Chapter 423

After a brief internal conflict, Isabella made her choice—silence.

Nathaniel was drowning in guilt and remorse. She did want to see him suffer for his past mistakes, but his relentless efforts to make amends—risking his life, giving everything to repay his debt—had been more than enough.

She still wanted him to shine in her life like a star. She refused to burden him with more guilt.

This was her quiet way of loving someone.

"Isabella? Are you really okay?" Nathaniel noticed her pale complexion, his chest tightening. His warm hand gently squeezed her shoulder.

"I'm fine."

She lifted her face and flashed him a bright smile. "What could possibly be wrong with me? I scraped my finger climbing a tree as a kid. It's nothing, doesn’t affect my life."

Despite her reassurance, he couldn’t shake his worry. He cradled her pinky delicately. "You have so many brothers. How did they let this happen?"

"My brothers take great care of me! But what can they do when I’m a wild child who refuses to be tamed?" Isabella pouted playfully, her coquettish charm making his pulse quicken. He couldn’t resist stealing a kiss from her tempting lips.

"From now on, you won’t need them. I’ll take care of you. Protect you."

His words sent heat rushing to her cheeks. His breath hitched at her reaction, his gaze darkening with desire.

"Ah! Speaking of which—" Isabella quickly pulled a small, elegant box from her coat pocket and handed it to him. "Here. A gift from Sebastian."

"From your brother?" Nathaniel was stunned.

She nodded shyly, cheeks flushing. "Yes. You were unconscious when he gave it to me. I thought it’d be better to wait until you woke up."

She valued presentation, so she’d chosen a sleek black velvet jewelry box for the gift.

Nathaniel’s throat tightened with emotion. He hadn’t received a gift in years.

Once, only Isabella remembered anniversaries and holidays. Only she cared. But he’d been blind to his blessings back then. He’d had someone who loved him unconditionally, yet he’d seen her as a burden, always trying to escape.

"Open it," she urged, leaning against him.

Nathaniel lifted the lid, his eyes widening at the sight of the cross pendant—the very one Sebastian always wore.

"Isn’t this your brother’s most treasured possession? He’s giving it to me?"

"Huh? He never shows it to anyone. How do you know he keeps it close?" Isabella caught the crucial detail.

Nathaniel gave a bitter smile.

When Sebastian had stormed into that meeting room and fought him, the pendant had slipped from his shirt. The intricate craftsmanship had caught his eye, and the unforgettable scene had left a lasting impression.

"It’s beautiful. Exquisite. I love it."

"It’s not expensive, but it means everything to him. Giving it to you is his way of accepting you." Isabella’s eyes sparkled as she watched him, sensing his genuine appreciation.

After all the twists and turns, she felt lucky the man she loved was still by her side.

What thrilled her more was that Nathaniel had managed to change her brothers’ opinions of him. She’d once thought they’d never forgive him, but thankfully, things were moving in the right direction.

Her only concern now was Reginald. He was a loving father but a hard man to win over—especially for someone already on his bad side like Nathaniel. But that was fine. They’d take it slow.

As long as their hearts were in sync, nothing could keep them apart.

Isabella fastened the pendant around Nathaniel’s neck, her slender fingers brushing against his firm chest.

His muscular physique was dangerously tempting. Just touching him sent her imagination spiraling.

"How should I thank him?" Nathaniel asked, his grip tightening around her waist.

His heart ached. When he used to hold her, he’d loved the softness of her waist. But now, he could feel how much thinner she’d become.

She must have barely eaten or slept while he was unconscious.

"You don’t need to—mmph!"

Before she could finish, Nathaniel pulled her into a crushing embrace.

The rest of her words were swallowed by his searing kiss, his tongue exploring every inch of her mouth.

When he finally pulled away, her lips were swollen, her eyes dazed. He smirked, his voice rough with desire. "Isabella, you taste so sweet."

She was dizzy, her ears burning. She gripped his shoulders. "Don’t get carried away. We’re not alone."

"They’re all asleep. Nothing to worry about."

Suddenly, his grip tightened, his lips grazing her ear as his breathing grew heavier. "I’ll be gentle."

Gentle? What was this man planning? Isabella’s body flushed with heat, but before she could react, Nathaniel’s lips claimed hers again, pressing her down onto the seat.

Oliver was sound asleep, nearly drooling, when he jolted awake as if from a nightmare. He would’ve tumbled from his seat if not for Sebastian’s quick reflexes.

"Ugh, how long was I out?" Oliver rubbed his bleary eyes.

"Three hours."

Sebastian studied his dazed expression, brow quirking. "Bad dream?"

"Yeah. You were yelling at me. Scared me awake." Oliver stretched lazily.

