Chapter 379

Nathaniel's voice crackled through the phone, sharp with barely contained fury. "Sophia! How dare you keep this from me? Tell me where you are right now or I swear—"

"I can't, Nate." Sophia's fingers tightened around her phone. "I promised Isabella. This stays between us."

"Nonsense!" Nathaniel's growl sent shivers down her spine. "Do you really think I won't tear this city apart to find you both?"

His sister exhaled sharply. Across the room, Isabella Lockhart arched an eyebrow, amusement dancing in her eyes.

"See?" Sophia gestured dramatically with her free hand. "This is the real Nathaniel Blackwood. The polished CEO act? Pure theater."

A sudden silence. Then—

"Is she there with you?" Nathaniel's tone shifted instantly, the storm replaced by cautious warmth. "Boss? You're back in Newport City? Why didn't you tell me? What if something happened?"

Isabella plucked the phone from Sophia's grasp. "Didn't plan to stay long," she said lightly. Then, with deliberate mischief: "Though I must say, I'm shocked. Never pegged you for the yelling type."

"That's not—" Nathaniel's protest came too loud, too fast. He cleared his throat, forcing calm. "I'm always composed. Sophia just... tests limits."

Sophia's snort of laughter earned her a glare from across the room.

"Seriously, Nate," she wheezed, wiping her eyes. "Stop with the whisper-voice. It's creepy."

A dangerous pause. Then, silk-smooth: "Shall I freeze your trust fund this month, little sister?"

"Wait! No! I take it back!" Sophia's hands flew up in surrender. "Isabella, ignore everything I said. My brother is the epitome of maturity. Perfect husband material. Ideal father for Adrian and Abigail. Please don't reconsider marrying him or he'll murder me."

Isabella's laughter rang clear. "Relax. I've known Nathaniel for years." She brought the phone closer. "You're still at a hundred points, Blackwood. Once I handle this mess, we'll talk rings and vows."

The gasp was audible. "You mean it?" Nathaniel's voice cracked, all pretense of coolness shattered.

For years, he'd waited. Endured rejections, met every impossible standard on Isabella's infamous "spouse criteria" list. Zero to a hundred, through sheer stubborn devotion.

"Yes." Isabella's throat tightened unexpectedly. "You've stood by me through everything. The kids already see you as family."

Sophia dabbed at her eyes, overcome. "Damn it, Nate. You actually did it."

On the other end of the line, Nathaniel Blackwood—ruthless CEO, master of control—was very possibly crying.