Chapter 293

A sharp gust of wind sliced through the air, grazing Nathaniel's face.

It was sudden.

Brutal.

Unforgiving.

If he hadn't reacted in time—if his reflexes weren't honed to perfection—he wouldn't have dodged that strike.

One move.

That was all it took for Nathaniel to see the truth.

Beneath Adrian's polished exterior lurked something feral. A beast barely restrained.

Nathaniel would never let Isabella leave with him.

Never.

The confrontation erupted too fast. Isabella, oblivious, continued walking ahead, unaware of the storm brewing behind her.

Adrian swung again.

Nathaniel sidestepped, countering with a swift kick that narrowly missed Adrian's chest.

Adrian staggered back, barely keeping his balance. His hands, usually hidden beneath crisp silver cufflinks, clenched into fists, trembling with barely suppressed rage.

Nathaniel stood firm, unshaken.

Adrian adjusted his glasses, his eyes burning with something dark.

For years, Adrian had trained relentlessly—martial arts, firearms, combat—pushing himself to the brink, all to protect what was his.

He had been confident in his skills.

But facing Nathaniel?

He realized his mistake.

Nathaniel wasn't just strong.

He was a force of nature.

A slow, dangerous smirk curled Adrian's lips, sending a chill down Nathaniel's spine.

Those eyes, so tender when they looked at Isabella, now gleamed with something twisted.

Then—

Adrian lunged.

Nathaniel's fist connected with Adrian's cheek before he could stop himself.

Isabella turned.

She saw everything.

And so did Nathaniel—the blood on Adrian's lips, the smirk still in place.

Damn it.

He'd been played.

Adrian never intended to fight.

He wanted Nathaniel to hit him.

"Ave!"

Isabella rushed forward, catching Adrian before he could fall.

The childhood nickname slipped out before she could stop it.

Adrian froze.

Then his grip on her wrist tightened. "What did you just call me?"

Isabella hesitated.

Then, softly, she repeated it. "Ave."

Adrian's breath hitched.

Fifteen years.

That was how long he'd waited to hear that name from her lips again.

Nathaniel's face drained of color.

Something inside him shattered.

They were that close?

After all this time?

And what was he to her?

"Nathaniel, have you lost your mind?" Isabella's voice was sharp, her eyes blazing. "Adrian was just taking me to visit his mother. What did he do to deserve this?"

Nathaniel's jaw clenched.

He had no defense.

No excuse.

Only one question burned in his chest.

"What do I mean to you?"

Isabella flinched.

The pain in his voice cut deeper than she expected.

Adrian watched, his gaze like a blade pressed to Nathaniel's throat.

"If you stay out of my life," Isabella said coldly, "we might remain business associates. If not, we're enemies."

Then she turned away, supporting Adrian as they walked off.

Nathaniel stood there, hollow.

The wind howled around him, but he barely felt it.

His blood had gone cold.

His tears dried before they could fall.

Some loves were never meant to reach their destination.

Adrian's mansion was the second largest in Beverly Hills.

The first belonged to Isabella.

The entire neighborhood was Chambers property—Adrian could move houses on a whim.

Isabella frowned at Adrian's injuries. "Does it hurt?"

Adrian smiled, though it pulled at the bruise. "Not much."

"That brute," Isabella muttered, wishing she could throttle Nathaniel.

"Military training makes men like him ruthless," Adrian said lightly.

Isabella's eyes narrowed. "You've been investigating him?"

Adrian met her gaze. "He's my rival in business and in love. I need to know my enemy."

Isabella pressed her lips together.

Adrian's feelings were no secret.

But she pretended not to see.

"When my mother asks about this," Adrian said, feigning worry, "you'll cover for me, right?"

Isabella rolled her eyes. "Should I tell her you tripped over your own feet?"

Adrian chuckled, his gaze softening.

Then Isabella had an idea.

She pulled out a compact. "Here. Use this."

Adrian blinked. "What is it?"

"You don't know how to use concealer?"

He shook his head.

"Then let me help."

She dabbed powder onto the bruise, her touch feather-light.

Adrian winced.

"Did I hurt you?"

He leaned closer, his breath warm against her skin. "Not anymore."

Their faces were inches apart.

Isabella could smell the mint on his breath, mixed with the faint scent of violets on his clothes.

Her pulse skipped.

She stepped back abruptly, nearly dropping the compact.

Just because she'd used his childhood nickname didn't mean anything had changed.

"Let's go," Adrian said smoothly. "If we don't hurry, dinner will be late."

He knew better than to push.

Patience was key.

As they disappeared inside, Nathaniel remained on the street, staring at the lit windows.

Alone.

His eyes burned.