Chapter 434

Oliver's eyes sparkled at the sight of the arcade machines.

That spark vanished just as quickly.

He noticed a figure in the distance and immediately tugged Isabella's arm.

"Let's go," he whispered urgently.

Isabella looked down at him. "What's wrong, Christopher?"

"I saw Amelia," he mumbled, his voice low. "Uncle Gregory's daughter. She'll make fun of me if she sees me here. And Daddy... Daddy always said these machines are a waste of time. He never lets me play."

Isabella's expression tightened. Uncle Gregory? She recalled Nathaniel had a younger brother, Gregory Blackwood. Gregory constantly battled Nathaniel for control of the family empire, always losing. To his credit, Gregory was a shrewd businessman. He'd married Sophia Delacroix, an acclaimed actress from an old-money dynasty. The press adored them as the perfect power couple.

Naturally, since Gregory and Nathaniel were rivals, his daughter Amelia would despire Oliver. The entire Blackwood clan, it seemed, looked down on the boy.

Isabella squeezed his small hand and smoothed his hair. "Christopher, look at you today. Your disguise is perfect. She won't recognize you. And remember, I'm right here. No one gets to bully you. Not on my watch. Now, tell me the truth: do you want to play that claw machine? Do you want to show Amelia Blackwood what you can do?"

He nodded instantly, his earlier fear replaced by determination. "Yes! I really do!"

"Then let's go." She led him firmly toward the arcade.

Inside, Amelia Blackwood was furiously jabbing at a claw machine controls. She'd already wasted a stack of tokens with nothing to show for it. She stamped her foot in frustration.

Just then, a woman and a child entered her line of sight. The woman wore a simple white dress that radiated a quiet grace. The boy... he was dressed like a tiny rockstar, but that wasn't what caught Amelia's eye. He was clutching a gigantic lollipop, bigger than his own head! He happily licked at it as he walked, a picture of pure joy. A whole necklace of other colorful lollipops hung around his neck.

Amelia's mouth watered. Despite her privileged life, her parents enforced strict, perfectionist rules. Sugary treats like this were completely forbidden. The temptation was overwhelming.

"Hey, you!" she called out, her tone imperious. "I want one of those! Give it to me!"

Oliver flinched instinctively. Her voice brought back memories of her constant taunts, her cruel words about his mother, her sheer disdain. But this time felt different. He felt the steady, reassuring warmth of Isabella's hand in his. He looked up, meeting Amelia's gaze with newfound courage.

"No," he stated clearly. "Get your own mommy to buy you one." He then took an exaggerated, satisfying bite of his giant candy, his eyes never leaving hers.

His defiance only infuriated her more. Amelia planted her hands on her hips. "Do you even know who I am? Do you know who my parents are? I'm a princess! You have so many, you have to give me one!"

"Well, I'm my mommy's prince!" Oliver shot back. "And I won't! Come on, Mommy, let's play!" He pulled Isabella toward an empty machine.

On their way to buy the candy, Oliver had confided in Isabella. He told her how Amelia had mocked him since they could barely walk, how she'd turned other children against him, and the time she'd pushed him into the garden pond.

A cold fire ignited in Isabella's eyes as she stared at the spoiled girl. So you're the one who's been tormenting my son. Your little reign of terror ends today.