Chapter 424

Nathaniel bid everyone farewell, his strides urgent as he headed straight home.

He'd been suppressing his emotions these past days, too proud to let his vulnerability show. Alone, he'd wrapped himself in blankets, scrolling through intimate photos of him and Isabella, his eyes burning with unshed tears.

Being away from his beloved wife was torture. His appetite vanished. Sleep eluded him. He was at his breaking point. Seeing Harrison and Seraphina flirt earlier had only stoked the fire of his longing, making it unbearable.

Night draped the sky in stars.

Elmsworth bloomed quickly in Nathaniel's absence. The garden burst with early signs of spring.

Five days without news from the young master. Olivia was sick with worry, her mind elsewhere, barely eating or sleeping. Every day, she did two things.

She cared for Isabella. And waited for Nathaniel to return.

Tonight, Olivia stood immaculately dressed by the door as usual.

She felt certain the young master would return victorious any moment. Maybe today. If not today, then surely tomorrow.

Suddenly, a white sports car streaked toward her like lightning.

It screeched to a halt before her. When Nathaniel emerged unharmed, striding toward her, Olivia trembled, clenching her fists to steady herself.

"Mr. Kingsley, you're finally back."

"Why are you standing out here alone?"

Nathaniel's eyes widened in surprise. "Have you been waiting here every night?"

"No," she lied smoothly. "I just couldn't sleep tonight. Came out for fresh air. By coincidence, you returned."

Her feelings for Nathaniel ran deep, but she never let them surface.

"Is Isabella asleep?" he asked anxiously.

"Yes, she just drifted off."

Nathaniel's shoulders slumped, disappointment flashing in his eyes. "Damn it. I raced home, nearly burned out my engine, and still missed her."

He knew his wife adored sleep. A true sleeping beauty.

In the past, if he hadn't kept her awake with his affections, she would've been asleep by now. And they'd have to wait till morning for... other activities.

Olivia forced a smile. "At least you won't have to stare at Ms. Isabella's photos anymore, tormented by longing."

True.

But desire still burned in him. His wife was asleep—what was he supposed to do? Take a cold shower and handle it himself?

Life was cruel.

As Nathaniel stepped inside, the dim light revealed a scab on Olivia's left cheek. A sharp cut.

Her left cheek was noticeably swollen.

"Wait." He frowned. "What happened to your face?"

"Nothing, Mr. Kingsley." She lowered her gaze.

"Nothing? You've clearly been struck. Do you think I'm blind?"

Rage ignited in his eyes, his voice icy. "Who did this? Who dared touch my people while I was gone? I'll skin them alive!"

Olivia knew she couldn't hide it. "This afternoon... Miss Arabella came. She wanted to see Ms. Isabella."

Nathaniel's heart skipped. "What did Arabella want?"

"She said she and Ms. Isabella were middle school classmates, close back then. She’s reflected on past mistakes and wanted to make amends."

"Do you believe her?" Nathaniel scoffed.

"I didn’t let her in."

"So she hit you because you refused?"

Olivia stayed silent.

"Ha. Her 'apology' was pure bullshit."

Nathaniel exhaled sharply, reining in his fury. "Arabella came with ulterior motives. Playing both sides. Does she think she's a saint?"

Olivia sighed.

"You're caught in our sibling rivalry while caring for Isabella. I'm sorry." Guilt laced his voice. "Take leave starting tomorrow. I'll handle Isabella. You love traveling, right? Take my credit card. Go enjoy yourself."

"You're too kind. I'm just doing my job."

Her face remained calm, but warmth spread through her chest.

Nathaniel tiptoed into the bedroom.

He moved silently, afraid to wake Isabella. No lights. No shoes. Like a thief in the night.

Moonlight cast shadows on the wall, familiar and comforting. He stood over her petite form, gazing down before pressing a featherlight kiss to her lips.

I'm back, darling. Sleep well. I'll be here when you wake.

As he turned to leave, slender arms wrapped tightly around his waist.

