Chapter 6
Nathaniel hadn't planned this course of action.
Yet this woman had undeniably captured his attention.
His family had spent years pushing him toward marriage.
But now...
"Daddy...Daddy..."
Oliver's cheerful voice snapped him back to reality.
Nathaniel noticed the darkening venom spreading rapidly.
It looked terrible.
Waiting for the antivenom would be too late.
He pushed all hesitation aside.
Bending down, he began sucking the poison from her wound.
Oliver watched from the ground, his eyes lighting up.
"Daddy touched Mommy! Daddy kissed Mommy! Now Daddy has to take care of Mommy forever!"
The boy's words never failed to astonish him.
...
Isabella's consciousness returned slowly.
She found herself in a monochrome room.
Elegantly furnished.
Expensive.
Where was she?
The cobra attack flashed through her mind.
She needed to treat the wound immediately!
Looking down, she realized her clothes had been changed.
She now wore an oversized white shirt that reached her knees.
Her wounds were cleaned and bandaged.
Who did this?
"You're awake?" A deep, velvety voice came from the doorway.
Isabella looked up.
A tall, muscular figure entered the room.
He wore a perfectly tailored suit.
His features looked like they were carved by a master sculptor.
He exuded an aura of power and refinement.
It was Nathaniel Blackwood.
The man stood at the pinnacle of society.
The Blackwood family's thirteenth heir.
A dynasty of immense wealth spanning five centuries.
This was Nathaniel Blackwood.
"Did you save me? Did you change my clothes?"
"Mhm." His response was soft yet firm.
He approached her and knelt beside the bed.
"Don't worry. I'll take full responsibility for you."
He produced a small velvet box.
It opened automatically.
Inside sat a heart-shaped diamond ring, glittering under the lights.
"What are you doing?" Isabella frowned.
"Proposing to you," Nathaniel stated calmly.
Rumors claimed Nathaniel had no interest in women.
Even his son came from a surrogate.
Why propose to her?
The son!
The boy's features resembled Nathaniel's.
The child she saved was this wealthy man's son?
Why let his son wander somewhere so dangerous?
And now this sudden proposal?
What an irresponsible man!
"Are you insane? You changed my clothes and now want to marry me?" She scoffed.
"I'm a man of principles," he deadpanned.
"By your principles, men who go to beaches would bring home thousands of wives. Thousands saw me at the beach once. Should I marry them all?"
Thousands of men? Nathaniel didn't like that.
Isabella slid off the bed.
She patted his shoulder gently.
"Mr. Blackwood, we're adults. I don't need your care. Focus on your son. Don't just make money. He has no mother. Neglect could damage his development."
She walked out wearing the oversized shirt.
It showcased her long, slim legs.
She blended masculinity with elegant femininity perfectly.
Nathaniel stiffened in awe.
Did she just reject his proposal?
Any woman would kill to marry him.
Yet she dismissed him without a second thought?
He turned suddenly, his tone slightly raised.
"Is there someone else?"
"Ah?" Isabella looked confused.
Nathaniel locked eyes with her.
He pronounced each syllable carefully.
"I sucked the toxin out myself."
Wait.
Wasn't the snakebite on her thigh?