Tempting the Crowned Heart

Chapter 6 Who Is He?

"Your Highness, are you inside?"

Isabelle froze, recognizing the voice of Betty, the royal nanny who cared for Edward.

Quickly masking her panic, she responded evenly, "It's fine, Betty. I just accidentally dropped a cup. You can go rest; I'll clean it up later."

Betty hesitated. "Are you sure you don't need my help?"

Isabelle's heart raced. "It's really nothing, don't worry."

Meanwhile, William smirked mockingly, as if ready to push her aside and get up.

Isabelle's chest tightened, and she grabbed his arm, pleading in a hushed tone, "She'll leave in a moment. Let's continue."

William's lips curled into a faint smile. "I'm not one to risk my reputation."

Gritting her teeth, Isabelle clung to his neck, pulling him against her as she straddled his lap. "No one will disturb us if I lock the door. Besides, don't you enjoy a little thrill? Imagine the excitement if someone were to walk in."

William's gaze darkened as his hands tightened around her waist, leaning closer.

Isabelle closed her eyes, submitting to the moment. But instead of leaning into her, William abruptly lifted her and tossed her onto the bed. He covered her head with a blanket, his tone icy.

"My apologies. I dropped a cup while visiting the Second Prince. Your Highness didn't clarify to avoid any misunderstandings."

With that, he stood and left the room, his demeanor calm and composed. Offering Betty a warm smile, he said, "Please, go ahead and clean up. I'll be on my way."

Betty, startled to find the rarely-seen prince in the princess's chambers, nodded stiffly and entered the room to tidy up.

Her gaze lingered briefly on Isabelle, who lay curled under the blanket, her lips nearly bitten through. Betty didn't dare to ask any questions, though her eyes betrayed her curiosity.

Isabelle, still enveloped in the lingering scent of William's tobacco, stared down at the red marks on her waist, clenching her teeth in frustration.

'If I just d**g him, he won't have the chance to escape!'

She tossed and turned through the night, unable to sleep.

*****

The next morning, Evelyn stormed into Isabelle's room, demanding an update.

Feigning embarrassment, Isabelle offered her excuse. "I almost succeeded—I even got him to come here..."

Evelyn's eyes narrowed in fury, clearly suspecting William's intentions.

Her voice was cold, restrained. "And then? Did you accomplish anything?"

Lowering her head, Isabelle affected an air of reluctance. "We were so close, but the noise of a broken cup attracted Betty. He didn't dare continue, so..."

Evelyn's expression darkened further.

"Incompetent! You didn't tell me you were bringing him here? And the d**g—did you use it?"

Isabelle stammered, "He was... proactive. I thought it wasn't necessary..."

Evelyn's chest heaved with rage.

After a long pause, she exhaled sharply. "Fine. At least this proves he's somewhat interested in you."

Isabelle nodded meekly, breathing a quiet sigh of relief.

"In a few days, the old king's birthday banquet will be held. That brat wouldn't dare miss it. During the toast, slip him the d**g. I'll create an opportunity for you two to be alone!"

She glared sharply at Isabelle. "This is your last chance. If you fail again, there's no need for you to keep your position as the Second Prince's consort."

Isabelle stiffly nodded and retreated to her room.

Her phone buzzed suddenly. Seeing the name of Alexander on the screen, her face twisted with irritation.

Answering the call, her voice was cold. "What do you want?"

"Getting cocky, are we? Playing the high-and-mighty royal princess in front of your old man?" Alexander's mocking laughter grated through the receiver.

"Still hoping to hold onto your dead mother's relics and ashes, are you?"

Isabelle's fist clenched, her eyes burning with hatred. Forcing herself to remain calm, she asked through gritted teeth, "What do you want this time?"

"Winsor Corp needs a favor. Have the royal business allocate a project to us. Shouldn't be too hard for you."

His tone was casual, dismissive. "I'll be waiting at the company."

Before she could respond, the call disconnected.

Isabelle's chest heaved with suppressed rage.

Two years of marriage to Edward, and countless times this scoundrel had used her mother's relics to blackmail her!

But what could she do?

She dressed swiftly, suppressing her fury, and drove to the family business. As she parked, a familiar luxury carriage approached.

Was the royal authority himself here to oversee the project?

She froze, watching the tall, regal figure step out. A deep emotion flickered in her eyes.

Rarely able to decipher his intentions, perhaps today she could finally gain some insight.

She hurried to the elevator with a polite smile, only to find William.

"Sir, what a coincidence. Are you here to discuss business as well?"

William's gaze was cold as he regarded her.

"Yes. And you, Second Prince's consort, here representing the family business?"

His tone was distant, polite but firm. "Your involvement complicates things for me."

"Handle it as you see fit," Isabelle said, stepping closer. Her fingers brushed over his hand deliberately. "Some opportunities don't come twice. Better not waste them."

William's smirk was faint, icy. "Some things aren't worth the effort. I don't waste my time."

Isabelle's fists clenched. 'Was he toying with me the entire time yesterday?'

The elevator doors slid open, and William stepped in. "I have official matters to attend to. Forgive me for not entertaining the Second Prince's consort further."

He moved to close the elevator doors, but Isabelle slipped in at the last moment, deliberately leaning close.

"This concerns the family business. Surely I have a right to listen?"

She pressed against him, her hip brushing his thigh. In a whisper meant only for him, she teased, "Are you closing the door so fast because you're nervous? Or... intrigued, sir?"

Isabelle's fingers trailed provocatively along his leg, inching closer.

William remained composed, his tall frame towering over her as he looked down with an assessing gaze, as if daring her to act recklessly.

Their eyes met briefly before Isabelle lowered hers, defiantly brushing against the growing tension in his stance.

Her fingers explored further, testing his restraint.

A sharp hiss escaped him just as the elevator doors opened again.

Standing outside was Alexander and his entourage, all bowing respectfully.

"The Duke of Montbatten gracing us with his presence! Truly an honor for our humble company!"

Isabelle's breath caught.

'The Duke of Montbatten?'

'But isn't this William?'

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