Chapter 345

The four elders practically tripped over themselves in their excitement. They scrambled to send William's contact information first.

"Add him right now! Start talking to him!"

"Young people need to communicate more these days!"

"It's perfectly fine if you don't know him yet. Relationships need time to develop!"

"Both of you are geniuses! Any child you have would be absolutely brilliant!"

They kept encouraging her, each more eager than the last. It was as if they could already picture the wedding.

Isabella rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on. "Relax, I know what I'm doing. If you don't leave now, I won't be in the mood to plan anything at all."

"Alright, alright! Just remember to contact him."

"I brought you a new chess strategy book. Look through it when you have a moment." Alistair placed several thick volumes on her desk.

Silas handed her a stack of recent research papers. Reginald unrolled a set of architectural blueprints.

Isabella watched them finally leave and let out a long sigh of relief.

These men had trained her. They had provided her with endless resources over the years. They were the architects of the woman she had become. If only they would stop obsessing over her marital status, everything would be perfect.

The villa fell into a welcome silence after their departure. Isabella sank into the plush sofa and opened her messaging app.

Since the four elders were so insistent, she might as well get this over with. She sent the contact request. Frederick accepted it immediately.

[Isabella, how are you?]

During her time at the research base, everyone had called her by her first name. The habit had stuck.

[I'm fine. I added you because there's something I need to tell you.]

She wanted to be direct, to state her purpose clearly. But Frederick's next message popped up before she could type it.

[Isabella, could you take a look at this project? We've hit a major snag. The machine just won't function properly. Any idea what could be wrong?]

[I've been troubleshooting for days. I didn't want to bother you, but I'm completely stuck. I have no other choice but to ask for your help.]

His words were polite, infused with a warmth and gentleness that was uniquely his. Even through text, she could feel it.

She had expected a conversation about their supposed relationship. This technical problem was a surprise. Her brow furrowed in concentration.

[There's a problem? Send me the files. Let me see.]

Frederick transferred the documents instantly. Isabella opened them, her focus shifting entirely to the complex data on her screen.

Meanwhile, at the Blackwood Estate…

Oliver tugged relentlessly at Nathaniel's sleeve. "Daddy! Daddy, please take me to Mommy! I want to see Mommy! I want to watch her play the game! Please, take me to her!"

"No. Let go of my arm," Nathaniel commanded, his voice cool.

It had only been one day. He couldn't just show up at her door and bother her. Furthermore, the situation with Vivienne was still unresolved. It demanded his full attention.

Oliver refused to give up. He shook his father's arm harder, his voice pitching into a whine. "Waaah…! I won't let go…! I want Mommy! I need to see her!"

Watching Isabella utterly dominate Takashi Yamamoto had only increased his awe of her. He craved her presence, yearned to be held in her arms again.

Nathaniel's expression remained an icy mask. His refusal had been clear. Why did the child persist?

Just as he was about to issue a firmer reprimand, Sebastian hurried into the room. "Brother, we have a problem. A big one. Latest intel: My future sister-in-law is being pressured to marry some guy named Frederick Ashford. They're currently chatting on WhatsApp right now!"

"What?" Nathaniel's head snapped up, his frown deepening. Oliver was instantly forgotten.

Oliver immediately stopped his fussing. He stood up straight, his wide eyes fixed on Sebastian.

Sebastian continued, his tone urgent. "You heard me. I have a mutual contact with Frederick. He saw some old men messaging Frederick about Isabella. He also confirmed Frederick is texting her right now. He contacted me immediately."

A dangerous glint flashed in Nathaniel's dark eyes.

Frederick Ashford? Isabella was texting Frederick Ashford?

She had been gone for a single day. And she was already entertaining another man?

His gaze cut toward Dominic, cold and sharp. "Get the car ready. We're leaving for Rosewood Manor. Now."