Can't Win Me Back (Isabella and Nathan)

Can't Win Me Back Chapter 19

Rumors about Nathan Hill's favoritism toward a mistress over his wife quickly spread through the elite circles, sparking outrage among noblewomen and debutantes. Nathan's father had to expend significant effort to quell the damaging gossip. Though the situation was resolved, Nathan's reputation. suffered. Frustrated and disappointed, his father rewarded Caleb, Nathan's half-brother, with control of a few more companies.

To reclaim his former glory, Nathan decided to pin all his hopes on the luxury brand company he had recently established. This endeavor was his only chance to prove his business acumen and redeem himself. Furthermore, he needed to show the world that his closeness with Victoria was purely for professional purposes.

**In Milan**

The preparation for the fashion design competition was nearing its end. Isabella had crafted numerous outfits but lacked a design catering to the upper-class market. It wasn't because she lacked the skill, but rather because she couldn't afford the premium materials and embellishments.

This left her anxious, fearing that her mentor, Ms. Jasmine, might overlook her work due to this limitation.

Just then, a mysterious sum of money appeared in her bank account-a staggering eight-digit figure. Staring at the zeros, Isabella was stunned. She had never seen so much money int either of her two lives. Should she call the police?

As she pondered, her phone rang. The number was unfamiliar. Trembling, she answered it.

"Sis!" came a familiar voice brimming with longing.

Relieved, Isabella exhaled. "Theo! Where have you been?"

"I've gone home," Theodore replied, his voice tinged with sorrow. "Sis, I didn't want to leave you, but I can't fight against my family's decisions right now. Please forgive me for leaving without saying goodbye." Her heart ached. "Theo, I don't blame you. I was just... worried about you."

She knew about the Sanchez family-the wealthiest and most powerful family in the capital. With their immense fortune came a ruthless struggle for power, where the fallen were often discarded like pawns. She couldn't help but worry about Theodore's safety in such a precarious environment.

"Don't worry about me, Sis. Grandpa treats me well. How about you? Are you doing okay?"

Isabella masked her struggles with a bright tone. "I'm fine, just busy preparing for the upcoming fashion design competition. I haven't had time to check on you."

Theodore sounded genuinely happy. "Sis, that's great! Focus on your competition. Use the money I sent if you need it. Just let me know if you need more."

Shocked, she asked, "Where did you get so much money?"

"I wanted to support you," he admitted. "I heard Nathan Hill spent a fortune backing Victoria's participation. This competition is all about showcasing luxury. Without the resources, Sis, your efforts might just be in vain."

Isabella realized how critical the funds were, but fear of failure weighed on her. She didn't want Theodore's support to go to waste.

"Don't worry about the outcome," he assured her. "I just don't want you to lose confidence or be upset. So, use the money to give it your all."

"Theo, I can't spend all this. Whatever is left, I'll save for you. You'll need it to find a wife someday."

"Sis..." He sounded exasperated. "Do you think I'll need to pay to get married with my looks?"

Isabella laughed until her sides hurt. "Oh, Theo, I'm sure plenty of girls will chase you. But if you meet someone who truly loves you, it wouldn't hurt to spoil her a little."

"If I marry someone I've chosen myself, I'll cherish her for life," he promised.

Isabella smiled. "Whoever she is, she'll be so lucky."

Despite their six-year age gap, their conversation flowed effortlessly. Before they ended the call, Theodore warned, "Sis, don't look at the online forums right now." She paused, then understood. These past few years, she had learned to avoid pain like a lowly amoeba. "Don't worry. I won't."

"Good."

With three days remaining until the competition, young designers from around the globe gathered in Milan. The streets were bustling, and accommodations were packed. Nathan, unwilling to let Victoria suffer, booked Milan's most luxurious hotel. To refine her designs, Victoria convinced him to visit the city's raw material markets, hoping for inspiration. Initially, Nathan was hesitant. "Victoria, your health isn't good. You shouldn't push yourself."

But her pouting and sweet pleas wore him down. "Nathan, this competition means everything to me. You know how much I've dreamed of winning this."

Reluctantly, he agreed. They went to Milan's most opulent fabric store, where Victoria was enchanted by the vibrant array of textiles.

Unbeknownst to them, Isabella was also there, using Theodore's funds to purchase a few meters of Domé fabric-a rare, high-quality blend of alpaca wool, sea-horse fiber, and diamond-dust threads. With her mentor's recommendation, the store owner had graciously agreed to sell the exclusive material to her.

As the shopkeeper was about to pack the fabric for Isabella, Victoria suddenly exclaimed, "I want this!"

The shopkeeper hesitated. "I'm sorry, miss. That fabric has already been sold."

Nathan approached and offered, I'll pay extra for it."

The shopkeeper gestured toward Isabella. "You'd need to negotiate with her. This fabric is highly limited-only a thousand meters are produced annually."

Both Nathan and Victoria turned to see Isabella.

Wearing a green blazer paired with a matching A-line skirt, her waist accentuated by a sash adorned with Chinese motifs, Isabella radiated youthful vitality. Her princess-style hairstyle added a charming touch.

Nathan froze, captivated by her approachable demeanor. He couldn't place her immediately but felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity.

Then Victoria called out in surprise, "Bella?"

Reality hit Nathan like a bolt of lightning. Looking closer, he finally recognized her resemblance to someone he had known.