Chapter 199

Isabella spun around to find Nathaniel standing right behind her.

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!

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.]

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.