Chapter 394
“Mr. Blackwood, this was a terrible mistake! I swear it won’t happen again! Everything is on this SD card—take it! Please, just let me go!”
“Have mercy, Mr. Blackwood! Here’s my memory card—no, take the whole camera! It’s yours!”
“Me too! I didn’t see or capture anything, I promise! I’m leaving right now!”
Trembling, the paparazzi scrambled to pile their SD cards on the ground. Fear of being “taken care of” drove them to abandon their equipment and stumble backward in a panic.
Nathaniel watched their frantic retreat, his voice cold. “Did I say you could leave?”
He wasn’t letting them go.
Terror seized them. Some dropped to their knees, begging desperately.
“Please, Mr. Blackwood, I’ve learned my lesson! I have a family depending on me! Spare me!”
“I swear to heaven, I’ll never take another photo of you. I’ll quit this job today!”
“Me too! Take my eyes, beat me—do whatever you want! Just let me live… I don’t want to die!”
Each one pleaded for their life.
Isabella was stunned. Nathaniel had only spoken a few words, yet they were all kneeling and begging? What had he done in the past to inspire such fear?
She didn’t even have that kind of power.
Calm and detached, Nathaniel studied the group. “Who sent you?”
The question surprised them.
Was he stopping them just to ask that? Did it mean they might be spared if they talked?
One answered instantly. “It was Harrison Caldwell! Alexander Whitmore’s assistant! Alexander set this up!”
“Yes! He’s engaged to Victoria, yet he’s still trying to interfere with your relationship! He’s despicable!”
“He won’t let his ex move on while he parades his engagement? It’s outrageous! We were fools to help him! Don’t worry, Mr. Blackwood, we’ll never do it again.”
“You and your wife enjoy your time. We’ll never take another photo! Never!”
Nathaniel’s icy expression softened slightly. The oppressive atmosphere lifted. “Dig up every piece of dirt on Alexander Whitmore,” he commanded. “Keep it in the headlines until his wedding day.”
Shock rippled through the group. It took a moment to process. Was Mr. Blackwood sparing them? Giving them a chance to redeem themselves?
They nodded eagerly. “Yes, sir! We’ll get right on it!”
With that, they scrambled away as if death was seconds behind them.
Isabella couldn’t suppress a smile. Being with Nathaniel had its perks! They could walk anywhere publicly, and no one would dare photograph or even glance their way twice!
The thought filled her with gratitude. She felt even more certain of her choice. Once she dealt with Victoria, she would help him find the woman from his past. He deserved peace.
She also needed to find Sebastian Blackwood. That monster would pay for what he did. She would never let her rapist escape justice. Never.
Lost in thought, she barely noticed they had reached Genevieve’s grave. Isabella placed the flowers and fruit before the headstone. She smiled softly, speaking silently. ‘Don’t worry, Aunt Genevieve. The last five years were hell, but I’ve found happiness now. I’ll destroy the man who ruined me. He and Victoria will get what they deserve. If you can hear me, haunt Sebastian Blackwood for me…’
She quickly reconsidered. “No, forget I said that. Rest peacefully, Aunt Genevieve. You gave your life protecting my childhood. I’ll take care of myself now.”
Nathaniel watched Isabella pray. His eyes darkened slightly. He sensed not sorrow, but a cold, brutal fury radiating from her.