Chapter 126

"What do you suppose two men are doing alone in a hotel suite together?" The voice dripped with playful insinuation, sparking another round of laughter.

The rumor about Nathaniel Blackwood and the enigmatic Mr. Y had begun as an inside joke among industry elites. But a string of coincidences had lent it an unsettling credibility.

"Not to mention, I heard Mr. Blackwood's divorce wasn't over an affair with a woman. That 'mistress' was just an actress hired by him and Mr. Y to cover the truth..."

"No way!"

Isabella Lockhart's breath hitched. Memories flashed—Nathaniel's aversion to women, his pristine reputation, the way his smiles never quite reached his eyes around her.

If he's really gay, then why did he... that night... Her stomach twisted. She pulled out her phone and typed frantically into the search bar.

The crowd jostled her just as the results loaded. Someone's polished shoe met hers, and her phone clattered to the marble floor.

"Sorry!" She bent awkwardly, her pregnancy making the motion clumsy.

A gloved hand retrieved the device. "Here." The man's tone was indifferent until his gaze snagged on her screen. His eyes sharpened with sudden intrigue.

"Thanks." Isabella snatched it back, cheeks burning. But when their eyes met above their masks, recognition struck like lightning.

"You!"

"You."

They spoke in unison.

"Julian Carter! What's a superstar like you doing here?" Her smile was genuine, her pulse skipping.

"Flattered you remember me." His usual aloofness thawed, just slightly.

"Of course I do! You're the only person who's ever beaten me at Legacy Quest. I've been waiting for a rematch." She held his gaze, noting the faint mole by his brow—the only thing that kept her from mistaking him for Nathaniel in this lighting.

Behind them, the gossip raged on. "I swear, they're together! Stake out The Grand Marquis tonight if you don't believe me!"

No one dared—except Isabella. She needed to know. Four years of marriage deserved answers.

"I've got something to handle, Julian. Catch up later?" She edged toward the elevators.

He fell into step beside her, smirking. "Confronting a lover takes backup. Need an accomplice?"

"L-lover?" The word felt foreign.

"Isn't your husband's male partner technically one?" Julian mused, stepping into the elevator. His excitement outshone hers.

The doors closed.