Chapter 304
Nathaniel’s voice was sharp and deliberate.
He spoke with a relaxed, commanding presence.
Only a man of his stature could carry such confidence.
Isabella studied him, a flicker of admiration stirring within her.
Over the years, she had conquered countless fields.
No one had ever truly impressed her.
But this man…
Her eyes swept the room.
“If it’s as impressive as you say,” she began, “why isn’t it installed here?”
Nathaniel’s expression tightened almost imperceptibly.
He seemed to be guarding a secret.
After a brief pause, he lifted his glass and signaled the butler.
The butler approached with a matte black device.
He set it gently on the coffee table.
“Hello, Kitty,” the butler said.
The machine responded instantly.
“How can I assist you, Uncle?”
Its voice was soft and charming, almost childlike.
The butler turned to Isabella.
“Ms. Montgomery, would you like to try?”
Isabella’s gaze fell upon the machine.
“Hello, Kitty.”
The device replied without hesitation.
“What can I do for you, Mommy?”
Isabella’s brow furrowed as understanding washed over her.
Nathaniel gave a slight nod.
The butler promptly removed Kitty from the room.
They were alone again.
Nathaniel turned to her.
“Quantum’s Smart Home System is named Kitty. It’s designed to feel like a family pet. To make the experience more personal, it recognizes voices. It calls the eldest male ‘Grandpa,’ the female head ‘Mommy,’ and so on.”
He paused, his voice growing heavier.
“Last year, I took Oliver to the demo house. He saw other children with their parents. Their systems called out ‘Mommy.’ His never did. He had a seizure that night. We never used it again.”
Isabella’s heart clenched painfully.
She could picture it clearly—a room full of happy families, and a little boy standing alone.
His device silent where others spoke.
The ache must have been unbearable.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
“Why not contact the surrogate? She gave birth to him. The Blackwoods have resources. She might have returned for him.”
Besides, his real mother would understand him better.
Nathaniel’s gaze darkened.
If only it were that simple.
He thought of that night five years ago.
Would Isabella still look at him if she knew?
She despised men who took advantage.
After a tense silence, he replied, “It was handled discreetly. No records exist. And the Blackwoods would never accept a surrogate. You know how my father is.”
Isabella pressed her lips together.
He was right.
Senior Blackwood was ruthless.
He would never allow a woman of “lower status” near his grandson.
It would destroy Oliver to lose a mother twice.
But something felt off.
Nathaniel always grew tense when this subject arose.
Suddenly, Dominic burst into the room.
His face was pale.
“Boss,” he gasped. “The Blackthorn Syndicate—they’ve escaped.”
Escaped?
Nathaniel’s face turned to ice.
His elite team never failed.
How could anyone outsmart them?