Chapter 433

Shortly after Nathaniel departed, Isabella received a text from Maxwell.

Maxwell: I’ve confirmed Robert was taken to Westhaven by Takashi Yamamoto. They’re staying in a secluded mountain estate with heavy security. Approaching undetected will be difficult.

Isabella’s brow furrowed. Takashi Yamamoto was not known for his charity. Why would he help Victoria? Clearly, some underhanded deal had been struck.

Another question nagged at her. Why had Victoria remained at Montgomery Manor after securing sixty percent of the family shares? Why was Benjamin still up on that mountain?

A thought occurred to her. Her fingers flew across the screen.

Isabella: Maintain surveillance. Identify their patterns and vulnerabilities. Do not engage until I give the order.

Maxwell: Understood.

Isabella pocketed her phone, the online headlines flashing through her mind. She turned to Oliver.

“Momo, are you getting bored staying indoors? Would you like to go out with Mommy?”

“Yes! Yes!” Oliver bounced with excitement.

Since Nathaniel and Oliver had moved into her residence, they had avoided public outings. The fear of McKenzie’s photographers kept them confined. The mere prospect of leaving the house thrilled him.

But then…

“Won’t the bad Auntie find us? What if she tells Grandpa and Grandma to take me away?” Oliver’s lower lip trembled.

Isabella ruffled his hair. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. No one will recognize us. Mommy will give you a makeover.”

She led him to her dressing room. Using special child-safe cosmetics, she transformed his features. His large, doe-like eyes were reshaped into a sharper, more angular shape. His full lips were made to appear thinner. Strategic contouring gave his face a less cherubic, more defined look.

She topped it off with a stylish golden wig and dressed him in a trendy, street-style outfit. The elegant little boy was gone, replaced by a cool, slightly spoiled-looking kid.

Oliver stared at his reflection, clapping his hands in delight. “Wow! I love it! I look like a little superhero! Ready to protect Mommy and my sister!”

Isabella smiled warmly. “I’m glad you like it.”

She then turned her attention to herself. With skillful application, she softened her own striking features, creating a more subdued, ordinary appearance. A simple white dress completed the look of a typical, unassuming stay-at-home mother.

She studied her reflection, a satisfied smirk playing on her lips. So, Victoria thought she could just stay, did she? She had clearly pushed her into a corner, but Victoria wasn’t finished. She must have another card to play before she’d finally leave.

Isabella had no intention of giving her the chance to play it. She would ensure Victoria had no opportunity to salvage her reputation in the days to come.

Isabella hailed a taxi with Oliver and headed downtown to Whitmore Plaza. The mall, owned by Whitmore Enterprises, was a bustling hub of restaurants and entertainment—a shopper’s paradise.

Remembering her plan, she bent down to Oliver’s level. “Momo, you need to be extra good today, okay? It will be very crowded. Do not wander off. Wait for my instructions.”

“Don’t worry, Mommy. I’ll be good,” Oliver promised, his eyes wide with excitement. His father rarely took him to crowded places, usually arranging for private shopping. This was a thrilling first for him.

Seeing his anticipation, Isabella took him straight to the fifth floor. It was the mall’s main entertainment level, packed with arcade games, children’s play areas, dart boards, and bowling alleys.

The main attraction, however, was the long rows of gleaming claw machines. They were filled with an array of adorable plush toys—Hello Kitty, Mickey Mouse, and various other cute animals.

Isabella scanned the area. The person she expected to see wasn’t there yet. Her eyes narrowed slightly. It seemed they would have to wait a little longer.