Chapter 63

Nathaniel spotted the incident immediately. He cut off his conversation with Gregory mid-sentence and strode toward Isabella.

"Are you hurt?"

She shook her head.

"Did you twist your ankle?"

"Just a little," she admitted. The throbbing pain confirmed it was more than just a minor sprain.

His concern sent warmth through her chest, but it also brought an unexpected pang of sadness.

She could feel the judgmental stares burning into her. They probably thought she'd thrown herself at Alexander on purpose. Even now, with her injury, they'd assume she deserved it.

Alexander hadn't even bothered to catch her properly, let alone check if she was okay after the fall.

Nathaniel was the only one who genuinely cared.

"Let me see."

"It's fine—"

Too many eyes were watching.

Ignoring her protest, Nathaniel scooped her up effortlessly. He carried her away from the crowd before setting her down gently. Kneeling, he removed her stilettos and examined the swelling.

He barked orders at the staff—call a doctor, bring flat shoes immediately.

His open display of concern shocked the onlookers. The way he disregarded appearances made some reconsider their earlier assumptions. Maybe they'd misjudged the relationship between Nathaniel and Isabella.

Victoria pressed her lips into a thin line and looked away.

Then she glanced at Alexander.

He'd clearly noticed the intimate exchange between Isabella and Nathaniel, yet remained utterly indifferent. He continued his conversation as if nothing had happened, completely unfazed by their closeness.

Seeing this, Victoria's tense expression relaxed. She rejoined the group's chatter with a smile, dismissing Isabella from her thoughts.

The restaurant's doctor arrived shortly, diagnosing a mild sprain and prescribing medication.

After the doctor left, Nathaniel applied the ointment himself.

Isabella reached for the tube, but he shot her a warning look.

She surrendered with raised hands, letting him take over.

Once bandaged, the staff returned with ballet flats.

Isabella tested her weight. "I can walk now."

"Good," Nathaniel said.

But touring the exhibition with an injury was impractical. Nathaniel decided she should skip the remainder. He'd already arranged video documentation she could review later.

Though disappointed, she had little choice.

Nathaniel informed the group before leaving early to take her home.

After their departure, the gathering gradually dispersed.

He dropped her off before attending to other business.

Exhausted from the day's events, Isabella planned to rest before discussing Frederick's assignments when Nathaniel returned.

Just as she set her phone aside, it rang.

An unknown number flashed on the screen.

Hesitating briefly, she answered. "Hello?"

"Julian Montgomery speaking."

Isabella froze, then bolted upright. "Mr. Montgomery?"

The chaotic day had made her completely forget about this morning's incident until his call.

"I've arranged for your car repairs," Julian said. "You can collect it—"

Before she could respond, he added, "If you're busy, I can have it delivered."