Chapter 376

Nathaniel didn't even glance at Arabella. His fingers tightened around the whiskey glass as he took another sip, his voice detached. "Forget it. I'm not offended."

"Arabella, you must learn to control your temper." Dominic chastened his daughter sternly. "You're a Vanderbilt now. This behavior is unbecoming."

"Father, I was wrong." Arabella bit her lower lip, eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I'll learn from my cousin Isabella. If I work hard enough, surely she'll accept me one day? She wouldn't look down on me forever."

"Look down on you?" Nathaniel's frosty gaze snapped up, brows knitting together. "I was married to Isabella long enough to know her character. She's never looked down on anyone - not even the staff at Kingsley Manor. Why would she disdain her own cousin?"

Lucas nodded in silent agreement.

Nathaniel might be blunt, even harsh at times, but he was never unfair.

"That's not what I meant!" Arabella stammered, cheeks flushing crimson.

"I know Isabella, so I don't believe your implications." Nathaniel's piercing stare bore into her. "But I suggest you refrain from speaking about her this way to others - especially if your relationship is as close as your father claims." The warning in his tone was unmistakable.

Arabella panicked, shooting Dominic a desperate look.

"You can't even express yourself properly, making Mr. Kingsley misunderstand!" Dominic attempted damage control. "Arabella, apologize properly. And Mr. Kingsley, please forgive her youthful indiscretion for Isabella's sake?"

His obsequious manner was painfully obvious.

But Dominic had no choice. Without groveling, Nathaniel might walk away without hesitation.

Deep down, Nathaniel respected Reginald. As Isabella's uncle, Dominic deserved some courtesy for the family connection.

Just then, a waiter arrived with champagne flutes.

Arabella seized two glasses - one for herself, the other for Nathaniel.

"Mr. Kingsley, let me toast to you. I'll choose my words more carefully in future."

Nathaniel's glass happened to be empty. When Arabella offered the champagne, he accepted and drained it in one go.

Arabella smiled behind her own glass as she drank.

"Mr. Grant," Dominic turned to Lucas with sudden enthusiasm, "some K Group partners are very interested in your Grant Enterprises. Why not join us? There might be lucrative opportunities."

Lucas' eyes lit up at the prospect.

He wasn't just a connoisseur of beauty, but of wealth too. Business opportunities never escaped his notice. To compete with his uncle, he needed every advantage.

"Nathaniel, I'm heading over!"

With that, Lucas followed Dominic, leaving Nathaniel alone with Arabella. His expression remained stormy.

"Mr. Kingsley," Arabella fluttered her lashes hesitantly, "there's a dance later. Would you—"

Before she could finish, Nathaniel's glacial stare silenced her.

"You're aware I'm your cousin's ex-husband." His profile was sharp, intimidating. This was the first time he'd addressed her directly, yet the topic always circled back to Isabella.

"Yes, I know." Her voice wavered.

"Then you should know better than to behave inappropriately, especially in your cousin's presence. You shouldn't even approach me."

Arabella misinterpreted his words, cheeks flushing as she whispered, "Does that mean when Isabella isn't here, I can see you?"

"Under normal circumstances, we have no reason to meet. Don't delude yourself." Nathaniel finished his drink, gaze never warming.

Humiliation burned through Arabella. Her advances toward this unfeeling man were met with nothing but disdain.

She'd always been pursued, never the pursuer. This was the first time she'd lowered herself to chase a man.

But Nathaniel was worth it.

If she could become his woman, she'd never need her father or uncle's approval again.

As Nathaniel drank more, his condition deteriorated rapidly. Though known for his alcohol tolerance, tonight was different. After just a few glasses, his head swam, breath shortened, eyelids grew leaden. The ball had begun, but no one noticed the tension between him and Arabella.

Gasping, Nathaniel tugged at his Windsor knot, throat parched, cheeks flushed. Heat radiated from his core, teasing his nerves like phantom fingers.

"Mr. Kingsley, are you unwell?" Arabella feigned concern, though her lips curved secretly.

She knew the drug was taking effect.

Nathaniel leaned back, eyes closed, fighting the wildfire in his veins.

What was in that drink? The reaction was too intense.

Or was it Isabella who'd unsettled him, making him vulnerable?

"I'm fine. Not your concern." His tone remained icy.

"But you're burning up!" Boldly, Arabella pressed against him, her soft curves molding to his body as she reached for his forehead.

SMACK!

"Ah!" Nathaniel slapped her hand away violently, leaving an angry red mark.

"Don't touch me!" he roared through gritted teeth, eyes bloodshot. "Get out!"