “I appreciate your concern. But I am not foolish. I can protect myself. And if I cannot, I have all of you. I also have Maxwell and his team.”
Her words made her choice clear. She had chosen Nathaniel.
No.4
“Isabella Montgomery!” Uncle Silas used her full name, his tone grave.
“Enough,” Isabella interjected calmly. “I understand the risks. It’s very late. I am only twenty-three. Marriage is not a consideration for at least another seven years. You should all rest. Guest rooms are prepared upstairs.”
“Isabella, this conversation is not over—” Uncle Lawrence tried to persist.
Isabella glanced at the clock. “It’s one in the morning. How can I face Takashi Yamamoto later without proper rest? If I lose because I’m tired, I will never forgive myself. I won’t be able to focus on the Go match. My research will suffer…”
“Alright, alright! We’ll stop. Go to sleep. This can wait.”
“Please reconsider this relationship. Think very carefully.”
“Go on. Goodnight.”
The four men stood and hurried from the study, each retiring to a guest room.
Isabella smiled faintly at their retreating backs. She wished she had used that excuse sooner. It would have saved her from their lengthy lecture.
No.5
She returned to her bedroom and lay down. A cool sensation touched her neck.
Her fingers found the necklace Nathaniel had given her. She recalled trying to remove it initially. Over time, she had forgotten it was there, wearing it almost unconsciously now…
She had been hesitant about Nathaniel. But her uncles’ revelations changed everything. It explained his strange behavior whenever Oliver’s mother was mentioned. A powerful man like him, taken advantage of by a woman? Of course he would be embarrassed.
Knowing Nathaniel had also been violated made her feel they were equals. There was nothing left to fret over.
She and Nathaniel were the same.
This thought brought a smile to her lips as her eyes closed.
Isabella enjoyed the most restful sleep she had experienced in a very long time.
Morning arrived. Her phone rang on the nightstand. It was a video call from Oliver.
Isabella sat up and answered. Oliver’s adorable, round face filled the screen. He waved excitedly. “Mommy! Mommy! I saw the news! That’s you, right?”
No.6
“Hmm? What news?” Isabella was confused.
Oliver continued, his eyes wide. “Eternal Champions! Someone deposited a billion dollars to challenge Takashi Yamamoto! Everyone is guessing who it is. Daddy and I both knew it had to be you! It is you, isn’t it?” He blinked his adorable doe eyes, looking like a curious little teddy bear.
Isabella frowned. The news spread that fast? Should she tell Oliver? If she told him…
Isabella hesitated to share her gaming pursuits with Oliver. He was still so young. Exposing him to that world felt irresponsible.
She had raised him as her own. Protecting his innocence remained her priority.
Nathaniel’s voice resonated through the phone, deep and assured. “Oliver was last year’s top player in Eternal Champions.”
Isabella froze. “Seriously?”
She knew Oliver was brilliant. But Eternal Champions was intensely complex. Fewer than two hundred players worldwide ever achieved that rank.
Oliver nodded eagerly, his small face bobbing like a little bird’s. “Yes! I’m really good, Mommy! But it got boring. No one could beat me. I quit almost a year ago.”
No.7
No one could beat him.
Boring.
Isabella nearly choked. This child!
“That’s amazing! You’re absolutely my brilliant boy!”
She praised him, her fingers itching to pinch his adorable cheeks through the screen.
She decided honesty was best. “It’s true, sweetheart. Mommy did challenge Takashi Yamamoto. I want to make Westchester proud. But this is our secret. You can’t tell anyone.”
The people from Westhaven were notoriously ruthless, especially Takashi. If they discovered her identity, her life would be in danger. She was already entangled in the events from five years ago and Victoria’s vendetta. More trouble was the last thing she needed.
“Yes, Mommy! Oliver and Daddy will keep your secret!” He gave a playful salute through the camera.
A warm, maternal smile spread across Isabella’s face. She was embracing this role more than she’d expected.