Chapter 307
Isabella spoke with unwavering confidence. She outlined her strategy clearly. “Oliver must wait in the study. You cannot look at what we’re doing, understood? The plan fails if you see. Mommy doesn’t want you witnessing something inappropriate. Okay?”
“Yes! Oliver promises to complete the mission!” Christopher saluted sharply.
If it meant getting rid of that horrible Auntie, he would do anything. Even staying locked in the study for hours.
After the meal, Christopher went to his study under the butler’s watchful eye.
Isabella turned to Nathaniel. “This plan requires me to make a personal sacrifice today. Remember, it’s all an act. Nothing is real.”
A sacrifice? An act?
Nathaniel’s brow furrowed. What exactly was this plan?
Isabella elaborated. “Vivienne is attracted to your pristine reputation. Among global elites, you’re known for your restraint. Unlike other men with countless affairs. A genius like Vivienne is inherently proud. She would never accept a man who flirts openly with other women. So, I’ve arranged for several ladies to join us later. You just need to pretend to be a playboy. It will shatter her idealized image of you.”
Pretend to be a playboy?
Nathaniel frowned deeply. “I don’t think I can do that.”
Inappropriate women made him intensely uncomfortable. He avoided them instinctively. Flirting was utterly impossible.
“Relax. Since you’ve helped me so much, I’ll take the lead. The others will simply provide a shoulder or foot massage,” Isabella added.
Nathaniel’s gaze sharpened. Isabella would take the lead? So the person he was supposed to flirt with was… her?
“Okay.”
His reply was immediate. Direct. Without hesitation.
This man… Why was he being so strange?
She pulled out her phone and made a call. She reminded him, “Don’t expect miracles. This is just phase one. It won’t completely destroy her opinion of you. We’ll plan the next step based on her reaction today.”
“Okay.” Nathaniel voiced no objection.
Isabella sensed a hint of anticipation from him. But his expression remained flawlessly calm and elegant. Unreadable.
Whatever! She was doing this for him! Vivienne’s pedigree was suitable, but her attitude was vile. Isabella refused to let a woman like that become Oliver’s mother. She would help Nathaniel escape her clutches.
Right on schedule, Vivienne arrived at the Blackwood Estate in her luxury car. She gazed up at the imposing mansion, her eyes filled with venomous grandeur. How dare Isabella attack her online? Vivienne had become a public laughingstock. Omega’s stock had plummeted. She would make that woman pay. Once she secured Nathaniel and Oliver’s affections, they would be engaged by the end of the month at Senior Blackwood’s birthday gala. She would become Nathaniel’s wife. The First Lady of Westchester’s wealthiest man!
Then, crushing a nobody like Isabella would be effortless. Did Isabella really think she could steal her man? Dream on!
She composed herself, adjusted a scented sachet, and strode into the mansion. She expected Oliver to lead her to the pythons again. But… the mansion was eerily quiet. Deserted.
Several maids scurried toward the backyard, seemingly fleeing something. Vivienne swiftly grabbed one by the arm. “Where is Nathaniel? Where is Oliver?”
“Oh! Oliver is in a tutoring session. And Mr. Blackwood… He… He…” The maid stammered, her face flushing with clear embarrassment. Just then, the distinct sound of feminine laughter echoed from upstairs.