Chapter 266

“Five years back, I was—”

“Mom! Mom!”

Before Isabella could complete her sentence, a small figure burst into the room. Holding a bowl of green herbal soup, Oliver rushed toward her and offered it. “Mom, Dad had them prepare this special recipe for you. It’ll help with your headache.”

“Thanks, sweetie.” Isabella’s expression softened as she gently pinched Oliver’s cheek. She took the bowl and drank the soup without hesitation.

After finishing, she handed the empty bowl back to him. “Mom and Dad need to talk privately. Why don’t you go play downstairs? I’ll come find you soon.”

Isabella had decided—Nathaniel deserved to know the whole truth.

Unexpectedly, Oliver replied, “Grandpa and Grandma called earlier. They said they’ll be here in thirty minutes.” Nathaniel had instructed Oliver to stay downstairs, but the phone call changed his plans.

Isabella’s brows knitted together. “What did you say? Your grandparents are coming?”

“Yes, they want to discuss the birthday dinner with Dad. It sounded important,” Oliver answered honestly.

Isabella immediately slid out of bed and turned to Nathaniel. “I’m heading back to Rosewood Manor,” she stated firmly. “We’ll continue this conversation later.”

She couldn’t let the Blackwoods discover her relationship with Nathaniel. Since she planned to leave in two months, there was no point inviting unnecessary complications.

Nathaniel noticed her concern and didn’t press further. “Drive safely,” he simply said.

“Okay.”

As Isabella prepared to leave, she remembered Oliver’s confession from days ago. She knelt before him, placing her hands warmly on his shoulders. “When they arrive, you can go to the gym and exercise. You don’t need to see your grandparents.”

“Huh? Why?” Oliver frowned. His father and teachers had always taught him to be polite and face situations head-on.

Isabella responded, “They don’t appreciate you, and they’ll only scold you if they see you. Why subject yourself to their coldness? You’ve done nothing wrong—you’re innocent. There’s no reason for you to endure their insults.”

“Remember, you’re my little prince. I can’t bear to see you compromise yourself, and you shouldn’t either! It would hurt me deeply if you did, understand?”

Oliver nodded. “Alright, I promise, Mom! For you, I won’t compromise!”

Only after Oliver made his promise did Isabella feel assured enough to leave. Before departing, she instructed the maids, “Please put my things away.”

After Isabella left, Nathaniel changed out of his pajamas and carefully stored the three sets in a box.

Shortly after, Reginald Blackwood and Beatrice Blackwood entered the mansion with Vivienne Delacroix, the eldest daughter of the Houston family.

Vivienne wore a halterneck dress adorned with diamonds. Her fair, snow-like skin and elegant demeanor made her appear almost angelic.

All the maids bowed their heads respectfully. “Sir, Madam, Ms. Delacroix.”

The three walked into the hall with an air of unshakable grace, as if nothing in the world could faze them.

Nathaniel remained lounging on the sofa, a wine glass in hand, making no move to stand and greet them.

“Your parents are here,” Reginald said with clear displeasure. “What kind of attitude is this?”

Nathaniel gave them a cold glance. “Oh? Should I have everyone step outside so we can roll out the red carpet for your grand entrance?”

“You! You insolent—” Reginald growled, the veins on his neck bulging.

Beatrice quickly tugged his arm to calm him. “Reginald, Nathaniel has always been like this. Don’t let it upset you. Remember why we’re here today.”

“Hmph!” Reginald snorted indignantly before snapping, “You will become engaged to Vivienne at my sixtieth birthday celebration! You’re getting engaged to Vivienne!”