Chapter 1043
No.1
Victoria’s nerves were still frayed. “Stay vigilant. Watch Isabella closely. Report anything unusual to me immediately.”
“Of course.”
She ended the call, her expression tense. Anxiety gnawed at her.
Victoria knew Isabella too well. Every move was calculated. There had to be a reason behind those photos.
She couldn’t decipher the motive. Eliminating Isabella from the industry was the only safe move.
Her eyes hardened with resolve. She quickly dialed Alexander.
His voice, deep and smooth, answered. “Victoria, you’re up early.”
“I had a nightmare. You reconciled with my sister and abandoned me.” Her tone was laced with feigned distress.
Alexander soothed her. “Silly, I’d never choose someone so arrogant. You’re the only one for me, my darling.”
No.2
“Thank you, Alexander. I needed to hear that.” Her voice softened. “What’s your plan for Isabella? Is she testing you?”
He scoffed. “A woman who’s had an abortion playing the innocent? Please. I’m securing the diamond mine and her shares first. The paperwork is priority.”
Disgust dripped from his words.
Victoria murmured agreement. “Hurry and lock her down before some fortune hunter swoops in. At least we’re family. We won’t harm her unless forced.”
“I’ll handle it.” Alexander hung up, his lips curling in contempt.
Suitors for that ice queen? They must be desperate.
Victoria was right. The assets needed securing immediately.
Once married, Isabella would be powerless. A docile housewife entirely under their control.
He called Harrison. “Get the Jade Palace breakfast special. Meet me at Rosewood Manor’s underground parking.”
No.3
At Rosewood Manor, Isabella was jolted awake by the landline.
She ignored it, but the relentless ringing shattered her sleep.
Grudgingly, she answered. “What is it?” She stifled a yawn.
Maxwell’s concerned voice filled the line. “Boss Montgomery, did you really post those photos? The entire internet is mocking you. They’re calling you a fraud. A ninety-nine layers of makeup phony.”
The Guci editorial face-off is happening in forty-eight hours. Why aren't you making a move? I’m ready to assist you with anything, anytime. I guarantee I can capture your photos a thousand times better.
Isabella stretched lazily. Is that the only reason you called me at this hour?
Absolutely! We’re furious on your behalf. You’re stunning—those internet trolls have no right to judge you. You’re our boss, the one and only. No one gets to tear you down like that! Maxwell’s voice vibrated with anger.
Isabella remained unbothered, rubbing her eyes calmly. I spoke with Julian Hawthorne yesterday. This was my plan all along. I know what I’m doing. You’ll understand my strategy during the editorial. Relay this to the team: do not interfere. Stop worrying.
She ended the call without another word.
No.4
Sleep was now impossible. She reached for her phone and opened her social media apps.
Twitter had exploded overnight.
Whether Victoria had orchestrated it or not, countless users had joined the hate train. Many even posted Victoria’s photos with mocking captions.
[Look at Victoria’s elegance, Isabella. She outshines you in every way.]
[Quit selling diamonds and fix your appearance. You’re a disaster!]
[Was Chanel your peak? Or were you using a stand-in?]
[Have some professional dignity. These photos are an insult to the industry.]
[I can’t believe Guci chose you as an ambassador. They must be blind.]
Every comment was drenched in venom.
No.5
#WhatHappenedToIsabella was now the top trending topic.
Isabella sank into the sofa, a sly smile curling her crimson lips.
Everything was unfolding exactly as she envisioned.
Let’s see how long Victoria and her fans can keep their arrogance intact.
The doorbell chimed.
Who could that be?
Isabella padded to the door and checked the peephole. Alexander Whitmore stood there, impeccably dressed and radiating confidence.
Her mind flashed back to last night’s events.
Alexander had faced a minor crisis during a live stream featuring Luwak coffee and bean grinding. His quick thinking had turned it into a triumph, earning praise from viewers and business leaders alike.
No.6
His looks were undeniable—the epitome of a charismatic CEO. Every gesture was photogenic, sending fans into a frenzy.
Within twenty-four hours, Alexander’s images had flooded the internet. Fans were begging him to quit his CEO role and become an actor.
Isabella scoffed. He had just resolved a crisis, and now he was here to flaunt it?
She had zero interest in dealing with him. She turned away and lounged back on the sofa.
Alexander was persistent. The doorbell rang again and again.
Giving up wasn’t in his nature.
He was determined to make Isabella submit to him, just like she used to.
The doorbell wouldn't stop ringing.
Isabella gritted her teeth in irritation.
No.7
She glared at the bathtub she had just stepped out of.
An idea sparked in her mind.
She swung the door open forcefully.
Alexander stood there, his expression impatient at first.
Then his eyes widened in shock.
She wore a delicate white sundress that clung to her frame.
The fabric highlighted her long, toned legs.
Fine silk complemented her radiant complexion.
She embodied every man's fantasy.