Chapter 99

Isabella Sinclair finally unveiled her gift for Mr. Dubois.

When the legendary Medici Throne was revealed, every antique collector in the room gasped in awe.

"Good heavens! That's an authentic masterpiece!"

"I'm completely mesmerized! If only I could examine it up close!"

"Among all the presents Mr. Dubois received today, aside from the Stradivarius from Mr. Prescott, this throne is undoubtedly the most priceless!"

"Who exactly is this Ms. Sinclair? Dropping serious cash on rare antiquities like it's nothing? Seems Mr. Prescott's ex-wife wasn't exactly struggling!" Nathan Prescott's pulse quickened as his gaze locked onto Isabella.

He never anticipated she'd gift Mr. Dubois the 10-million-dollar artifact she'd acquired at the Vanderbilt auction.

Clearly, the Vanderbilt Group treated her like royalty.

But her next words nearly made him choke.

"Mr. Dubois, this is a joint gift from President Vanderbilt and myself. Wishing you boundless health and happiness." Isabella's eyes sparkled with genuine warmth as she offered her congratulations.

Alexander Kingsley gave a respectful bow, his voice smooth as velvet. "Mr. Dubois, may your days be filled with joy and your years with prosperity."

Standing side by side, they radiated elegance and sophistication - a picture-perfect couple.

Nathan felt his heart hammer against his ribs. He discreetly pressed a hand to his chest, terrified someone might notice.

"This is far too generous! I'm deeply touched!" Mr. Dubois exclaimed, though added, "Isabella, anything from you would have delighted me. Mr. Kingsley, your kindness overwhelms me."

Alexander chuckled. "We simply wanted to select something worthy of your celebration."

"Mr. Dubois, you must accept it." Victoria Sterling sneered. "Though how convenient - letting someone else foot the bill while taking all the credit. Ms. Sinclair certainly knows how to economize."

Isabella arched a brow. "I wouldn't dream of claiming undue credit, which is why I prepared a personal gift as well. Though it pales beside President Vanderbilt's offering."

Victoria's eyes bulged. This woman had a backup present?

"Really? Isabella, show me at once!" Mr. Dubois' face lit up like a child's on Christmas morning.

A mischievous glint flashed in Isabella's eyes as she clapped her hands.

Moments later, Daniel Carter entered, impeccably dressed, cradling an ornate case.

Inside rested a breathtaking landscape carved from rare gemstones - so lifelike the mountains seemed to breathe!

"Magnificent!" The crowd murmured in awe.

The exquisite craftsmanship captivated both Nathan and Sebastian. The skill required for such precision was staggering!

"My word!" Mr. Dubois' hands trembled as he pointed. "Is this Moreau's Eternal Dawn? Isabella, however did you acquire this?"

Moreau?! The legendary French sculptor whose works were nearly impossible to obtain?

"You flatter me, Mr. Dubois. I could never obtain Master Moreau's Eternal Dawn." Isabella ducked her head shyly, cheeks pinkening. "This is my humble imitation: Fleeting Dawn. I devoted weeks to it, though it falls far short of the original."

The room erupted in astonished whispers.

Practice?! That was master-level artistry!

Only the most skilled hands could etch such intricate scenes into solid stone. From a distance, one might mistake it for Moreau's genuine work!

Who was this remarkable woman? Could she be Moreau's protégé?

Admiring gazes followed Isabella everywhere.

Only Cassandra and Victoria looked like they'd swallowed lemons.

Since leaving the Prescott family, this woman had transformed completely. She kept outmaneuvering them at every turn!

"Isabella, my dear, you're absolutely extraordinary!" Mr. Dubois clasped her hands, beaming.

"To have such a wife would be any man's dream," Sebastian murmured, watching her intently.

Nathan shot him an icy glare, his expression frostier than a winter storm.

Seeing Isabella basking in everyone's admiration, he realized how vast the gulf between their worlds had become - yet he'd once been her husband!

Shock, fury, resentment - emotions tangled like thorned vines around Nathan's heart.

He'd been deceived again by this infuriating woman!

The celebration continued amidst laughter and lively conversation.

Excusing herself to freshen up, Isabella left Mr. Dubois' side.

En route, she reflected on Cassandra and Victoria's pathetic attempts to embarrass her. Amusing, really.

For all their experience, they still underestimated her.

She'd anticipated their every move, but they'd forgotten one crucial factor: Mr. Dubois' genuine affection for her.

Love was an impenetrable fortress no scheme could breach.

Isabella knew Alexander couldn't present the Medici Throne alone, so she'd spent weeks carving her personal gift.

Her exceptional skill stemmed from childhood years observing Master Laurent transform raw stone into art.

In that sense, Moreau was her artistic grandfather.

The winding corridor confused first-time visitors. Isabella soon found herself disoriented.

Just then, a plump tabby sauntered past.

"Hello there, little one," she cooed, her mood lifting instantly. Laughing, she gave chase.

Her traditional gown restricted movement, and her heels slipped on the polished marble. She lurched forward dangerously.

Straight toward a staircase!

"Ah!"

Eyes squeezed shut, she braced for impact.

Suddenly, strong arms encircled her from behind.

The secure embrace instantly calmed her racing heart.

Then she felt herself being gently lifted against a familiar, solid chest.

"Meow!"

Perched on a decorative urn, the cat regarded her before vanishing.

Isabella slowly opened her eyes but didn't turn around, steadying her breathing.

Nathan could feel every curve of her back pressed against him.

His pulse accelerated dangerously.

"Release me. Planning to hold me indefinitely?" Isabella bit her lip, struggling.

Nathan's gaze darkened. His hand lingered at her waist before reluctantly letting go.

"Don't flatter yourself. I merely prevented your fall," he said icily.

"Don't expect gratitude." Isabella steadied herself against a pillar, turning to glare. "I'd rather break bones than endure your touch."

The setting sun gilded her striking features.

"I took advantage?" Nathan's lips curled into a smirk. "If I wanted that, would I have waited until now?"

"Nathan!" Her eyes flashed dangerously.

"Weren't you the one begging for my attention before?" His gaze turned arctic. "The divorce hasn't erased our history."

From the moment she'd arrived, she'd been shaking his world. If this continued, he'd need medical attention.

Isabella's mood plummeted. Humiliation burned through her.

"So what now? Regretting what you threw away?"

"Isabella—"

"Mr. Prescott, that ship has sailed. What I once offered freely, you rejected. Now? Too late!"

Nathan's eyes burned crimson. He seized her wrist, slamming her against the pillar!