Chapter 274

The instant Isabella spotted that woman, her pupils constricted violently. A cold sweat drenched her back as she trembled harder in Nathaniel's embrace.

The woman—Vanessa—had been her classmate, always hostile toward her. She tormented Isabella relentlessly, bullying and humiliating her at every turn. Suddenly, Nathaniel recalled Isabella mentioning her paralyzing fear of crossing streets, how speeding cars sent terror through her.

Years ago, when Arabella married Reginald, they had many young children. Some, envious of the Sinclair family's power, couldn't strike at Reginald directly—so they targeted his children instead.

Back then, they believed Arabella was the least favored wife, her children the least cherished. They sent someone to attack seven-year-old Isabella, vowing to make Chairman Reginald suffer the agony of losing a child.

Though Isabella survived with only minor injuries, and Reginald destroyed the rival family, the trauma left deep scars on her heart.

The memory made Nathaniel's breath hitch. Fury surged through him.

"Miss Sinclair, are you alright?"

"I'm fine." Isabella forced a smile, trying to appear composed.

But her pale face and the cold sweat on her forehead betrayed her terror.

Just then, Vanessa sauntered toward them.

Seeing Isabella in the arms of such a striking man, Vanessa's eyes darkened with poorly concealed envy.

Her gaze shifted to the Porsche he drove—worth barely a hundred grand. Her sneer twisted into open disdain.

"Pathetic trash."

Her voice was low, but both Nathaniel and Isabella heard it.

Nathaniel's eyes burned crimson. "Miss Sinclair, wait here. I'll handle this."

"N-No, Nathaniel!"

But it was too late. He was already striding toward Vanessa, his expression icy.

"Who were you referring to just now?"

"Did I say anything? You must be hearing things." Vanessa eyed the handsome man before her, her tone less biting but still arrogant. Nathaniel clenched his fists.

He knew she'd insulted Isabella, but she wouldn't admit it—and he couldn't hit a woman.

Infuriating.

"Mr. Vanderbilt, thank you for the ride! I'll be waiting for your next invitation." Vanessa blew a kiss toward the darkened car window, her voice sickeningly sweet.

Mr. Vanderbilt?

Sebastian Vanderbilt, CEO of Vanderbilt Industries?

Nathaniel frowned. The car remained motionless, its tinted windows impenetrable. The engine revved mockingly.

Fueled by rage for Isabella, he knocked on the window.

"Your car nearly hit my sister. You think you can just drive off?"

Isabella bit her lip, dread pooling in her stomach.

She didn't want Nathaniel confronting Vanessa on her behalf. She wanted no conflict with that woman!

Still, no response came from inside the car.

"Excuse me? The road is wide enough. When did Mr. Vanderbilt's car even come close to you?" Vanessa crossed her arms, sneering. "Trying to scam us? How low can you sink?"

Nathaniel's jaw tightened, but before he could retort, the window rolled down halfway.

Thud.

A wad of cash was flung at him, scattering like trash—a blatant insult.

"You—!"

Nathaniel glared at the figure inside, but the Ferrari roared away, vanishing into the night.

Watching him humiliated, Isabella trembled with fury.

"Here, bro—a gift from Mr. Vanderbilt. Take it."

With Sebastian gone, Vanessa dropped all pretense.

She pressed herself against Nathaniel, fingers trailing his collar. "You're too refined for someone like Isabella. She's notorious. Cheap. You're wasting your time. Or maybe—Ah!"

Nathaniel stepped back sharply.

Vanessa stumbled, her heels skidding. She crashed to her knees—bowing deeply before them.

Isabella stifled a laugh.

"Damn it! That hurts!"

Vanessa, clad in a miniskirt in the cold, felt her knees might shatter. Tears welled as she looked up at Nathaniel pitifully. "Help me up? I can't stand..."

"Can't stand? I thought you were apologizing to my sister." Nathaniel smirked, arrogance dripping from his tone. "But fine. I'll accept it as your apology."

Vanessa seethed, fists clenching.

She was Sebastian Vanderbilt's woman! How dare he speak to her like that? And Isabella, laughing? She'd pay for this!

"Let's go."

Nathaniel guided Isabella away, his arm protective around her. Before leaving, he tossed over his shoulder, "The world's dangerous. Even at school, you're not safe. Stay away from women who are cheap, dirty, and full of themselves."

"Got it." Isabella gazed at him, admiration sparkling in her eyes.

He'd stood up for her.

She'd be too exhilarated to sleep tonight.

Nathaniel escorted her all the way to her dorm, ensuring her safety.

At the door, Isabella pressed her hands against the glass, watching him leave like a lovestruck girl after a date. Her cheeks flushed, heart aching with longing.

"When will I see you again, Nathaniel?"

Only when he disappeared did she sigh, turning toward her room.

"Isabella! You shameless bitch!"

Vanessa's shriek made her pulse spike.

Fear flickered—Vanessa and her clique had made Isabella's university life hell. She'd endured it, wanting only to graduate in peace.

But then she remembered Sebastian's insult to Nathaniel, Vanessa's advances toward the man she loved. Fear dissolved into white-hot rage.

Isabella's expression frosted over. She ignored Vanessa and kept walking.

"Whore! Stop right there!"

Isabella halted. Slowly, she turned.

Vanessa limped toward her, knee bloodied, panting with fury. Isabella couldn't help but smile.

"Who are you calling a bitch?"

"You! Obviously!"

"Oh. I thought you were introducing yourself."

Vanessa gaped.

"And before calling someone else cheap, maybe check your own reflection." Isabella's voice was razor-sharp. "The man you're chasing—Sebastian Vanderbilt—is married. Everyone knows his wife is stunning. I can't imagine what he sees in you. A man of his caliber shouldn't have such poor taste."

"You know nothing!" Vanessa screeched. "I'm young, beautiful, irresistible! It's natural he'd want me!"

"After a lifetime of delicacies, I suppose even garbage can seem refreshing."

"Garbage? Who are you—?"

"You. Obviously." Isabella threw Vanessa's own words back at her.

Vanessa, outmatched, raised her hand—

Crack!

The slap burned across Isabella's cheek, swelling instantly.

This wasn't the first time. During university, Vanessa had used plays, performances—even colluded with teachers—to cast Isabella in roles where she'd be abused. All for her own sick satisfaction.

Vanessa smirked. "Think some rich boy in a Porsche makes you untouchable?"

Isabella just stared, amused by her delusion.

The Vanderbilts were her family's longtime business partners. She'd been held by Sebastian's father as a child.

"Then I hope you succeed in ruining me. If Sebastian still considers you his side dish by then."

"You—!"

As Isabella turned to leave, she paused. "Oh. This is for you."

Before Vanessa could react—

Smack!

Isabella's slap struck harder, fiercer.

"You dare hit me?!" Vanessa clutched her cheek, stunned. The meek Isabella fighting back?

"Why not? Do I need your permission?"

Isabella lifted her chin, eyes glinting with icy regality. Vanessa shuddered. "That was for every time you thought you owned me. I didn't retaliate before because you weren't worth my time. And the man in the Porsche? He's mine. Touch him again, and I'll make your life hell."