Chapter 338

“Visible threats are manageable. Hidden enemies are the real danger. You cannot take this gamble! Don’t act recklessly!”

The four elderly men attempted to dissuade Isabella from her chosen path.

Isabella remained resolute, offering only a faint smile. “I appreciate your concern. But I am not foolish. I can protect myself. And if I cannot, I have all of you. I also have Maxwell and his team.”

Her words made her choice clear. She had chosen Nathaniel.

“Isabella Montgomery!” Uncle Silas used her full name, his tone grave.

“Enough,” Isabella interjected calmly. “I understand the risks. It’s very late. I am only twenty-three. Marriage is not a consideration for at least another seven years. You should all rest. Guest rooms are prepared upstairs.”

“Isabella, this conversation is not over—” Uncle Lawrence tried to persist.

Isabella glanced at the clock. “It’s one in the morning. How can I face Takashi Yamamoto later without proper rest? If I lose because I’m tired, I will never forgive myself. I won’t be able to focus on the Go match. My research will suffer…”

“Alright, alright! We’ll stop. Go to sleep. This can wait.”

“Please reconsider this relationship. Think very carefully.”

“Go on. Goodnight.”

The four men stood and hurried from the study, each retiring to a guest room.

Isabella smiled faintly at their retreating backs. She wished she had used that excuse sooner. It would have saved her from their lengthy lecture.

She returned to her bedroom and lay down. A cool sensation touched her neck.

Her fingers found the necklace Nathaniel had given her. She recalled trying to remove it initially. Over time, she had forgotten it was there, wearing it almost unconsciously now…

She had been hesitant about Nathaniel. But her uncles’ revelations changed everything. It explained his strange behavior whenever Oliver’s mother was mentioned. A powerful man like him, taken advantage of by a woman? Of course he would be embarrassed.

Knowing Nathaniel had also been violated made her feel they were equals. There was nothing left to fret over.

She and Nathaniel were the same.

This thought brought a smile to her lips as her eyes closed.

Isabella enjoyed the most restful sleep she had experienced in a very long time.

Morning arrived. Her phone rang on the nightstand. It was a video call from Oliver.

Isabella sat up and answered. Oliver’s adorable, round face filled the screen. He waved excitedly. “Mommy! Mommy! I saw the news! That’s you, right?”

“Hmm? What news?” Isabella was confused.

Oliver continued, his eyes wide. “Eternal Champions! Someone deposited a billion dollars to challenge Takashi Yamamoto! Everyone is guessing who it is. Daddy and I both knew it had to be you! It is you, isn’t it?” He blinked his adorable doe eyes, looking like a curious little teddy bear.

Isabella frowned. The news spread that fast? Should she tell Oliver? If she told him…