Chapter 200
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.
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.”
‘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?”
“Uncle Sebastian, there’s no need to worry. Father is correct. There will be an excellent show. Just make sure you’re there to see it,” Oliver stated with the serious air of a miniature adult.
Slowly, comprehension dawned on Sebastian. “You all know this is part of Isabella’s scheme, don’t you? What is she planning this time?”
Nathaniel remained silent. Oliver simply gave a knowing nod.
Sebastian immediately dropped onto the couch beside Oliver. “She’s publicly announced her wedding to Alexander! What possible scheme could there be? You have to tell me, Momo! I’ll buy you all the ice cream you want!”
“I’m sorry, Uncle Sebastian. I promised Mommy I wouldn’t reveal her plan to anyone,” Oliver replied, his expression utterly solemn.
This only fueled Sebastian’s curiosity. They had done this to him before, and now they were doing it again! Why did they always have to toy with his curiosity?
He tried a threat. “Momo, if you don’t tell me, I won’t acknowledge you as my nephew anymore!”
“That’s alright. I still have Mommy!” Oliver responded with a bright, cheeky grin.
“!!!”
It was bad enough his own brother kept secrets from him. Now his nephew was doing the same!
Fine! He would just have to wait for the wedding day to see what incredible trick Isabella had planned.