Chapter 81

Isabella attempted to distract Oliver with conversation. He slumped against the armrest and fell asleep instantly.

The boy who’d been begging to ride the Ferris wheel was now completely conked out.

She felt tricked. She considered shaking him awake, but Nathaniel stopped her.

“Let him rest. His seizures drain all his energy.”

Nathaniel was even making excuses for him now.

Isabella sat back, saying nothing.

The Ferris wheel climbed steadily, offering a sweeping view of Westchester.

Pairs of birds swooped past the windows, setting a romantic scene.

Isabella barely glanced at the view. She focused on her phone, ignoring Nathaniel completely.

He frowned, watching her. “Ms. Montgomery, you’re missing the stunning cityscape. Staring at your screen that long strains your eyes.”

“It’s just a standard city view. Nothing special,” she replied without looking up.

His brows furrowed. Weren’t women supposed to love Ferris wheels? Why was she so uninterested?

“What does interest you, then?” he murmured.

“Drifting. Skydiving,” she answered, crossing her legs while still scrolling.

His heart jumped. Those were extreme sports he’d never tried.

The conversation died there.

As the Ferris wheel rose, other couples were cuddling or kissing. But him?

Oliver, pretending to sleep, mouthed silent words to Nathaniel. “Daddy, fifteen minutes left! Fix this! Now!”

Nathaniel’s expression darkened. He refused to waste this chance. Watching Isabella ignore him for her phone, what could he do?

Then an idea struck. He pulled out his phone and texted Sebastian after a quick wink at Oliver.

“Execute the Ferris wheel plan.”

Isabella was reviewing the Phoenix Hotel report from Maxwell. Suddenly, the carriage jolted violently. “Aah!”

Screams erupted as women clung to their partners.

Nathaniel braced to catch Isabella in the panic. But she remained perfectly calm. Instead, she pocketed her phone and shielded the sleeping Oliver on the seat.

Is she even human? He stared, stunned.

The carriage shook again.

More terrified screams followed. But Isabella stayed composed.

Nathaniel’s face fell. Is she always this unshakable? Was this all for nothing?

He never failed.

During another shake, he moved beside her. “Don’t be scared. I’m here.”

He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close.

“Who said I was scared?” She recoiled at his touch, startled.