Chapter 326
Isabella’s brow furrowed.
Did Nathaniel truly feel no pain?
She pressed harder this time, shifting her attention to his waist.
Nathaniel’s gaze sharpened as he registered the increased pressure.
“Impressive,” he remarked.
“Keep going.”
He continued toward the elevator, still holding her.
The entire lobby fell into stunned silence.
Mr. Blackwood had not only listened to every report but praised their work?
He even encouraged them?
No one had ever seen him in such high spirits.
Was it because of the woman in his arms?
All eyes followed Isabella with intense curiosity.
They bowed respectfully as the elevator doors closed.
“Thank you, Mr. Blackwood.”
Who was this woman who could influence Nathaniel so profoundly?
They were desperate to know.
Even inside the elevator, Isabella could feel their lingering stares.
It was as if laser beams were aimed at her back.
She still couldn’t comprehend why Nathaniel had entertained those reports.
The whole ordeal took eight full minutes.
With so many people watching, wouldn’t it have been wiser to leave immediately?
Only when Nathaniel placed her in the passenger seat did she finally relax.
“You did that on purpose, didn’t you?” she challenged.
He glanced at her, feigning innocence as he fastened his seatbelt.
“Did what?”
Isabella wanted to accuse him outright.
If they had headed straight to the car, he wouldn’t have needed to carry her for so long.
Everything pointed to him deliberately prolonging their very public display.
But Nathaniel’s expression gave nothing away.
He looked every bit the honorable gentleman.
She swallowed her words and turned away.
“Never mind.”
She decided to let it go—for now.
But she resolved to avoid public appearances with him whenever possible.
The car glided smoothly toward the Blackwood Estate.
Isabella remembered Vivienne’s spy and instinctively moved to lie across Nathaniel’s lap.
Then she recalled last night’s embarrassment and hesitated.
Her eyes scanned the interior.
This was the latest Rolls-Royce J11 custom model, with seats that could recline fully flat.
She pressed the button beside her seat.
The leather hummed as it gradually lowered.
Nathaniel watched, his lips curving slightly.
Dominic had delivered the car just that morning.
How did Isabella know its features so well?
What other secrets was she hiding?
Vivienne’s spy was left with nothing once again.
The car entered the private elevator and ascended directly into the mansion.
As they stepped out, Oliver came running toward Isabella.
He wrapped his small arms around her legs.
“Mommy! You’re back! I had them make soup for you! Drink it while it’s warm!”
A maid approached, carrying a tray with a steaming bowl.
It was chicken liver soup.
Isabella’s cheeks flushed.
Why had Oliver requested this specific soup?
He took her hand, guiding her toward a sofa.
“Sit down, Mommy. Be careful. You have to protect the baby in your tummy.”
Isabella froze.
Baby?
Her head snapped toward Nathaniel.
What had he told Oliver?