Chapter 40
“I permitted Christopher to remain. I never authorized your stay.”
Isabella’s tone was firm as she addressed Nathaniel.
He stepped closer, expression serious. “My apologies. Oliver’s condition is unpredictable. Nighttime seizures are a real concern. I can’t leave him unsupervised.”
“Mommy, please let Daddy stay. He cooks. He cleans. He’s useful!” Oliver’s voice was sweet, persuasive.
Isabella raised an eyebrow, skeptical. “Your father does housework?”
“Yes! Ask him yourself.” Oliver glanced toward Nathaniel.
Nathaniel paused briefly under her scrutinizing gaze, then nodded. “It’s true.”
“Fine. You can stay. Make dinner. Three dishes, one soup. Keep it simple. And healthy,” Isabella commanded. With no meal delivery scheduled, a personal chef wasn’t unwelcome.
He had offered, after all.
Nathaniel seemed momentarily taken aback by her specific instructions. Nevertheless, he removed his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and carried the groceries to the kitchen. His physique was noticeable beneath his crisp shirt—toned and commanding. Isabella found her eyes drifting toward him, her pulse quickening unexpectedly.
Strange. She’d encountered countless attractive men. Why did Nathaniel affect her so strongly?
“Mommy, I’m tired. Will you read to me?” Oliver asked softly.
Isabella shook off her distraction. “Of course. Close your eyes.” She lifted him, carried him to the bedroom, and settled beside him.
Oliver curled against her, his head resting on her arm. Isabella began, her voice uncharacteristically gentle. “Once, there was a lone wolf…”
She didn’t recognize her own soothing tone. Her expression softened with affection. She expected a long story, but Oliver was asleep within moments. His breathing evened, his small hands stilled.
Asleep so quickly?
She lightly brushed his cheek. When he didn’t stir, she carefully slid her arm free. She tucked the blanket around him, adjusted the thermostat to a comfortable level, and quietly left the room.
In the kitchen, Nathaniel stood frowning at the array of ingredients.
“Need assistance?” A playful voice came from the doorway.
Nathaniel turned. Isabella leaned against the frame, arms crossed, an amused smirk on her lips.
He remained composed. “Simply deciding on the cooking method.”
She laughed lightly, stepping forward. She took his wrist, guiding him aside.
“Alright, out. Wait for me. Don’t wreck my kitchen.” Her eyes sparkled with teasing.
His inability to cook was no surprise. Why would a man of his stature know his way around a kitchen?
Isabella washed the vegetables, then began chopping spices with practiced ease.
A slight smile touched Nathaniel’s lips as he watched her focused movements. She handled the knife skillfully, one hand steadying the chili, the other slicing precisely.
Dressed in fitted black attire, her figure was striking. She moved with the confidence of a warrior, though she was merely preparing a meal.
Everything she did radiated boldness and self-assurance. Nathaniel observed, captivated. Soon, prawns turned vibrant red in the sizzling wok. She plated them and carried the dish out.
Passing him, she paused. “Why are you just standing there? Get the utensils.”
No one spoke to him so bluntly. Yet, from her, it felt natural. He retrieved cutlery and followed her.
Isabella sat at the sleek dining table. She picked up a prawn and ate with unpretentious relish. Her manner was unrestrained yet not uncouth.
Though unaccustomed to late meals, Nathaniel joined her, drawn by her evident enjoyment.
The food was excellent. She continually amazed him. After a while, he set down his fork.
“The situation with Harrison Winslow… How are you managing it?”
“A minor issue. It will resolve itself,” she replied casually, snapping a photo of her meal.
Assuming she was downplaying her stress, he approached differently. “I can assist.”
“Oh? How?”
He was direct. “Marry me.”
Marry him?
“I’ve already given my answer,” she stated calmly.
Nathaniel’s brow furrowed slightly, but he persisted. “Isabella, as my wife, no one would believe you’d disrupt Harrison Winslow’s life.”
The Winslow wealth was significant but confined to diamonds. The Blackwood empire spanned technology and medical research. Their influence dwarfed the Winslows.
Marriage to him would silence all rumors.
A smirk played on her lips. She reached out, lightly touching his chin.