"Isabella." His heart lurched.

Tears welled in her eyes as she clung to him. "Nathaniel, you're finally back. Why were you gone so long? I thought you weren't coming home. That you didn't want me anymore."

Her tears soaked his shirt, piercing his heart.

She hadn’t been asleep at all.

Unsure if this was reality or a dream.

Nathaniel turned, crushing her against him. One hand cradled her head, fingers threading through her hair. He wished he could fuse her into his very being.

"Silly girl. I'd rather the world forsake me, become everyone's enemy—but I’d never leave you. You're my everything."

"But you were gone so long. You've never left me like this before."

Her small fists crumpled his crisp shirt.

"Catching a criminal isn't easy. They're slippery. Took a few extra days." His tone softened, soothing.

"Did you catch him?"

"With my own two hands." Pride colored his voice.

"Wow, Nathaniel! You're amazing!" Her eyes sparkled.

"I have to be, don’t I? To protect you." He grinned shamelessly.

"Now that he's caught... can Erica get justice?"

Nathaniel exhaled. "Yes. Your kindhearted friend can finally rest in peace."

Isabella clasped her hands, whispering a prayer for Erica. For the first time in days, a small smile touched her lips.

If she wasn’t sleeping, Nathaniel wouldn’t let her off easy.

Without bothering to shower, he stripped while kissing her, pushing her onto the bed.

Her nightgown hit the floor. Her legs trembled under his touch.

Moonlight bathed the room in silver, heavy breaths and soft moans filling the air.

Afterward, too spent to move, they fell asleep tangled in each other, skin damp with sweat.

"Darling, I'm sorry for making you wait." Guilt weighed on him. As someone with autism, Isabella needed his presence—but work often pulled him away.

She nuzzled his chest. "It doesn’t matter. I have everything I need with you."

Nathaniel tilted her chin up, gaze intense. "I want to give you more than just myself. The entire Kingsley Group as your gift."

She drifted off before fully processing his words.

Holding her close, he vowed to give her the world. Taking over Kingsley Group wasn’t just about revenge—it was about securing their future.

Meanwhile, Harrison had just moved into Seraphina’s villa. Hours tangled together left them exhausted.

Seraphina collapsed into sleep, still in her clothes.

Harrison carefully changed her into pajamas, chuckling when she mumbled about food in her dreams.

"Little glutton. I'll feed you when you wake." He kissed her forehead before leaving.

The next morning, Margaret was overjoyed to see Harrison and Mrs. Lockwood return.

"You kept the house perfect, Margaret. Thank you." Harrison’s arm curled around Seraphina’s waist.

The doorbell rang. Preston entered with two massive food containers from a famed restaurant. Despite the three-hour wait, he’d secured their favorites.

The aroma made Seraphina’s mouth water. They sat together—master and servant blurred into family—enjoying the meal.

After dinner, Seraphina and Margaret cleaned up while Preston pulled Harrison aside.

"Mr. Lockwood, while you were away... there were developments at Abernathy Group." His voice lowered.

"Did the Aether Dynamics deal fall through?"

Harrison had been unconscious, then recovering. Seraphina confiscated his phone, shielding him from stress. He’d been cut off from updates.

"No. It’s progressing smoothly."

"That’s good, isn’t it?"

Preston’s expression darkened. "The one pushing it isn’t Mr. Reginald. It’s his eldest son."

"My brother?" Harrison’s eyes narrowed.

"Yes. You missed the meeting. Mr. Sebastian stepped in to negotiate with the chairman."

Preston’s tone turned critical. "He’s always lived abroad, showing zero interest in Abernathy Group. Now he swoops in at this crucial moment? Too convenient. It’s like he’s exploiting the situation—stealing your role!"

"Preston, don’t say that." Harrison’s voice turned stern. "Sebastian saved my life. He risked everything rescuing me from those kidnappers, even catching a severe illness. If not for that, I wouldn’t be the heir."