Arrived 206

In Chapter 206, Nathaniel learns about Kevin Chunk’s arrival in Javerton and the potential for a lucrative partnership between the Hartwell Group and the influential Chunk family. Facing pressure from the Bennett Group, Nathaniel sees this as a crucial opportunity and decides to solidify his alliance with Isabelle by marrying her and granting her half ownership of the Hartwell Group. This move is meant to strengthen their bond and secure Isabelle’s dedication to the company’s success.

Isabelle, who has a complicated past with Kevin, immediately seeks him out upon his arrival. Their history includes a brief, casual fling, and her emotions are stirred by Nathaniel’s recent careless mention of another woman, Estella. Seeking revenge and leverage, Isabelle reignites her connection with Kevin, using their past to negotiate a favor: she wants Kevin to hand over the Chunk family’s resort project partnership to Nathaniel’s company.

Kevin, amused and intrigued by Isabelle’s boldness, challenges her intentions but is drawn back into their old dynamic. Despite the tension, they share a passionate encounter, fueled by Isabelle’s desire to assert control and retaliate against Nathaniel’s perceived betrayal. Afterward, Isabelle embraces her rebellious side, openly defying Nathaniel’s expectations and deciding to play her own game.

The chapter ends with a sharp exchange between Isabelle and Kevin, highlighting their contrasting views on loyalty and relationships. While Kevin insists on exclusivity with his future wife, he dismisses other women, and Isabelle mocks this double standard. The negotiation over the project remains unresolved, underscoring the complex interplay of personal and business motives driving the characters.

Chapter 206: The Bargain

“Nathaniel, you’ve heard, haven’t you? Kevin, the eldest son of the Chunks—the most influential family in Sea City—has arrived in Javerton. He’s spearheading a massive new project. If the Hartwell Group could secure a partnership with the Chunk family, it would be a tremendous boost, don’t you think?”

Nathaniel felt a flicker of temptation stirring within him.

Recently, the Bennett Group had been steadily snatching away many of their key projects. The pressure was mounting, and the Hartwell Group was teetering on the edge of a crisis. Landing a deal with the Chunks could be the lifeline they desperately needed.

He mulled over the proposal carefully, weighing the risks and rewards. After a moment of contemplation, he finally reached for the pen and signed the agreement. Looking earnestly into Isabelle’s eyes, he said, “Isabelle, from this moment forward, you’re my wife. Half of the Hartwell Group belongs to you.”

A soft smile curved Isabelle’s lips. “Then I’ll have to work even harder to bring in new projects for Hartwell. If the company profits, I profit too.”

Holding that signed agreement firmly in her hands, she felt a surge of confidence. Nathaniel wouldn’t be able to walk away so easily now.

He nodded with determination. “From now on, Mr. Hartwell works for you and you alone.”

Isabelle had known Kevin for years.

The instant he arrived in Javerton, she sought him out.

She found him in a private room, casually drinking, flanked by two blonde women who laughed and chatted flirtatiously.

The moment Kevin spotted Isabelle, he waved the women away without hesitation.

He smirked and asked, “So, I heard my playgirl is getting married?”

Back in the day, when Isabelle was known for her carefree ways, she and Kevin had shared a brief, purely physical fling—no strings attached, no emotions involved.

Still stung by Nathaniel’s careless mention of Estella’s name just the night before, Isabelle’s desire for revenge flared up. Sliding onto the seat beside Kevin, she pressed her lips to his in a long, fiery French kiss.

When Kevin reached to pull her closer, she pulled back sharply, slapping his hand away, maintaining a deliberate distance between them.

Raising an eyebrow, Kevin teased, “Settling down for real now? You weren’t like this before.”

During her wildest days, Isabelle had a revolving door of boyfriends. The idea of her suddenly turning faithful seemed almost impossible.

She pulled out her lipstick, carefully touched up her makeup, then lit a cigarette she hadn’t smoked in ages. A flicker of her old, reckless charm returned to her face.

For Nathaniel’s sake, she had forced herself to appear obedient and sweet, but now, in Kevin’s presence, the old Isabelle resurfaced.

“I need to ask you for a favor,” she said casually.

“What kind of favor?” Kevin asked, intrigued.

“Isn’t your Chunk family planning to build a resort project here in Javerton? How about handing that partnership over to my fiancé? What do you say?”

