Chapter 765

Nathaniel instructed Isabella to go to the restaurant alone first.

Isabella hesitated. She had envisioned Nathaniel arriving to escort her—that was part of the romance of a proper date.

"Can't you come get me? I—"

Nathaniel interrupted her. "I've already reserved a table. I'm in an important meeting. Go ahead and wait for me. Behave."

His tone was firm, authoritative.

Isabella, who adored dominant personalities, felt a thrill at his command. Without protest, she agreed. "Fine, I'll go first. But don't keep me waiting too long."

"Mm."

She left, having the chauffeur drive her to The Grand View.

A hostess greeted her warmly. "Ms. Lancaster, welcome. Your private booth is ready. Right this way."

She guided Isabella to an elegant window seat with a breathtaking cityscape view. Isabella smiled, pleased.

"Would you like anything to drink while you wait?"

"A cappuccino, please. I'll order properly when Mr. Hawk arrives."

"Of course. Enjoy your evening."

Isabella sipped her coffee gracefully, savoring the rich aroma.

Then—

"Isabella?"

A sharp voice cut through the ambiance.

Rosalind stood there, having just entered the restaurant alone.

Isabella looked up, lips curving. "Rosalind! What a surprise. We really can't escape each other, can we?"

Rosalind had come with Lillian, but her companion was running late.

Yesterday, Nathaniel had promised Harrison they would finalize their marriage at the courthouse—only to stand her up. Harrison had then caught Nathaniel and Isabella together in the hospital. Rosalind had taken Harrison home afterward.

Today, with Harrison occupied at the hospital, Rosalind had brought Lillian out for lunch.

Rosalind scoffed. "Don't flatter yourself. I'd rather never see your face again. People like you—stealing identities, breaking up marriages—are despicable. You should be hiding in shame."

Her words were as cutting as Harrison's, and they stung.

Isabella smirked. "If Harrison can't keep her man, that's her problem. But since you're so curious—Nathaniel invited me here tonight."

"What?" Rosalind's eyes narrowed. "Nathaniel asked you to dinner?"

"That's right. A date."

Rosalind's fists clenched. How could Nathaniel do this to Harrison?

"You're lying. Nathaniel would never—"

Isabella laughed. "Sit across from me, then. Wait and see for yourself when he arrives."

Rosalind refused to believe Nathaniel could be so cruel. She pulled out a chair defiantly. "Fine. Let's see whose pride gets shattered tonight."

Her glare never left Isabella.

Isabella merely smiled, anticipation curling in her chest. She couldn't wait to watch Rosalind's face when Nathaniel walked in—and proved her wrong.