Chapter 78
In a flash, Oliver—who had been convulsing on the ground moments before—leapt up with a burst of energy.
He threw his small hands in the air. “Hooray!”
Then he launched himself straight back into Isabella’s embrace.
Isabella was stunned. ‘How did he bounce back so fast? This… feels like a setup.’
Noticing her hesitation, Oliver wrapped his plump arms around her neck. “Mommy, Uncle Sebastian said my twitching is all in my head,” he explained quickly. “If I take medicine, I’ll get better slowly. You promised. You can’t go back on your word now. We’re going to the amusement park! Grown-ups can’t break promises. They can’t teach kids to lie either.”
What could she say? Isabella gently pinched his soft cheeks. “You clever little thing. Fine. I promised, so I’ll keep it. We’ll go. But from now on, you have to be strong, okay? You’re tough. You won’t let a little mind-trick beat you.”
“Okay! I’ll listen to Mommy!” Oliver beamed, his smile pure sunshine.
Nearby, Sebastian watched, impressed. Their plan actually worked. They’d tricked her into agreeing!
His brother did know how to charm a woman. After 28 years, he was finally unleashing his skills on someone like Isabella.
Sebastian quickly slid back into the driver’s seat, playing his part. Nathaniel opened the car door like a true gentleman. “After you, Ms. Montgomery.”
Isabella carried Oliver inside and settled in the back. She almost told Nathaniel to sit up front, but then she saw the tall stack of files there. The words died in her throat.
Fine. At least Oliver was between them.
She buckled her own seatbelt, then helped Oliver with his. “Good boys always wear seatbelts,” she instructed. “It’s a rule. It keeps you safe.” Her tone left no room for argument.
Nathaniel silently fastened his own belt. Even Sebastian, in the driver’s seat, clicked his without a word. The car began to glide forward, heading for the amusement park.
Then Isabella spotted it. A small trash bin held a clump of crimson flowers. “Why are there flowers in here?” she asked curiously.
The air in the car instantly tightened.
Three voices answered at once.
“From a business partner.”
“An admirer sent them.”
“My school gave them to me.”
Nathaniel, Sebastian, and Oliver had all spoken. Isabella blinked, confused. Whose flowers were they? It was a simple question, so why did everything suddenly feel so awkward?
Nathaniel smoothly changed the subject. “Not important. Look what we got for you. See if you like it.” He pulled something out and handed it to her.
Isabella took it. It was a mask. Not just any mask… it was a Peppa Pig mask! “You bought this for me?” she asked, utterly surprised. What was going through Nathaniel’s mind? Was this his idea of romance?