Chapter 421

Throughout Nathaniel's—and Oliver's—stay at Isabella's residence, she consistently found ways to astonish him.

Each new layer she revealed only deepened her enigma.

Nathaniel had never encountered a woman who could captivate his interest while remaining so profoundly mysterious.

Isabella's crimson lips curved into a teasing smile. "What about you?"

Three casual words, yet they carried a subtle undercurrent of genuine curiosity.

Nathaniel held her gaze. "What about me? Are you interested?"

"Not really!" Isabella took another sip of her wine. "Forget it. Let's eat."

Naturally, Isabella refused to reveal any care or affection for him.

Men were peculiar creatures; the more humble a woman acted, the easier she was discarded.

Maintaining an air of indifference was her best defense against getting hurt.

Over the years, Isabella had constructed formidable walls around her heart.

Even though she had accepted Nathaniel's presence, she would never openly show it.

Nathaniel noted how she deftly avoided the question.

It reminded him of his previous request for just a fraction of her attention.

If she was unwilling to offer fifty percent of her love, how much could she truly give?

Her evasion was transparent to him.

Her demeanor toward him had noticeably softened recently... so why still dodge admitting her feelings?

Nevertheless, Nathaniel felt no rush. He served her some food. "What are your plans after this?"

"After this..." Isabella's eyes darkened.

Victoria's reputation would be utterly destroyed sooner or later. There was no path to redemption for her.

After this, Isabella wouldn't need to lift a finger.

The image of a furious, livid Victoria brought a languid smile to her lips as she sipped her wine. "She should've known the consequences of her actions."

Her tone was low and ominous.

Nathaniel refilled her empty glass and raised his own. "A toast to you, then."

"Thank you." Isabella clinked her glass with his and took another sip.

Although she had unsettled Victoria numerous times, this time was fundamentally different.

It would take less than ten days for Victoria's true nature to be exposed for all to see.

Isabella eagerly anticipated it.

She finished the red wine in her glass, her mood excellent as she continued her meal.

Maxwell, watching over Isabella from outside the manor, received a call at that moment.

"Maxwell, remember to tell Isabella the wine's alcohol content is different now. It's much stronger. Tell her to drink less!"

Maxwell frowned. "I'm afraid it's too late..."

Isabella ate and drank continuously–one had to admit, the wine handmade by a professor like Silas was truly unique.

It had a sweet, cooling texture with a lasting, exquisite aftertaste. It was as refreshing as fruit juice.

Yet, the more she drank, the dizzier she became.

Her vision blurred. Nathaniel, once one person, now appeared as two, then three... She was seeing double!

Was she drunk?

Isabella never usually got drunk on Silas's wine. She eyed Nathaniel suspiciously. "D-Did you put something in my wine, Nathaniel?"

"Am I that kind of man in your eyes?" Nathaniel refuted.

Isabella had no response to that.

Of course not.

Nathaniel had ample opportunity to take advantage of her before, yet he never did.

Perhaps she really was just drunk.

As the thought crossed her mind, Isabella's body went limp, and she slumped onto the table.

Nathaniel set down his fork and walked over to carry her back to her room.

Finally, Oliver jumped up from the sofa and ran upstairs to open the door for them.

Once Nathaniel entered the room, he heard a loud 'click' from outside.

That sound...

Undoubtedly, Oliver was messing with them again!

Oliver loved inventing things, including an anti-opening device.

Once that device was secured on both sides of the door, no one inside could open it, no matter their strength.