Twisted Ties of Love (Izabella Salotti and Brett) novel Chapter 607

Lydia and Nathaniel's connection grew stronger with each passing day they spent together. To others, Nathaniel's status might have sounded a touch unsavory—he was wealthy, handsome, and influential. Any minor flaws he possessed seemed inconsequential in the grand scheme.

Nathaniel was also a scion of the prestigious Windham family. His grandfather, Patrick, was keen on orchestrating a match between him and Lydia, making it clear he was grooming Nathaniel for succession.

During the evening's gala, Nathaniel and Patrick again broached the subject of Bell.

Patrick knew Nathaniel's limits and didn't overstep, simply giving a gentle reminder.

"It's high time you cut ties with that woman. You're not traveling the same path, so don't waste more time than necessary. From now on, you should focus your attention on Lydia. The Temple family has mentioned she's quite taken with you."

Nathaniel knew what mattered. He didn't need his grandfather's nudge to realize that.

Bell didn't hold much sway over him; she was dispensable. The only reason he kept her around was that she was very caring, even better than the expensive maids he'd hired in the past, and her cooking was exceptional.

Nathaniel spoke with a casual tone, "She's just a maid, Granddad. I have no feelings for her, don't worry."

Patrick gave him a piercing look. "As long as you're aware. But if Lydia takes issue with her, I advise you to settle it sooner rather than later. The Temples aren't like other families; they won't tolerate a speck of dust in their eyes."

After a moment of contemplation, Nathaniel nodded stiffly, "Okay."

With the Mid-Autumn Festival behind them, an engagement date was set—during the Labor Day holiday.

Lydia's affection for Nathaniel only deepened. After all, it wasn't every day you'd find someone as handsome and accomplished as he was, and their families were well-matched to boot.

During the three-day long weekend, Nathaniel was by Lydia's side, accompanying her to movies, shopping sprees, beauty treatments, manicures, and clothes hunting... When a woman set out on a shopping marathon, she could walk all day and not tire.

Holding up two dresses against her, Lydia turned to Nathaniel, who was engrossed in his phone, and called out, "Nate, which dress looks better?"

She held a blue one and a white one. Nathaniel's gaze fixed on the white dress momentarily.

He hadn't seen or texted Bell in days, yet her image kept popping up in his mind. He remembered that Bell's favorite color was white, matching the dress she wore the day her agent introduced her to him.

But since he viewed her as a stand-in for Izabella, he had only bought her red dresses.

"They're both nice," he said without looking up.

"You didn't even look properly. Are you just humoring me?" Lydia muttered.

Nathaniel flashed a grin. "No, I mean it. You're beautiful with a great figure; anything will look good on you."

Everyone loves a compliment, and Lydia was no exception. "But I only want one. Help me pick."

Nathaniel's gaze returned to the white dress, and he said instinctively, "The white one..."

"Then white it—"

Before Lydia could finish, Nathaniel corrected himself, "Actually, the blue one."

"Sure?"

Nathaniel hummed in confirmation, and Lydia called a salesperson to bag the dress. He then rose to pay with his card.

As they left the store, Lydia affectionately linked her arm with Nathaniel's. "I noticed you were busy on your phone. Work stuff?"

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