Chapter 194

A vintage photo accompanied the tweet, capturing Alexander and Isabella's hands intertwined. Though only their clasped hands were visible, everyone instantly recognized them.

(That's definitely Isabella's hand! I'd know it anywhere! No one else has hands that exquisite!)

(Didn't Alexander and Isabella just have that massive century bet recently? How are they a couple now?)

(Wait, what? This doesn't add up. Isn't Alexander with Victoria? Why is he chasing after Isabella now?)

(Rumor has it Alexander and Isabella were together five years ago. They were even engaged!)

(Seriously? A long-lost reunion then?)

(Probably!! Looks like they're going public!)

Netizens exploded with theories and speculation. Both Alexander and Isabella's names shot to the top of Twitter's trending list.

Inside The Palace Heart.

The living room air was thick with tension. Nathaniel sat rigidly on the ornate European sofa, his expression dark and unreadable. Oliver was pouting beside him, his small face a mask of clear unhappiness.

After a long silence, the boy finally looked up. "Daddy," he asked, his voice small, "do you think Mommy is falling for that bad man? She always replies or says something clever before."

In the past, Isabella would have immediately tweeted something sharp, like 'Reunite? Never in a million years!'

Today, there was only silence. His monitoring software even showed she had logged into Twitter an hour ago.

Nathaniel said nothing. His expression grew even stormier.

Click.

The front door opened. Isabella walked in.

"I'm back," she announced cheerfully, as if completely unaware of the atmosphere.

"Mommy!" Oliver jumped up, ready to run to her.

Nathaniel's voice cut through the room, low and firm. "Momo, go to the study and finish your homework."

"Hmph..." Oliver pouted but obeyed, trudging away on his little legs. He glanced back over his shoulder several times.

Isabella finally sensed the heavy mood. Once Oliver was gone, she turned to Nathaniel. "What's going on?"

Nathaniel remained seated, his intense gaze fixed on her. "What is happening between you and Alexander Whitmore?" His voice was deep, magnetic, and laced with unmistakable displeasure and jealousy.

Understanding dawned on her. He was making a big deal out of this Alexander nonsense?

She slipped off her shoes and walked toward him. "I gave him one month to pursue me. How do you think Victoria will feel watching her precious darling shower me with attention?"

So, it was all to provoke Victoria?

Nathaniel's expression softened a fraction. "And after the month is over?"

"After a month?" A cold, calculated smirk played on her lips. "The real show begins then! I'll agree to marry him. On our wedding day, they will finally return what they stole from me five years ago!"

Her words were bold and carried a chilling edge, despite the summer heat. Nathaniel's tightly drawn brows relaxed slightly. It always took just a few words from her...

"Get some rest," he said, his voice now low and calm. "I'll call you when dinner is ready."

"No, I'm fine. I'll go keep Oliver company," Isabella said, heading for the study. She was worried the news had upset him; she couldn't risk him getting sick again.

She entered the study to find Oliver intently reading a report. It was about Vivienne Delacroix!

The document was incredibly detailed, covering her biography, her habits, her preferences... everything.

Isabella frowned. Why was there such a comprehensive dossier on Vivienne in Nathaniel's study?