Chapter 339

"Mr. Blackwood, your brilliance is truly unparalleled!"

Oliver Sinclair wiped his brow nervously as he ventured, "Given Young Madam's... unpredictable methods and relentless determination, do you think she might actually succeed in stealing Isabella Laurent away? Perhaps we should—"

"What?" Nathan Blackwood cut him off sharply, his dark brows knitting together.

Oliver flashed a bright grin. "Why not let Evelyn have this one? It's just a wedding banquet, after all. A real gentleman shouldn't compete with a lady, especially considering your past—"

"Absolutely not."

Nathan's voice was ice. He frowned deeply. "Since negotiations with Alexa have stalled, Isabella is our only leverage. If Evelyn thought of targeting her, it means she's as desperate as we are. At this critical juncture, even the smallest advantage could tip the scales. I won't let her win. By any means necessary, Isabella Laurent will attend our event."

With that final decree, the imposing CEO strode into his luxury car, his expression unreadable.

Oliver stood frozen on the pavement, his face falling. Good grief. The man's harder than reinforced steel. How's someone this stubborn ever going to win her back?

Inside the car, Nathan leaned back against the leather seats and exhaled slowly. Should I have taken Oliver's advice? Let her have this victory?

From the divorce until now, Evelyn had outmaneuvered him at every turn—always one step ahead, always leaving him scrambling in her wake.

It startled him to realize the woman he'd once known as his gentle, uncomplicated wife had transformed into someone formidable. Brilliant. Ruthlessly strategic. With each passing day, she seemed further out of reach.

Nathan ached to best her just once, as if a single victory might bridge the chasm between them.

——

Late that night, Julian Montgomery headed to Velvet Lounge for drinks, leaving only Eleanor Montgomery and Isabelle at home. Isabelle slipped into her mother's bedroom, curling up on the silk duvet with practiced sweetness.

Recalling dinner, Eleanor sighed. "Isabelle, your behavior toward Nathan tonight was... excessive. You made him uncomfortable."

She pinched the bridge of her nose. "You're not a child anymore, and Nathan isn't the boy who played with you in the gardens. He's the CEO of Blackwood Industries now—every move he makes is scrutinized. You must be more careful. It's inappropriate for you to—"

"Mother." Isabelle sat up abruptly, her gaze sharp. "I wasn't acting childish. I don't see Nathan as a brother."

Eleanor blinked. "What?"

"Why do you think I turned down the Valmont Philharmonic? Why abandon my career in Silvercrest?" Isabelle's eyes glittered. "I came back for him. I intend to marry Nathan Blackwood."

"Have you lost your mind?!"

Eleanor shot upright, staring at her daughter in horror. "He's practically family!"

"Not by blood." Isabelle's smile turned feline at the thought of Nathan. "I've waited years for him to end things with Victoria. Now? Nothing stands in my way."

Watching her daughter's delusion, Eleanor felt a pang of dread.

"Mother, what's wrong?" Isabelle tilted her head. "Don't you want this for me?"

"It's not that..." Eleanor hesitated. "Nathan is exceptional, but he's not right for you. Your brother warned you—he's been married before. Isabelle, you're so pure-hearted. The Blackwoods are vipers. If you marry into that family—"

Isabelle nearly laughed. Pure? Please. Cassandra Blackwood's the naive one. If she became Nathan's wife, she'd have those women eating from her palm.

"Mother!" She squeezed Eleanor's hand. "I'm a Montgomery heiress. Our family rivals the Blackwoods. With you and Julian supporting me, who'd dare mistreat me?"

"But affection can't be forced! Even if you're willing, Nathan must—"

Isabelle's smile turned razor-sharp. "With your backing, I already have the advantage. Once I prove my worth—show him I'm not just Julian's little sister but a woman who can stand beside him—he'll have no choice but to notice me."

"Darling—"

"No arguments, Mother." Isabelle's voice hardened. "I will marry Nathan Blackwood. Or no one at all."