Chapter 213

"Brother Nathaniel, Sister Isabella, it's been ages since I last went to the movies. Let's go watch one!" Isabella Thornton bounced excitedly between them, tugging at their hands as she led them toward the theater.

Vivian Lockhart glanced sideways at Nathaniel Blackwood. Given his status as CEO of Blackwood Group, she assumed he'd find something as mundane as a movie tedious. Surely he'd decline.

To her surprise, he simply shrugged. "Haven't been to the cinema in years. That new animated film, Eternal Soul, looks decent."

"You know about Eternal Soul?" Vivian's eyes lit up instantly. "I've been dying to see it! The reviews are amazing, but it's not getting enough screenings. If we don't catch it now, it'll be gone."

Nathaniel nodded. "True. It's about redemption and second chances. The same studio did Grandma's Melody. That one was solid too."

"Oh my god, yes! I bawled my eyes out watching that in theaters—"

Before they realized it, they were deep in conversation, trading opinions like old friends. They discovered an uncanny overlap in their taste—same favorite films, same critiques, even the same obscure indie picks. It was unsettling how perfectly their preferences aligned.

Vivian smirked. "Nathaniel Blackwood, I always pegged you as a soulless corporate shark. Who knew you had actual taste?"

He arched a brow. "Likewise. I assumed you were just another airheaded socialite."

The screening was about to start. Tickets in hand, they joined the queue. The line snaked through the lobby, Nathaniel standing protectively behind Vivian. Both were unusually eager, the shared anticipation humming between them.

Then Vivian stiffened.

"Wait." She frowned. "Do you feel like we're missing something?"

Nathaniel tilted his head. "Like what?"

Her eyes widened. "Isabella! She's gone!"

They spun around, scanning the crowd. Panic spiked through Vivian's veins. Isabella was the Thornton family's precious jewel—practically her own little sister. If anything happened to her because of their carelessness—

"Isabella! Isabella!" Her voice cracked as she shouted, shoving through the throng of people. Tears pricked at her eyes.

Nathaniel's hands settled firmly on her shoulders, steadying her. His voice was low, controlled. "She couldn’t have gone far. I’ll have security lock down the exits. We’ll find her."

Vivian bit her lip, staring up at him. Despite everything, she trusted him to fix this. If anyone could, it was Nathaniel Blackwood.

Their gazes locked, tension coiling between them—

Then a bloodcurdling scream shattered the moment.

"HELP! HE'S GOT A KNIFE!"