Chapter 98
No.1
Nathaniel knew this was all part of her plan—a carefully laid trap for her prey. But knowing didn’t stop the hot coil of jealousy tightening in his chest. Alexander’s relentless pursuit, the gifts, the pressure from her family… Was he really discussing wedding plans?
His gaze shifted, dark and displeased, toward Oliver.
The boy, seated cross-legged on his mat with headphones on, sensed his father’s mood instantly. He clutched his stomach dramatically.
“Oww… Mommy, my tummy hurts! I need the bathroom—I’ll be right back!” He scrambled up and bolted from the room before Isabella could respond.
She smiled faintly, assuming he was just avoiding the session. She resumed her pose. There was much to prepare for—not just the impending confrontation, but the upcoming Night of Glory. She intended to sweep every major award that night, to leave Victoria seething with helpless envy.
Balancing on one leg, Isabella extended the other high behind her, her body forming a clean, elegant line. The dancer’s pose required focus, strength, and grace—a perfect metaphor for her current life.
But she hadn’t practiced this particular pose in too long. Her core wavered. Her balance broke.
She started to tilt, bracing for the fall.
Then a pair of strong hands caught her firmly around the waist.
Isabella spun around to find Nathaniel standing right behind her.
No.2
She hadn't heard him approach. Dressed in casual home attire, he looked less intimidating than usual, his sharp features softened into an elegant refinement.
She stumbled backward, landing against his chest. Her head tilted back as his hands settled firmly on her waist. She wore only a thin yoga top and form-fitting leggings...
Isabella quickly tried to regain her composure, but Nathaniel's grip tightened, refusing to let her go. She frowned. "Mr. Blackwood?"
His voice came out low and stern. "Are you truly going through with marrying Alexander?"
"Yes. I told you before—it's not real. The wedding won't actually happen," she replied.
Nathaniel's expression remained severe. "You're treating something serious like a game. Is it worth taking such a risk?" Displeasure laced his deep tone.
Straining from the awkward arch in her back, Isabella pushed against his arms with force. "It's not a game. It's a strategy," she explained, her tone deliberately casual despite his intensity.
'Using marriage as a strategy?'
"Isabella, just tell me what you need. I can handle any problem for you."
She didn't need to go this far!
No.3
She met his gaze squarely. "Mr. Blackwood, remember our agreement. You can fix almost anything with power and money—but not people's hearts. Besides, our contract clearly states we don't interfere in each other's personal lives. I expect you to honor that."
With that, she broke free from his hold and walked away.
Nathaniel's eyes darkened as he watched her retreat.
Passing the sofa, Isabella noticed her phone lighting up. She picked it up and replied to Alexander: [Yes. Proceed with the wedding arrangements. Make it grand and very public. Announce it everywhere.]
Reading her text, Alexander immediately tried to dissuade her. He had hoped for a quiet certificate signing, not a spectacle.
[Isabella, simple ceremonies are more fashionable now. And you're busy—a large wedding would take days.]
[I'll manage my time,] she replied firmly.
Alexander's face darkened. She had been so defiant weeks ago—now she seemed desperate to marry him!
Just as he expected. Pathetic!
Once they were legally bound, he would make her suffer. He replied: [Alright. I'll start the preparations.]
No.4
Satisfied, Isabella then texted Julian: [Schedule me only half-day shoots or events for the next two weeks.]
Julian: [Busy?]
Isabella: [Yes. Wedding.]
Julian: [With Nathaniel?]
Isabella: [Of course not! Do you think Nathaniel Blackwood would marry me? It's Alexander—you know why.]
Julian's confusion cleared as he understood her plan.
[You're stirring the pot again?]
A smirk touched her lips. [Yes. Stay tuned.]
Isabella would make both Alexander and Victoria pay dearly at this wedding.
She set her phone down just as Oliver entered. Though she had warned him beforehand, things might still get messy. She decided to reassure him properly.
No.5
Isabella gestured for Oliver to come closer. “Momo, over here.”
“Mommy!” Oliver bounded into her arms like an eager puppy, his wide eyes gazing up at her.
“Mommy, is practice over now?”
Even though the moves were basic, all he could think about was sleeping and eating. Sleeping, then eating…
Isabella tousled his soft hair. “You can’t be lazy all the time, sweetheart. You need at least twenty minutes of exercise every day.”
“But we’re finished for today. Mommy has something important to tell you. For the next two weeks, I’ll be spending a lot of time with that awful man. We’ll even be planning our wedding.”
“Momo, you have to remember this is all part of Mommy’s plan. None of it is real. On the actual wedding day, I’m going to make sure that terrible man and his horrible accomplice are publicly humiliated. They will pay for everything they’ve done to me. So, you mustn’t be sad or worried, okay? Promise me you’ll take care of yourself.”
“Okay! Okay! Momo loves watching Mommy defeat the monsters! Momo will cheer for Mommy the whole time!”
Days flew by. Isabella went through the motions of selecting wedding gowns and hairstyles. Fortunately, Alexander was perpetually busy and held such disdain for her that he avoided these preparations entirely. This made everything much simpler for Isabella.
Despite this, paparazzi managed to snap photos of her during these appointments. Rumors of her impending marriage to Alexander exploded across the internet. Fans flooded her social media, desperate for confirmation. Even influential figures like Maxwell, Harrison Winslow, and other powerful contacts reached out for details.
No.6
Seeing an opportunity, Isabella composed a tweet. [Putting my career on hold, all for you.] She attached one of the photos of her in a wedding gown.
The internet went into a frenzy.
The Diamond Boss was abandoning her film shoots and endorsement deals… for Alexander Whitmore… for their wedding!
The wealthiest woman in the country was marrying Alexander Whitmore! They were a stunningly handsome couple, and netizens showered them with congratulations and well-wishes. The entire nation eagerly anticipated the wedding of the decade.
In the Blackwood estate study.
Sebastian burst into the room, his face etched with panic. “Nathaniel, are you just going to sit there? Isabella is officially engaged! To Alexander Whitmore! It’s all over the news!”
Nathaniel glanced at her social media feed. If he hadn’t known her true plan, his rage would have been uncontrollable. But knowing the truth, a faint, cold smile touched his lips. “It’s… acceptable.”
‘Acceptable?’
“Brother? Do you have a fever? Are you feeling unwell?” Sebastian moved to feel Nathaniel’s forehead.
Nathaniel shot him an icy glare and tossed a thick, embossed invitation card onto the desk. “Don’t forget to attend. It should be quite a spectacle.”
No.7
‘A spectacle?’
Sebastian frowned deeply. What kind of spectacle could this possibly be?
This made no sense. Instead of charging off to confront Isabella, Nathaniel was handing him a wedding invitation? And telling him to enjoy the show?
He then noticed Oliver nearby, calmly playing on his tablet, completely unbothered. “Momo, what’s wrong with your father? Has he lost his mind? Wait… why are you so calm about this too?”