Chapter 174

Nathaniel's message flashed on Dominic's screen. (Locate that girl. Immediately.)

He needed to identify her. Compensation had to be arranged. A guarantee she would vanish from his world forever.

His, and Isabella’s.

That woman might try to win his family over. She could charm them into accepting Oliver quickly. Earn their affection and trust.

He refused to entertain the thought. Nathaniel opened his social media and uploaded several photos of Christopher.

“Whoa! What’s this, Bro? Your feed’s been dead for years. Now this?” Sebastian’s surprised text popped up.

Notifications flooded in instantly.

(Oliver is so big now! Adorable!) Aunt Beatrice commented.

(He’s Nathaniel’s miniature copy. Sigh. If only his mother was Vivienne.) Mrs. Blackwood wrote.

[Stop shaming the family with these photos!] Mr. Blackwood’s comment was sharp.

Nathaniel muted the alerts. He returned to his work.

Morning arrived swiftly.

Isabella rose from bed. Christopher still slept soundly.

Today’s bridal shoot was at Greenwish Park. After that, she planned to visit The Ritz-Carlton. The investigation into that night five years ago awaited.

She kissed Oliver’s soft cheek. Slipped out quietly. Nathaniel followed her.

“Look after Momo. Tell him I’ll be back tomorrow afternoon,” Isabella said.

“I’ll have Dominic drive you.” Nathaniel reached for his phone.

“It’s fine. Just a short shoot. I’ll take my Kawasaki.” She moved toward the door.

He walked her to the garage. “Drive safely,” he advised before she left.

“Don’t worry. I handle roads well. Take good care of Momo.” She secured her helmet. Pulled away from the estate.

She glanced in her rearview mirror. A small smile touched her lips.

Having someone see her off felt strangely nice.

“Assign covert protection for her. I’ll handle The Grand Monarch investigation alone today,” Nathaniel instructed Dominic after she disappeared from view.

“Understood, Sir.”

Greenwish Park sat isolated. Prehistoric-themed. Decorated with pavilions and bridges over a serene river. Normally, entry required a fee. Today, Amor Group booked the entire park for the shoot.

The company also reserved a suite at The Ritz-Carlton for Isabella’s team.

She paused in the hotel’s grand lobby. Her mind drifted back five years.

Those memories were a nightmare. This was the place. Where she lost her innocence. That night forced a complete transformation. A shy girl forced out of her shell.

She was no hypocrite. But society held no tolerance for such things.

A raped woman. An abortion… People would scorn her. This stain would follow her forever. A permanent weakness.

Suddenly…

“You’re here, Isabella.” A gentle voice broke her reverie.