Chapter 285

The moment Vivienne Delacroix departed from the estate, Oliver Blackwood bounded up the staircase with unrestrained glee. He launched himself directly into Isabella Montgomery's waiting arms, chirping excitedly, "It's finished! Mommy and Daddy don't need to worry about her anymore. She won't be back for three whole days!"

"Thank you, sweetheart. Weren't you frightened of those pythons?" Isabella asked, her voice laced with maternal concern. He was merely five years old. How could he confront so many large snakes without showing a hint of fear?

Oliver beamed, shaking his head. "Not at all! I watched them grow up. Daddy was always away, so I had no one to play with. They became my playmates. They're very gentle and have never hurt anyone. I adore them!"

His innocent, childlike confession tugged painfully at Isabella's heartstrings. So, he truly had grown up in solitude. His grandparents showed him no affection, he lacked a mother's presence, and his father was often absent. If she were to leave him someday, would he be forced to return to that lonely existence?

A sharp ache pierced her heart. Isabella drew a deep, steadying breath and praised warmly, "My clever boy! Mommy will prepare something special for you, alright? How about a delicious lobster roll?"

"Really? A lobster roll? I want a lobster roll!" Oliver chirped, jumping with uncontainable joy.

"Absolutely." Isabella took his small hand and led him toward the kitchen. She didn't even bother to shut down the computer; her sole focus was on spending precious time with Oliver.

Meanwhile, Nathaniel Blackwood's intense gaze remained fixed on the computer screen. It displayed a sophisticated management platform teeming with thousands of video recordings. His eyes darkened with intrigue. What other remarkable capabilities did this woman possess?

Isabella guided Oliver into the expansive kitchen. All the maids immediately lowered their heads in a respectful greeting. "Ms. Montgomery."

"You may all take a break. I'll handle lunch preparation myself," Isabella stated calmly, her eyes already scanning the room. She spotted a basket brimming with high-quality, sustainably farmed lobsters in the corner. They were impressively large and impeccably clean.

The maids exchanged nervous glances, shaking their heads in unison. "Ms. Montgomery, that's highly inappropriate! Please, simply instruct us on the menu for today...!"

"Don't worry. Consider it a direct order. Go and rest," Isabella insisted firmly, settling beside the basket and gesturing for Oliver to join her.

Oliver shot the maids a decisive look, and they reluctantly filed out of the kitchen. He skipped over to Isabella, his face alight with excitement. "Mommy, are these lobsters? Is it okay for children to eat them?"

"Of course! Mommy will make you a tomato lobster roll. It's packed with calcium and magnesium, excellent for strengthening your immune system," she explained warmly.

As she spoke, Isabella selected a lively lobster and began handling it with practiced, skillful precision. She first severed its powerful claws, then expertly split open the tail. She meticulously cleaned the head and stomach cavity.

Oliver watched, his eyes wide with awe. "Mommy, you know how to prepare lobsters?"

Most of the socialites who relentlessly pursued his father couldn't even boil water. It astounded him that Isabella was not only breathtakingly beautiful but also possessed such impressive culinary skills for complex dishes!

"Naturally! When I was in Africa, I always cooked for myself. During my training, I even—" Isabella abruptly cut herself off, realizing she had ventured into forbidden territory. She glanced at Oliver and swiftly changed the subject. "Anyway, Mommy is full of surprises. I'll make you the most delicious lobster roll. Why don't you go help me chop some onions?"

"Okay! Yes!" Oliver agreed happily, hopping to his feet.

However, most of the fresh vegetables and herbs were cultivated in the estate's extensive outdoor garden, harvested only as needed. Oliver, accompanied by a few maids, headed out to gather the ingredients.

Isabella watched his retreating back with a deeply affectionate gaze. As long as Oliver continued to expand his knowledge and skills, he would fill his time meaningfully and make his life far more enriching. Besides, she realized she had never properly cooked a special meal for him since they'd met.

Fully immersed in her task, Isabella continued preparing the lobster with intense concentration. Suddenly, a distinct, sinister hissing sound broke the silence.

That was odd. A prickle of suspicion ran down her spine. Isabella turned her head cautiously, her eyes scanning the kitchen.

Her blood ran cold.

Dozens of massive pythons were slithering directly toward her!