Chapter 164
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.
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.”
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.
Isabella shot her a dismissive glance and moved to leave.
Genevieve quickly intercepted her. “Isabella, SilverPeak Entertainment is utterly serious about signing you. What’s the hesitation? We offer the absolute best resources, backed by immense capital. Have you heard of the Delacroix family from America? Oil magnates. Their resources dwarf even a diamond mine. SilverPeak has access to it all. Just sign with us, and we promise to make you the biggest star in the world.”
Isabella froze. The Delacroix family? Seraphina Delacroix’s family? She hadn’t known they invested in SilverPeak.
“Does Seraphina Delacroix know you’re trying to sign me? Did she actually agree to this?”
“Absolutely,” Genevieve affirmed smoothly. “When she heard, she personally instructed me to secure your contract at any cost.”
Isabella’s eyes narrowed into slits. What game was Seraphina playing now?