Chapter 275
She had been gone from the estate for barely half a day.
And he already had another woman in his home.
As Isabella processed the scene, Oliver quickly clarified, "Mommy, it's not Daddy's fault. Grandfather and Grandmother sent Aunt Vivienne. They said she must spend three hours with us every day from now on."
Three hours.
That could only mean one thing.
The Blackwood elders were determined to matchmake Nathaniel and Vivienne.
They weren't wrong in their choice.
Vivienne Delacroix stood at the pinnacle of Westchester's elite.
Her family background was impeccable.
Her medical and business skills were unparalleled.
She outshone every other woman in the city.
A woman like her was truly worthy of Nathaniel.
Isabella's eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.
She looked down at Oliver. "Alright, sweetheart. Mommy will leave now. I'll visit you another day."
"No!" Oliver insisted, clutching her hand. "I want to stay with you. She's leaving in twenty minutes anyway. Mommy shouldn't have to leave because of someone like her! Come with me—I'll show you a secret place."
He led her to a narrow, hidden passageway.
It was a spiral staircase barely half a meter wide, winding upward through the walls.
Isabella frowned slightly. Where was he taking her?
She feared no one, least of all Vivienne Delacroix.
She knew she could easily rival the other woman in any competition.
Yet deep down, she acknowledged the truth.
She would never be with Nathaniel.
She wanted to avoid unnecessary complications.
If Vivienne discovered her presence, things could become messy.
While lost in thought, Isabella found herself in a small attic space.
Oliver placed a finger to his lips, signaling for silence.
Isabella realized they were on the ninth floor, peering through a small window in the door.
Below them, the main lobby was visible.
Nathaniel sat on an ornate European sofa, conducting a meeting with several blond businessmen.
They seemed to be discussing something important.
Vivienne sat patiently on a nearby sofa, occasionally checking her wristwatch.
Her elegant face showed clear signs of displeasure.
Isabella felt a flicker of surprise.
Had Nathaniel really scheduled meetings for the entire three hours of Vivienne's mandated visit?
"Ha!" Oliver whispered triumphantly. "Only twenty more minutes! Then we won't have to see her anymore!"
"Why don't you like her?" Isabella asked gently.
This woman would likely become his stepmother.
Oliver pouted. "I don't like her at all. I only want you as my mommy. Anyone else is just pretending! And nobody is as beautiful as you!"
Isabella couldn't help but smile at his words.
Objectively, Vivienne was just as beautiful as she was.
This child certainly knew how to charm.
Down in the lobby, Vivienne finally reached her limit.
She approached the group of businessmen and addressed them in flawless French.
"Excuse me, gentlemen. I need to speak with Mr. Blackwood regarding urgent matters concerning our future together. Please resume your discussions another time."
The men exchanged reluctant glances but eventually departed.
Now only Nathaniel and Vivienne remained in the spacious lobby.
Vivienne seated herself elegantly opposite Nathaniel.
"Nathaniel," she began, her voice soft and persuasive. "I understand your reluctance. But this is your parents' decision. I genuinely wish to help you raise Oliver. Every child deserves a complete family."
Nathaniel remained impassive.
He stood abruptly. "Oliver and I value our peace above all else."
The dismissal was clear.
He turned to leave without another word.
Vivienne moved quickly, grasping his wrist to stop him.
"Nathaniel," she said, her tone turning urgent. "We've known each other for years. I am your best option. No other woman in the world matches your status. Whatever you dislike about me, I will change."