Chapter 235
Isabella Montgomery and Nathaniel Blackwood shared no real connection. They weren't even in a relationship. Why create unnecessary complications?
In two months, their paths would diverge completely. They'd become strangers again. If anyone discovered their current arrangement, it would be utterly humiliating.
She couldn't voice these thoughts in front of Oliver, so Isabella chose her words carefully. "You should stay with Christopher. The alley is only five hundred meters away. Evelyn will accompany me. We can discuss this after Christopher feels better."
Her final sentence carried a hidden meaning: Everything would end once Oliver recovered.
Nathaniel's expression darkened, but he didn't press further. "Take care of her," he instructed Evelyn.
"Yes, sir," Evelyn replied dutifully, moving to support the long train of Isabella's gown.
Isabella waved at Oliver. "Be good for Mommy, alright? Wait for me at home." She blew him a kiss.
Oliver reached out with his small, chubby hand, pretending to catch the floating kiss. His face lit up as if he'd truly captured it. "Okay! Be careful, Mommy!"
Isabella nodded and turned to leave. Nathaniel felt an unexpected pang of jealousy watching Oliver's tiny fist clutching the imaginary kiss...
The alley ran behind the venue, squeezed between two towering hotels. The pavement was even, manageable even in heels. Still, Isabella deliberately slowed her pace for Evelyn. Without the three-meter train, she would have walked alone. Evelyn noticed the consideration, feeling impressed.
Isabella usually maintained a cool, distant aura, except when speaking to Oliver. Yet in small gestures, she showed more genuine care than many superficially sweet celebrities. Still, these qualities weren't enough for someone like her to deserve Boss Blackwood!
They walked single file toward the venue. As they rounded the corner...
"Grrr!"
A massive brown Tibetan Mastiff suddenly charged toward them. The beast stood a meter tall, covered in thick, luxurious fur. It looked powerfully built, almost lion-like in its ferocity!
Before they could react, the mastiff lunged directly at Isabella!
"Ah! Watch out!" Evelyn screamed instinctively, grabbing Isabella and pulling her aside.
Isabella jumped away just as the mastiff leaped. Enraged by their escape, the dog emitted a deep, guttural bark. It launched forward again with monstrous speed.
"Run!" Evelyn's voice cracked with panic as she dragged Isabella into a sprint.
Nathaniel and Oliver were still outside. Mr. Blackwood could handle that beast if he were here!
But how could they outrun a mastiff? It would catch them in seconds.
The worst part: when they turned to flee, the alley's entrance was suddenly blocked by a large ceramic jar. They were trapped!
They reached the dead end and spun around. The mastiff was barely two meters away, jaws wide open. A bloody scent wafted from its mouth.
The normally composed Evelyn cried out in terror. A mastiff this size could tear flesh with a single scratch. One bite could easily crush a skull and end a life!
What could they do? What could they do?!
Isabella's face turned grave as she desperately scrambled for a solution.
Not far from the alley, Seraphina Delacroix watched the mastiff attack Isabella, a vicious smirk twisting her lips. How dare Isabella steal her company's resources? This was the price she had to pay! She even stole her gown? Fine! Let her die wearing it! Seraphina would attend the Celestial Gala gloriously. She would walk on stage to accept her Number One Supermodel Award!
The mastiff closed in on Isabella. Its bloody jaws gaped open. Its sharp claws aimed directly for Isabella's body.