Chapter 730

The road of love was always meant for two. There was never space for a third. Harrison gave a slow, knowing nod.

Just then, the grand gates of Rosewood Manor swung open. Isabella's assistant strode in—a strikingly handsome young man with an easy confidence.

Harrison arched a brow. "Ms. Lancaster, you have company."

Isabella glanced up, her expression unreadable. "Good morning, Julian."

Julian stepped forward with a charming smile. "Morning, Belle. I brought the outfit you requested for today's meeting."

Belle?

Nathaniel's gaze sharpened instantly, locking onto Julian's face. That nickname—he'd heard it before, whispered over the phone. He hadn't forgotten.

Her company was filled with attractive men—fine, whatever. But now her personal assistant was a ridiculously good-looking guy calling her Belle?

Nathaniel's jaw tightened.

Isabella reached for the garment bag. "Thank you."

"Anytime." Julian's smile was warm, effortless.

Nathaniel turned to her, voice low. "Who the hell is this?"

Isabella met his glare evenly. "My assistant, Julian."

Nathaniel's eyes narrowed. "Why is your assistant a man?"

The accusation in his tone made her stiffen. "Excuse me? What’s wrong with hiring Julian? He’s a grad student. His father passed last year, and he’s supporting his younger sister. He needs this job."

Nathaniel scoffed. "How noble of you."

Julian stepped forward hesitantly. "Sir, please don’t argue with Belle because of me."

Sir?

Nathaniel’s expression darkened. "What did you just call me?"

Julian shrank back behind Isabella. "He’s terrifying..."

Nathaniel inhaled sharply, biting back a curse. He moved to step forward, but Isabella blocked him.

"Enough," she snapped. "Back off."

Julian looked pained. "Belle, don’t fight with him over me. It’s not worth it."

Nathaniel growled, "One more word, and I swear—"

Isabella cut him off. "He works for me. You will treat him with respect."

"Works for you?" Nathaniel’s voice turned icy. "Is that all he does?"

Her eyes flashed. "Unlike you, I don’t keep my past loves under the same roof."

Nathaniel’s face twisted. "You—"

Isabella turned to Julian. "We’re leaving."

Without another word, she strode out, Julian trailing behind.

Nathaniel moved to follow, but Harrison stepped into his path.

"Wait."

Nathaniel glared. "Get out of my way."

Harrison smirked, eyes glinting. "I’m not stopping you. But whether Ms. Lancaster hires a male or female assistant is her choice. You don’t get a say."

"I’m her husband," Nathaniel bit out. "I won’t tolerate some pretty boy hanging around her."

Harrison tilted her head, amused. "And yet you’ve been living with your first love for years. How do you think she feels about that?"