Chapter 145

Nathaniel stood motionless before the panoramic windows, his towering frame creating a dark silhouette against the afternoon light. Those obsidian eyes held depths no one dared to explore - cold, impenetrable, lethal.

"An apology won't undo what happened. You should leave now."

Tears welled in Beatrice's eyes as she clutched her husband's arm. "Nathaniel, I'm begging you! We held you as a baby. Julian is our only child - please show mercy. We'll make sure he never steps out of line again."

Not a muscle twitched in Nathaniel's face. His voice cut like ice. "Dominic, escort them out."

Dominic materialized instantly, gesturing toward the exit with practiced politeness. "Mr. and Mrs. Ashford, this way."

Reginald's face flushed crimson. "You'd throw decades of friendship away over some country girl? Harrison barely passed her classes at Westfield! Is she really worth destroying Falcon Enterprises' alliance with the Ashfords?"

Nathaniel's silence spoke volumes. A single glance sent Dominic into action.

"Shall I call security, or would you prefer to leave with dignity?" Dominic's tone remained perfectly neutral.

Reginald's fists clenched. "You insolent— Fine! We're leaving!"

The Ashfords stormed from Rosewood Manor, their fury palpable in the crisp autumn air. Once the heavy gates closed behind them, Reginald exploded.

"That arrogant bastard! Treating us like common beggars!"

Beatrice wrung her hands, panic etching lines across her face. "Reginald, Julian's still in his custody! If Nathaniel refuses to release him... Our family line ends with us! You must do something!"

Despite his rage, Reginald knew their position was precarious. Julian had brought this upon himself. Any further escalation could prove disastrous.

Yet Nathaniel's utter dismissal stung like salt in a wound.

Then, like lightning, inspiration struck.

"There's one person who might get through to him."

Beatrice's head snapped up. "Who?"

A slow smile spread across Reginald's face. "Isabella."

Hope dawned in Beatrice's eyes. "Of course! The Whitmores' golden girl! Nathaniel dotes on her - if she intervenes, he'll have to listen!"

Thirty minutes later, the Ashfords arrived at the Whitmore estate bearing designer boxes from Paris. "We brought the latest collection from Chanel and Cartier," Beatrice gushed as servants took their coats. "We weren't certain about your preferences."

The Whitmore family had assembled in full force - Theodore, Victoria, and Isabella holding court in the gilded drawing room. An impromptu visit from the Ashfords was unprecedented; their social standing far eclipsed the Whitmores'.

Isabella examined the gifts with practiced disinterest. Stanley showered her with luxury daily - these trinkets meant little. What thrilled her was the Ashfords' desperation. Their groveling validated her position as Nathaniel's favorite.

Building connections among the elite was crucial for her future as Mrs. Hawk. She'd been meticulously cultivating Nathaniel's circle for years.

A satisfied smile curved her lips. "How thoughtful of you. Really, you shouldn't have."

Reginald cut to the chase. "Isabella, we need your help."

Since the police station incident, Victoria had become noticeably subdued. She poured tea with trembling hands. "What could our Isabella possibly assist the great Ashford family with?"