Chapter 69

Isabella’s gaze drifted toward the assistant waiting by the entrance before she answered Victoria. “There’s nothing wrong with clam chowder. But… this one isn’t for you.” She gave Victoria a dismissive glance and turned to the assistant. “Since you’re here, why are you just standing there?”

The assistant immediately stepped forward and placed the chowder in front of Isabella. “Ms. Montgomery, this is for you,” he said respectfully. “Mr. Blackwood spent three hours by the stove preparing this personally for you.”

Victoria froze. The chowder wasn’t for her—it was for Isabella! How could a newcomer like Isabella have a chairman cooking for her? It was infuriating. Absolutely maddening!

Whispers and mocking glances shot toward Victoria while others looked at Isabella with clear admiration.

Isabella accepted the bowl and took an elegant spoonful.

The moment it touched her tongue, her taste buds were awakened by the fresh, perfectly balanced flavor. It was rich but not heavy, utterly delicious. She couldn’t believe Nathaniel—that powerful, commanding man—could cook like this.

Watching Isabella savor the dish, Victoria burned with envy. Each spoonful felt like a slap. She forced her expression to remain neutral. “Isabella, dear, you accepted food from a stranger without even knowing who he is?” she said, layering her tone with sisterly concern. “You should know men always have hidden motives.”

“Accepting his food means accepting his advances. Once you do, he’ll never leave you alone. If you were hungry, you could’ve asked Gabriella or Penelope. They can get you anything you want. Why take food from a stranger?” Victoria’s voice was dripping with false worry.

Isabella smirked coldly. “Oh really? They can get me anything? In that case, can you have them get me ice cream from La Dolce?”

Victoria’s concerned mask slipped instantly. La Dolce was the most famous dessert shop in Westchester. The lines stretched for hours. Hundreds waited daily just for one scoop.

When Victoria didn’t respond, Isabella raised a brow. “Cat got your tongue? You sounded so convincing earlier. Unless… you were just putting on a show?”

Victoria’s face flushed deep purple under the stares of everyone around. She struggled to keep her composure. “Of course not! If that’s what you want, you’ll have it. Penelope, what are you waiting for? Go get it now.”

“Yes, Miss.” Penelope, who had been massaging Victoria’s shoulders, pressed her lips together and hurried out.

‘This heat is unbearable. They’re trying to kill me making me stand in line for hours. That cunning Isabella knows how to make life difficult,’ Penelope fumed silently.

•••

After Penelope left, Victoria turned back to business. “Isabella, since you’ve accepted the chowder, shouldn’t you at least find out who this chairman is? You should thank him properly. It’s basic manners.” This mysterious chairman had helped Isabella twice now. She needed to uncover his identity!

Isabella’s lips curved into a captivating smile. “You would need to thank him. But I don’t.” Her eyes shifted to the assistant. “After all, he’s Harrison Winslow’s assistant. Since Harrison works under me, I don’t need to thank the assistant of my subordinate.”

Her tone was cool and arrogant.

Isabella was lying, but it was for Nathaniel’s protection. If Victoria found out it was him, she would latch onto him and never let go.

Victoria’s gaze turned icy. She stared at the assistant in disbelief. “You’re Harrison Winslow’s assistant?”