Kevin chuckled darkly. “You think a few pretty words will get you the project? It’s not that simple.”

Isabelle smiled sweetly. “You didn’t come to Javerton to work—you came to play. If it’s all just for fun, why not give the project to me, an old friend?”

Kevin’s eyes gleamed with amusement as he lit a cigarette himself.

The Chunk family had limitless wealth. As the spoiled heir, Kevin could indulge himself however he pleased. Even if he lost money, his father would always cover for him.

Isabelle paused, considering her next move. “What do you want in return? I could introduce you to a pretty girl.”

“A girl? You?” Kevin teased, raising a brow.

Isabelle laughed, a hint of mischief in her voice. “Still interested in me, are you?”

Kevin thought back to their brief fling—it hadn’t been bad.

“What, I’m craving you. Is that a problem?”

Perhaps it was Nathaniel’s betrayal gnawing at her, but Isabelle suddenly felt a fierce urge to strike back.

If Nathaniel could take wedding photos with Estella, then she could certainly cheat on him before the wedding.

Looking Kevin straight in the eye, she asked, “Here, or at a hotel?”

Kevin’s pulse quickened. “Here works just fine.”

Before long, the two were tangled up together, their passion reigniting old flames.

By the time they finally pulled apart, two hours had slipped away.

Isabelle stepped into the bathroom for a quick shower, then emerged wrapped only in a coat, a cigarette dangling from her fingers, her expression one of complete satisfaction.

She had always had a strong appetite, but Nathaniel had never fulfilled her desires.

And when he finally did, he ruined the moment by calling out Estella’s name.

If that was how it was going to be, she had every right to seek what she wanted elsewhere.

Kevin grinned, a teasing glint in his eyes. “I thought you’d really settled down. Not even married yet, and already sneaking around.”

“Don’t make such a big deal out of it,” Isabelle snapped, impatience creeping into her tone.

She had come to realize that no matter how much of herself she gave Nathaniel, he never truly valued her.

Fine. Then she wouldn’t hold back either.

He was marrying her while still holding another woman in his heart.

So she would play her own game behind his back.

Kevin took the cigarette from her fingers and inhaled deeply.

“You’re dangerous. My old man’s already pushing me to marry some rich heiress. If I played around like you do, I wouldn’t last a day.”

Isabelle snorted. “So men can cheat, but women can’t?”

Kevin shrugged without shame. “A wife isn’t like other women. My wife should be mine alone. The others don’t matter.”

“What a rotten idea,” Isabelle scoffed.

Then she returned to the matter at hand. “So? How about it—will you give the project to my fiancé?”

Kevin laughed, shaking his head. “One minute you’re cheating on him, the next you’re fighting to bring him a project. You really are a woman I’ll never understand.”

In this chapter, Isabelle’s complex emotions and fierce determination come to the forefront, revealing a woman caught between vulnerability and strength. Her decision to engage with Kevin, not only as a means to secure a vital business deal for Nathaniel but also as a way to reclaim her own agency, underscores the tangled web of love, betrayal, and ambition that defines her current reality. The contrast between her past carefree self and the present, more calculating persona highlights the emotional turmoil she wrestles with, especially in light of Nathaniel’s apparent divided affections.

Ultimately, the chapter paints a vivid picture of the delicate balance Isabelle strives to maintain between personal desire and strategic necessity. Her willingness to play a dangerous game, fueled by both hurt and hope, sets the stage for the challenges ahead. Through her interactions with Kevin, we see the complexity of human relationships and the lengths to which one might go to protect what they hold dear, even when trust has been fractured.

The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the tangled web of alliances and betrayals that surround Isabelle and Nathaniel. As Isabelle boldly plays a dangerous game with Kevin, the stakes are raised not only for her personal desires but also for the future of the Hartwell Group. The simmering tension between loyalty and revenge will likely come to the forefront, leaving readers eager to see how far each character is willing to go to protect their interests and pride.

Emotions will run high as secrets threaten to unravel and trust is tested. Isabelle’s decision to engage with Kevin, despite her impending marriage, hints at a brewing storm that could shake the foundations of her relationship with Nathaniel. Meanwhile, Kevin’s playful yet sharp demeanor suggests that his involvement may bring unexpected complications, forcing all parties to confront their true intentions. The next chapter will undoubtedly explore these shifting dynamics, drawing readers further into the intricate dance of power, passion, and deception.

Cedella

Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.