Chapter 14

Nathaniel hadn't anticipated Isabella would be so unresponsive. He'd thought mentioning his father would spark her interest.

He wanted to say more, but Isabella simply lifted him and set him aside. "Ollie, go back to your dad. I have important matters to handle," she stated firmly. "Go home, okay?"

"Mommy..." Oliver gazed up with pleading eyes, hoping to sway her with his pitiful expression.

Isabella couldn't deny it affected her, but she remembered her purpose for returning.

Refocusing, she swung her leg over the motorcycle seat.

Oliver pouted dramatically, his lips forming a perfect sulk. His plan had failed. He needed another strategy.

He swung his chubby arms casually as the engine roared to life.

Pop!

The rear tire deflated instantly, causing the bike to tilt dangerously.

"Mommy! Your tire!" Oliver shrieked with feigned terror. "Someone shot it with a dart!"

Isabella dismounted quickly. Sure enough, a silver dart protruded from the rubber.

Who used darts anymore? Especially as a weapon. It seemed bizarre.

Noticing her suspicion growing, Oliver quickly grabbed her hand. "Don't worry, Mommy! Daddy will take you home!" He yelled into his smartwatch, "Emergency protocol! Daddy, respond!"

Her suspicion intensified, but it didn't make sense. Oliver was only five. He couldn't have thrown that dart... probably. His convincingly terrified expression made him seem uninvolved.

A sleek black van pulled up abruptly. Sebastian rolled down the window. "Miss Montgomery! Oliver! Get in now!"

Oliver yanked the passenger door open and scrambled inside. "Mommy, come on! Just a ride, I promise!"

Isabella noted only Sebastian was visible. Her bike needed repairs anyway. Without overthinking, she slid into the back seat.

Instant regret flooded her. Nathaniel sat there too.

Can I still escape? she thought desperately.

Sebastian saw her hesitation in the rearview mirror. He hit the accelerator before she could react.

Too late now, she sighed internally, scooting as far from Nathaniel as possible.

Fortunately, Nathaniel was engrossed in his financial tablet. He radiated his usual aura of aristocratic coldness, detached and undisturbed by his surroundings.

Maybe she was overthinking things.

Suddenly, the van swerved violently. Caught off guard, Isabella tumbled into Nathaniel.

Riiip!

The tablet in his hands cracked under their combined weight.

Silence.

An awkward, heavy silence engulfed the vehicle.

Damn his perfect profile. Her heart hammered wildly against her ribs.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

This was wrong. Why was her heart racing? She gripped the front seat headrest, trying to right herself.

Just as she almost succeeded, the van swerved again.

Isabella fell back into Nathaniel.

This time, her face planted directly against his firm, clothed abdomen.