Chapter 175

Ever since Lucas returned from Aetheria to Elmsworth, he'd been monitoring Isabella's every move.

But reports indicated nothing unusual about Isabella.

She'd been occupied with managing her luxury hotel, never stepping foot outside Elmsworth.

Nathaniel sat in his office, gazing out the window, his brow furrowed.

With Evelyn's wedding date approaching, shouldn't Isabella be frantic? Had she truly given up on Alea, or was she plotting something else entirely?

The burglary at Rose Manor, Eleanor's arrest, and the hijacking of the Westguard project—all these incidents had left Nathaniel wary of Isabella.

Honestly, what kind of man starts fearing his ex-wife after the divorce?

Then, the phone rang.

"Mr. Nathaniel, Mr. Daniel is here to see you," his secretary announced respectfully.

"Let him in."

The moment Daniel strode into the CEO's office, he made himself at home, sprawling across the sofa like he owned the place. The only thing missing was him kicking off his shoes.

"How many times must I tell you not to drop by unannounced? Do you think I have as much free time as you?" Nathaniel didn't even glance up, continuing to sign documents.

"Can't I visit my best friend without an agenda? Who do you think you are?" Daniel smirked. "Though, my mom was watching a drama recently, and the male lead reminded me of you. Both heartless villains."

"Spit it out or get out." Nathaniel set down his pen and straightened.

"Serena's been back for days. Mom wants you over for dinner."

"I'm swamped. Evelyn's situation isn't resolved. I'm not in the mood for socializing."

"It's been ages since you last saw your godmother! She just returned from abroad and went through the trouble of preparing your favorite dishes. Show some respect!" Daniel rolled his eyes. "She'll be devastated if you don't come."

Nathaniel pressed his lips together, then relented. "Fine. I'll go."

"That's more like it! Serena will be thrilled." Daniel grinned. "You might be an outcast in your own family, but in ours, you're practically royalty."

Nathaniel suddenly recalled the concert hall incident—Serena's overly affectionate behavior—and discomfort prickled under his skin.

Years ago, he'd held young Serena's hand while strolling through the park. Back then, she was just a ten-year-old girl, and he treated her like a little sister.

But now, she was grown. She could be naive, but he couldn't afford to be.

Just as he was about to speak, a knock interrupted.

"Come in."

"Mr. Nathaniel!" Gordon burst in, files in hand. "I've completed the investigation into Ms. Isabella's relationship with Adrian, as well as the ties between Chambers Group and Ashbourne Group!"

Daniel's eyebrows shot up.

Nathaniel nearly snapped his pen in half, his head spinning.

"Oh—Mr. Nathaniel, you have company. I'll leave you to it." Gordon offered an awkward smile and retreated.

"We're not strangers here."

Daniel plucked an orange from the fruit bowl, peeling it lazily while eyeing Nathaniel. "So? Couldn't take it anymore and decided to make your move?"

"Mind your own business." Nathaniel lowered his head, his pulse quickening.

"Why can't I ask? I pursued Ms. Isabella first. You and that powerless guy should both back off!" Daniel shoved an orange slice into his mouth, chewing aggressively.

"So what if you were first?"

Nathaniel's gaze darkened possessively. "She married me. She'll never be yours."

"Hah! What's a divorced man like you bragging for?"

Daniel nearly hurled the orange at him. "If you could divorce her, why can't you win her back? What's the point of having Gordon dig into trivial matters? By the time you stop procrastinating, she and Adrian might already have a kid!"

Nathaniel's heart lurched, but his voice remained icy. "Who said I want her back? I'm investigating their ties because she stole another one of my projects and is collaborating with Adrian. This could affect Abernathy Group's future plans."

"Sure, keep telling yourself that." Daniel scoffed, tossing an orange peel at him.

Nathaniel caught it, crushing it in his fist, his face stormy.

Gordon struggled to keep a straight face before clearing his throat. "Mr. Nathaniel, it appears Ms. Isabella and Adrian share no special relationship. For the past three years, Ms. Isabella has been devoted to you. Before that, there's no record of her interacting with Chambers Group."

Nathaniel's expression eased slightly.

At least Isabella hadn't teamed up with Adrian yet. The man was likely just wishful thinking.

"However, I recently discovered Mr. Jeffrey hauled his two single sons to Skyrim—probably to visit Chairman Reginald. Given the close ties between Ashbourne and Chambers families, I suspect Mr. Jeffrey is angling for a marriage alliance!"

Marriage alliance?

Both Nathaniel and Daniel stiffened.

They were the same age, their families were compatible, and they'd known each other for years. It was a match made in heaven—flawless.

A wave of panic crashed over Nathaniel, unstoppable and suffocating.

"We're screwed."

Daniel shot Nathaniel a meaningful look, his eyes tinged red. He chuckled darkly. "Even if Adrian's relentless in pursuing my goddess, I doubt Ms. Isabella can resist his full-court press. With Mr. Jeffrey personally proposing and father-son teamwork, plus Chairman Reginald's pressure—she might just say yes."

Nathaniel's face darkened like an approaching storm.

"Maybe you'll be attending your ex-wife's wedding soon. Better start saving for a lavish gift!" Daniel taunted, popping another orange slice into his mouth.

Rage surged in Nathaniel's throat, his voice rough. "Impossible. Isabella would never submit to an arranged marriage. She'd never fall for Adrian. A woman who's lived with a lion doesn't settle for a wolf."

"Ooh, someone's bitter."

"Daniel!" Nathaniel's glare could melt steel.

"I meant the orange is sour! What's your problem?"

That evening, Nathaniel accompanied Daniel to the Fairhaven estate as promised.

Though he considered the Fairhavens family and Mrs. Fairhaven his godmother, he still brought lavish gifts—top-tier health supplements for the elders.

Mrs. Fairhaven doted on Nathaniel, preparing a feast of his favorite dishes, with a few of Serena's preferences mixed in.

"Mom, you're playing favorites!"

Daniel pouted. "You forgot the dishes I asked for before leaving. They say sons forget their mothers after marriage, but you've forgotten your own son for Nathaniel. Heartbreaking!"

"You've eaten my cooking for over twenty years. Nathaniel rarely visits—of course I'll spoil him when he does. No comparisons."

Mrs. Fairhaven beamed at Nathaniel, her eyes brimming with affection. "Nathaniel, eat up. These are all your favorites."

"Thank you." Nathaniel offered a small smile and began eating.

"Have more, Nathaniel!"

Serena deliberately sat beside him, using her own utensils to serve him. "I made these myself. Try them!"

But before she could reach his plate, Nathaniel blocked her, disappointment flashing across her face.

"Thanks. I can serve myself."