Chapter 290

Isabella glanced at Oliver. "I'm taking the motorcycle today. Can't bring a passenger. If you leave now, all these lobster rolls get tossed."

The Blackwood Estate had strict rules. No leftovers permitted. Uneaten food went straight to the trash.

Oliver snatched a roll. "No! Momo loves Mommy! My heart goes with Mommy! My stomach stays to finish these!"

"Good boy." Isabella ruffled his hair. She stood to leave.

Oliver kicked Nathaniel under the table. Nathaniel wiped his mouth. He rose to escort her.

"Let me drive you," Nathaniel offered.

"Unnecessary. GoldenPhoenix will be crowded. Too much exposure risk." Isabella pulled on her gloves.

Nathaniel frowned. His expression turned serious. "Exposure doesn't concern me."

His words stunned her. He didn't care? He was Nathaniel Blackwood! Why did he act like a lovesick teenager sometimes? Their relationship wasn't even official yet. How would she explain this to everyone?

"We'll discuss it after you've properly courted me." She secured her helmet. The motorcycle roared to life. She sped away.

Nathaniel watched her disappear. A thoughtful gaze settled on his face. Court her? How does one court a wild she-wolf? Taming an actual wolf might be easier...

Sebastian pulled up just then. His car halted before Nathaniel. "Brother. Progress. They collected skin cells from thirty women. All from the presidential suite's bedside. DNA investigation starts immediately."

Nathaniel remained impassive. No joy touched his features. This news would have thrilled him once. But now he had Isabella. What did finding that woman matter anymore?

What if that woman demanded responsibility? What if Isabella discovered his past? He accepted her history. But would she accept his?

His brow furrowed. "Continue the investigation. Report the findings."

"Understood." Sebastian sensed something off. Why did his brother seem displeased?

At GoldenPhoenix...

Isabella parked in the underground garage. She took the elevator directly to the top-floor conference room.

Adrian spotted her. He hurried over. "Isabella. The situation escalates. Celestial Gala's organizer refuses to engage. I exhausted all options. Even offered a luxury cruise. She declined. Julian is still negotiating. She appears immovable. Three of our artists have contracts with them. The total penalty approaches ten billion!"

Ten billion. Even as the Diamond Boss, that sum made her wince.

"I'll handle it." Isabella strode toward the conference room.

Inside, Julian pleaded with Beatrice Worthington. "Isabella will resolve this. She'll provide a satisfactory answer within days."

"Days? I'm terminating the contracts today! The clauses are clear. Artists must maintain clean reputations. Your entire management and artists failed! So what if she fixes it? A former mistress leading our show? Celestial Gala is no ordinary event! It's government-funded! Globally advertised! International audience! A mistress as Lead would create a global joke! Embarrass our nation! The contracts end today! Pay the penalties!" Beatrice's tone brooked no argument.