Chapter 244
Isabella would never!
A strange glint flickered in Isabella's eyes. She stood before him and asked, "Are you certain you want to marry me? Have you truly understood your mistakes?"
"Yes." His reply was immediate and firm.
Isabella's lips curved into a smile. "Very well. I have three conditions. If you meet them, we can be married tonight," her voice rang clear and elegant.
Alexander's brows furrowed. An uneasy feeling settled in his chest. Three conditions? What could she possibly demand?
Meanwhile, at Ravencliff...
Roland Graves had expected Isabella's swift arrival. He didn't anticipate the luxury car that screeched to a halt, kicking up clouds of dust. "That must be her!" one of his men shouted. "Get into position!"
Everyone stood alert, their gazes sharp and wary. The car door swung open. Polished leather shoes touched the ground first, followed by long, refined legs.
Even without seeing his face, his commanding presence was undeniable. The man emerged fully and shut the door with a sharp motion.
When they recognized that stern, dark face, their limbs went weak. A collective shudder ran through the group.
It was Nathaniel Blackwood!
The man who held all of Westchester's power in his hands!
Two legends existed in Westchester. One was that Sebastian Blackwood killed and burned under cover of night. The other was that Nathaniel Blackwood burned cash in broad daylight.
These tales spoke volumes. Sebastian was the fearless king of the underworld, capable of any unspeakable act. Nathaniel didn't need to lift a finger. His wealth alone was overwhelming enough to warm himself with burning money.
Roland worked for Sebastian. His men were feared by many, but they never dared encroach on Nathaniel's territory. They knew to stay at least five hundred meters away from his domain.
Once, someone foolishly challenged Nathaniel's authority. That person harmed one of Nathaniel's men. The next day, the offender vanished without a trace.
Remembering this, Roland and his men felt cold dread. "Mr. Blackwood!" Roland stammered. "What brings you here?"
Anthony's gaze fixed on the figure behind them. Benjamin was tied to a tree branch. "Three seconds," Nathaniel commanded. "Release him."
Five words. Simple yet dripping with authority.
Roland and his men exchanged nervous glances. They wanted to comply, but they had risked everything for this kidnapping.
The client promised them five million. They hadn't had such a lucrative job in years. Letting him go now would waste all their effort.
Roland's eyes darted nervously. He hurried to the tree. "Mr. Blackwood, please understand our situation. We promise not to hurt him. We're just using him to lure a woman here. Once she arrives, we'll release him immediately!"
"It's not easy for us. We have families to feed too. If you force our hand, I'll have to end his life." He pulled out a dagger and pressed it against the rope.
One slice would send Benjamin plunging into the bottomless lake below.
Bound tightly, Benjamin couldn't move. Poison rendered his body useless. He watched Nathaniel with doubt and worry.
Who was this man? Was he here to save him? They had never met.
How could anyone save him under these circumstances?