Chapter 96

"One—"

Cassandra Delacroix's voice faltered with visible discomfort.

She adored Nathaniel Blackwood, but only when he was at his flawless best. The thought of him bedridden and helpless made her recoil. Marriage? Unthinkable.

Isabella Lockhart's jaw tightened at the reaction.

It stung to see someone treat her long-cherished treasure with such blatant disregard. Her protective instincts flared. "Miss Delacroix," she mocked, "I thought what you shared with Mr. Blackwood was true love? Why the hesitation?"

"Even paralyzed, Nathaniel remains extraordinary—his looks, his stature, his presence. If you won't have him, countless others would. He's Nathaniel Blackwood. You don't get to be selective."

Cassandra paled, stammering, "Th-that's not what I—"

Nathaniel's expression remained unreadable as he arched a brow. "It's fine. I understand."

Isabella shook her head, patting his shoulder with pity. "People are practical creatures."

'Cruel, yes,' she thought, 'but his love life's tragic. First love ran off with his brother, then he settled for this schemer who'd abandon him at the first sign of trouble.'

'Pathetic. Women flock to him, but how many would stay through hardship? Only I did.'

'Past tense. Never again.'

"You cursed witch!" Eleanor Whitmore snapped.

Having regained composure, the older woman lunged at Isabella with feral intensity. "You brought this upon us! My family knew no peace since Nathaniel married you!"

"First Sebastian, now Nathaniel—all your doing! I'll end you myself if it brings my family peace!"

She seized a crystal vase, aiming for Isabella's skull.

Isabella barely had time to react, raising her arms in defense—

But the shattering impact never came.

Instead, warmth enveloped her as Nathaniel intercepted, his grip halting Eleanor's wrist mid-swing. "Mother," his voice was Arctic, "put it down."

Eleanor's eyes bulged. Tears of relief spilled. "Nathaniel! You—you're standing!"

"Obviously." His tone could frost glass.

"Praise heaven! God wouldn't be so cruel to us. You terrified me!"

Cassandra's face transformed. Seeing Nathaniel whole, she burst into theatrical tears. "Darling, never scare me like that! Our baby kicked so violently from fright!"

Isabella shoved free from Nathaniel's hold with force.