Chapter 491

Isabella had considered countless scenarios. She believed someone had schemed against Nathaniel.

She assumed the woman who slept with him was malicious and cunning. She was prepared to face any challenge alongside Nathaniel.

She never expected the woman would be fragile, innocent, and harmless. A woman who endured immense suffering because of Nathaniel... As Christopher pulled Isabella toward the window, she watched Nathaniel extend his hand to help Sophia up. Throughout their entire relationship, Isabella never witnessed Nathaniel touch another woman. Yet he protected Sophia. He treated her differently...

If Isabella wasn't present, Nathaniel would have reunited with Sophia. Christopher would have found his real mother...

Seeing Isabella's expression shift, Christopher tugged her hand urgently. "Don't overthink, Mommy. Daddy only loves you! This mommy is from the past. And I only like you! I only want you as my mommy! Even though she seems nice, I don't like her. I feel nothing for her. Momo only loves you!"

Christopher spoke with complete sincerity. He truly felt no connection to Sophia, while he adored Isabella instantly upon meeting her. Being with Isabella felt warm and secure, as if she was his real mother.

Isabella removed the earbuds and ruffled his small head. "Don't worry, Momo. Mommy isn't overthinking. I'm just..."

She just found it difficult to accept. The situation felt increasingly complicated.

The door opened suddenly. Nathaniel's tall, imposing figure entered. He saw Isabella and Christopher by the window, holding the high-tech earbuds. He frowned.

Had she heard everything? Isabella met Nathaniel's gaze. Their eye contact grew complex and heavy.

The atmosphere turned tense and strange. After a moment of silence, Nathaniel spoke to Christopher. "Go upstairs."

"Okay..." Christopher sensed the seriousness and scurried upstairs on his small legs.

Isabella set down the earbuds calmly. "Momo gave them to me." She didn't want Nathaniel thinking she eavesdropped habitually.

"I understand."

Nathaniel harbored no suspicion toward her. After closing the door, he walked into the living room and sat on the sofa. He rested his arms on his lap, fingers entwined, leaning slightly forward.

He adopted a pensive posture, his expression grave. Isabella had never seen him like this. She knew he was gathering his thoughts, so she waited patiently by the window. After a while, Nathaniel asked, "Isabella, do you trust me?" His deep voice carried a faint trace of unease.

Isabella frowned. This wasn't the opening she anticipated. She looked at him and countered, "Does it matter? Whether I trust you or not."

"Of course it does." Nathaniel lifted his gaze to hers. "You heard everything. I was drugged five years ago. My consciousness was blurred. I harmed Sophia."

"Sophia attended the same university as me. I owed her a debt. But that's all it was—repaying a favor. No emotions involved. Give me time. I'll resolve this." His final sentence was delivered with sincere reassurance.

Isabella felt conflicted. Though Nathaniel sounded genuine, she had to consider other factors. Sophia suffered tremendously because of Nathaniel. Nathaniel had to make amends and take responsibility.

There would be more interactions between them. Could feelings develop through continued contact? Moreover, they shared a university background and a ten-year history.