Chapter 1173

No.1

“You don’t need to know. Nathaniel will be at the Blackwood Estate in ten days. That’s your only window.”

Vivienne rose gracefully, her crystal heels clicking as she exited the office.

Alexander’s focus remained fixed on the pill bottle, his mind racing.

Ten days?

Outside, Victoria hid behind a large potted plant, holding her breath.

Once certain Vivienne hadn’t spotted her, she relaxed slightly and gestured to Harrison beside her. “You. Go talk to Alexander.”

“Yes, Madam.” Harrison understood and entered the office.

He noticed the pill bottle in Alexander’s hand and frowned. “Mr. Whitmore, what is—”

“Clear my schedule for the next ten days,” Alexander ordered.

Harrison grew more concerned. “So you’ve decided to pursue Ms. Montgomery? What about Victoria? If she finds out, she’ll be devastated…”

“She’s reasonable. She’ll understand,” Alexander replied coolly.

No.2

Victoria, eavesdropping outside, clenched her fists until her knuckles turned white.

Was she doomed to remain his secret mistress forever? Forced to watch him chase another woman, all because she was ‘reasonable’?

Even Harrison felt a pang of sympathy. A woman of Victoria’s caliber deserved better.

Summoning his courage, Harrison pressed further. “What… what happens after? Even if you succeed with Ms. Montgomery, she’s not easily manipulated. Divorcing her later could be complicated. Securing her assets won’t be simple…”

Alexander’s eyes narrowed. Divorce?

The word left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Isabella was powerful, resourceful, incredibly wealthy. Why would he ever divorce her?

“Harrison, you’re overstepping.”

“My apologies.” Harrison bowed his head and turned to leave.

But after a few steps, he couldn’t help asking, “If you don’t divorce Ms. Montgomery, what becomes of Victoria? What kind of life will she have?”

Victoria held her breath, waiting for his answer.

No.3

They had been together for years. Surely he cared about her future?

After a tense silence, Alexander finally replied, “I’ll ensure she’s financially secure.”

Financially secure…

Ha! ‘Financially secure’?

That meant he had no intention of marrying her.

Victoria’s heart shattered. Tears streamed down her cheeks uncontrollably.

She had devoted years to Alexander, supported him wholeheartedly, helped him build Whitmore Enterprises. And her reward? ‘Financial security’?

Alexander once promised to love her forever.

Then it became ‘I won’t let you down’.

Now it was ‘financial security’.

Ha… ha… ha…

No.4

Harrison asked nothing more. He left the office, closing the door quietly behind him.

Victoria remained hidden behind the plant, sobbing silently.

Moved by her distress, Harrison instinctively reached to wipe her tears.

But Victoria stepped back, composing herself instantly. “Harrison, know your place.”

Her tone was cold, defensive, leaving no room for pity.

Victoria wiped the tears from her face, restoring her usual elegant composure. She walked to the office door and knocked firmly.

Harrison watched her retreating back, awkwardly withdrawing his outstretched hand.

Of course. He was just an assistant. What right did he have to comfort her?

Inside the office, Alexander heard the knocking and immediately concealed the pill.

"Enter."

Victoria pushed the door open and stepped inside, her expression now composed with a faint smile. "Hello, Alexander. It's been too long. I brought you those cakes you like."

No.5

She walked to his desk and placed an elegant container filled with exquisite pastries from a renowned patissier. These were limited edition creations she had queued hours to obtain.

Alexander glanced at the desserts without expression. "You shouldn't be out right now. The paparazzi are everywhere."

"I missed you," she murmured, moving to sit on his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck. "I'm so tired of all this. Why don't we stop scheming against Isabella? Let's get married, start a family, live simply. I'll transfer all my Montgomery assets and shares to you. I'll support you completely as your devoted wife."

Her voice was soft and pleading.

Yet Alexander found her offer insulting.

Her pitiful portion of Montgomery shares? What use were those to him?

His hands settled on her waist. "Victoria, you're not thinking clearly. Why rush? Let's wait until you control at least fifty percent of the shares."

Fifty percent?

That would require taking shares from Isabella and her parents! Impossible in her current disgrace.

He was making excuses to delay.

Her expression turned mournful as she searched his eyes. "Alexander, I don't want any of that anymore. I'm exhausted. I just want you. Let's abandon these plans against the Montgomerys and Isabella, please?"

No.6

Noticing her unusual behavior, Alexander pushed her away and patted her head. "You're not yourself today. I have urgent matters to handle. Go home and rest. We'll discuss this when you're feeling better."

Victoria pressed her lips together but finally stood after a long silence. She paused at the door. "Alexander...do you still love me?"

Love her?

Love?

Alexander's hand stilled on the document he'd picked up. After a prolonged pause, he replied, "Victoria, haven't I always promised I'd never let you down?"

He'd give her anything except marriage—money, status, even his body.

That constituted not letting her down.

She smiled faintly. "I understand now. Forgive my childishness. I'll let you work. I'll visit again soon."

Her voice remained gentle, her smile bright and innocent. But the moment she left Whitmore Enterprises and entered her car, her eyes turned icy and dark.

Alexander wanted to marry Isabella! He wanted to remain married to her forever!

Was he discarding Victoria now that she'd become useless?

No.7

First the Montgomerys treated her coldly, and now Alexander? After everything she'd done?

All because she wasn't born a Montgomery? Because she'd fabricated her identity?

No. Absolutely not.

Her fingers tightened around the recording device in her bag—disguised as a lipstick, utterly ordinary yet technologically advanced.

She had captured their entire conversation. 'You'll regret this, Alexander. You'll regret everything!'

At Rosewood Manor

Isabella spent the summer with Oliver, studying checker manuals and architectural blueprints. She remained vigilant against Vivienne and Alexander's schemes, yet no trouble came.

Time flew, and the day of Reginald Blackwood's birthday celebration arrived.

Isabella woke to an empty bedroom that morning. Frowning, she headed downstairs.

In the living room, she spotted Nathaniel and Christopher by the door speaking with Dominic. Dominic departed with a violet box in hand.