"Is it so hard for you to be serious?" Sebastian’s tone turned stern.

"As a doctor, I’m very serious. But every time I see you, it’s impossible." Oliver suddenly leaned in, his fox-like eyes glinting. "So whose fault is that, really?"

"Stop twisting words." Sebastian looked away, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"Are you just realizing this? I’m as unreasonable as any woman." Oliver smirked.

"No need to generalize. The only difference between you and women is biology." Sebastian teased dryly. "If you were a woman, you’d be adorable."

"Am I not adorable now?" Oliver batted his lashes dramatically.

"Pathetic. Unlovable Oliver."

"Damn it!" Oliver exploded. "I could fill the ocean with the number of people who want me!"

"Thank you for helping Nathaniel."

Oliver blinked, caught off guard.

"Thanks to you, Nathaniel recovered." Sebastian took a deep breath. "You saved him, which means you saved Isabella. Not just Nathaniel—I owe you too."

"Ugh, don’t remind me." Oliver scowled. "Why didn’t you let Isabella, a world-class surgeon, operate on her own boyfriend? Instead, you dragged me here to embarrass myself in front of my idol! And you all kept it a secret! Was I just some joke to you? Did you ever consider my dignity?"

The memory of those days—living alongside his idol yet acting so casually—filled him with regret.

Watching Oliver’s dramatic rant, so reminiscent of Isabella’s fiery temper, Sebastian couldn’t help but chuckle. "I never meant to mock you. I brought you because I truly believe your skills rival hers. You just specialize differently."

Had he just… praised him? The usually stoic man had actually complimented him. Oliver bit his lip, flushing.

"Regardless, I owe you. I’ll repay you somehow."

"How? In kind?" Oliver arched a brow, eyes glinting mischievously.

"Oliver Bright." Sebastian scolded, though his tone held a hint of amusement.

Suddenly, Oliver straddled him, their faces inches apart. Sebastian’s pulse stuttered.

Their breaths mingled, Oliver’s gaze dripping with playful seduction, like a mischievous Ragdoll cat.

"You said you owe me, right?"

Before Sebastian could react, Oliver wrapped his arms around his neck, lips brushing close. "I want a kiss. Then we’re even."

Sebastian barely had time to process before Oliver’s lips crashed against his, tongue sliding in with practiced ease. High above the clouds, the jet soared as Sebastian lost himself in the moment, his hand instinctively gripping Oliver’s waist. Outside the window, fireworks of sunlight burst through the clouds, painting the sky in gold.

Five hours later, their private jet landed smoothly in Elmsworth. Medical staff Sebastian had arranged waited to escort Nathaniel to the hospital.

"No need. I’m fine," Nathaniel refused instantly.

"How could you?" Isabella’s eyes reddened. "You promised to go. Liar!"

Nathaniel sighed, pulling her close. "Isabella, I’m sorry. Hit me, scold me, but don’t shut me out."

"I’m not talking to you! Liar!" She turned away, pouting in his arms.

Sebastian and Oliver watched, amused, as if observing two bickering children.

Seeing her genuine anger, Nathaniel grew serious. "Isabella, right now, interrogating Vincent is crucial."

Her expression darkened at the name.

"Elspeth doesn’t know we’ve brought Vincent back. That gives us time to strategize. We need his confession—proof Elspeth hired him to kill Erica."

"But will he talk?" Isabella frowned. "Murder is a capital offense. Confessing won’t lessen his sentence. If he wants revenge, he’ll gladly be Elspeth’s scapegoat."

The group’s mood soured. She was right—Vincent was ruthless. They couldn’t rely on his conscience.

"So what do we do? Is there really no way to handle that monster?" Preston fumed.

After a pause, Nathaniel’s lips curved. "In that case, maybe we should let Elspeth know we have Vincent."

Isabella, sharp as ever, instantly grasped his plan. She threw her arms around him, her curves pressing against his chest as she grinned. "Wow, you’re evil. I wasn’t wrong to call you a scoundrel, was I?"

Nathaniel’s eyes darkened at her closeness, his voice rough. "Next time you praise me, be less subtle."

The other three groaned. This couple’s PDA was relentless.

"Ahem. Well, you handle Vincent. I’m out." Preston waved as he walked off. "Gotta get home to my wife. Good luck!"

With that, he was gone, leaving the others speechless.

"By the way," Oliver mused, nudging Sebastian, "the Bright family owns a top-tier hospital. Our neurology department’s excellent. Maybe Mr. Kingsley should swing by? Mention my name for a discount."

Sebastian, tall and unreadable, merely gave him a look, indulging his antics.

Isabella and Nathaniel nodded eagerly. "Sounds perfect!"