Chapter 1230
No.1
“Explain? You want an explanation?” Eleanor’s voice trembled with rage. “Why is Benjamin in the hospital? Who poisoned him?”
A bitter laugh escaped Isabella’s lips. “You should be asking your precious daughter, Victoria. Ask her why she arranged his kidnapping. Ask her why he was poisoned.”
The accusation hung heavy in the air, met with scornful glares. Even Theodore’s expression darkened with disapproval. Victoria’s lies had taken root—they believed Isabella was the one framing her.
“How dare you!” Eleanor snarled, wrenching her hand free. “After what happened five years ago, you’d stoop this low? Using an innocent boy to destroy Victoria’s reputation?”
Isabella’s jaw tightened. Frame her? What twisted story had Victoria fed them?
Tears welled in Victoria’s eyes as she stepped forward, playing the victim perfectly. “Isabella, I know you hate me. I understand if you want revenge—but leave Benjamin out of this! He’s done nothing wrong!”
Her voice broke, each word dripping with false sincerity. “Do you think poisoning him will make everyone blame me? I’ve already told Grandpa and our parents everything—they won’t be fooled by your schemes!”
She clutched Isabella’s arm, sobbing dramatically. “Please, just admit what you’ve done. Give him the antidote. I’ll beg them to forgive you—I promise!”
Isabella’s patience snapped. She shoved Victoria away, disgusted. “If you’ve already decided to believe her lies, I have nothing more to say. The blood test results will reveal the truth in three days.”
No.2
She turned to leave, but Victoria lunged again, desperate. “Three days is too long! He’ll die because of you! Fine—let’s say it was me! I poisoned him! I’ll take the blame! I’ll even give you my sixty percent shares—just save him!”
Eleanor yanked Victoria back, shielding her. “Don’t you dare! She doesn’t deserve a single share! After everything we’ve done for you—this is how you repay us? Bringing you into this family was our biggest mistake!”
Richard turned to Theodore, voice firm. “Father, strip her of the Montgomery name. Revoke her twenty-five percent share. She is no longer one of us.”
The room fell silent, awaiting Theodore’s verdict.
If he agreed, Isabella would lose everything—her name, her inheritance, her place in the family.
Theodore Montgomery stared at Isabella, his expression deeply troubled. He wanted to believe her. He truly did. But every single piece of evidence pointed directly at her. It was a devastating blow. Her continued silence, her refusal to answer his calls, only made everything appear worse.
For years, Victoria had been the dependable one. She always answered, no matter the time or place. She checked in, she reassured him. She made him feel cared for.
Isabella was different. Since her return, she was a ghost in the manor. Rare visits. Even rarer calls. He was an old man. His heart craved simple respect and affection from his grandchildren. If Isabella truly held such malice for the Montgomerys… if she felt nothing for them… the thought shattered him.
Isabella met his gaze, her own solemn. She was not like Victoria. She didn't deal in pretty words and empty promises. Her proof was always in her actions. She had given her word she would save Benjamin. She intended to keep it.
No.3
She never anticipated this.
A heavy weight settled in her chest. What could she possibly say to him now? How could she explain this tangled web?
Would the one person in this family who had shown her genuine trust ever believe her again?
A long, weary sigh finally escaped Theodore. "We will discuss this when Benjamin wakes," he declared, his voice heavy with exhaustion. "His recovery is our only priority now. Richard, use every resource. Contact the finest medical specialists globally. Money is no object."
Richard nodded, though his sharp, blade-like glare never left Isabella. "This isn't over. Once he's conscious, we will have our answers. Be ready with those transfer documents." He turned on his heel and strode away.
Eleanor was equally furious. Her face was a mask of cold rage. "Your grandfather's patience is not ours! Get out. We will care for Benjamin. You are no longer a part of this family. Do not ever call me your mother again. I regret the day we brought such a viper into our home!"
Her words were ice, meant to wound.
Before Isabella could respond, Victoria clutched her arm, her voice a trembling whisper. "Mother, please… don't say such things. You'll upset Isabella…"
A cold, mocking laugh escaped Isabella's lips. Her eyes locked onto Victoria's feigned concern. "Enjoy your performance while it lasts, Victoria. It ends the moment Benjamin opens his eyes."
No.4
Her tone was a promise, laced with frost.
She turned and walked out, leaving a chill in her wake.
Victoria felt a shiver of genuine fear. Could he really wake up? It was supposed to be impossible. Takashi Yamamoto had guaranteed the poison was lethal. Keeping him alive was a miracle in itself. Waking? Unthinkable. She just needed two more days. Then she would be gone from Westchester forever. Benjamin simply could not wake before then.
A dark, oppressive cloud seemed to follow Isabella out of Grace Memorial Hospital. Her family placed Victoria on a pedestal. She was the golden child, beloved since infancy. Her words were gospel.
Victoria was the poisoner. Yet she had masterfully twisted the narrative, painting herself the victim. Isabella, no matter what she did, was always viewed with suspicion and disdain.
They were her blood. Her parents. And yet…
No. Panic was a luxury she couldn't afford. Demanding a DNA test now would only make her look utterly unhinged. She had to wait. Just a little longer. The truth would surface. It had to.
Isabella remained deep in thought, analyzing Victoria's next potential move.
A sudden roar shattered her concentration.
No.5
"Isabella Montgomery! Return my grandson this instant! I'll beat that wretched girl to death!"
She looked up to see William and Beatrice Kensington storming toward her.
These were Eleanor's parents—her maternal grandparents.
Eleanor had been their only daughter, and they adored her children immensely.
They had reserved substantial family assets for Victoria and Benjamin.
Vacationing abroad when news of Benjamin's crisis reached them, they had rushed directly to the hospital.
Beatrice now raised her walking cane, preparing to strike Isabella with full force.
Caught off guard, Isabella barely registered the attack.
Just as the cane descended, a powerful hand intercepted it mid-air.
No.6
In the next moment, she was pulled into a solid, protective embrace.
She glanced up at Nathaniel's striking profile.
His expression was ice-cold, radiating undeniable authority.
Matte black sunglasses concealed half his face, revealing only his sharp, commanding jawline.
Beatrice failed to recognize him as she shook her cane violently. "Who do you think you are? Release my cane! I'm disciplining my granddaughter! Step aside immediately!"
"I protect what's mine. This doesn't concern you," Nathaniel's voice resonated deeply as he released the cane.
Beatrice stared in shock. His woman? Isabella belonged to him?
A realization dawned on her face. She scowled at Isabella. "Now I understand! No wonder Victoria mentioned you keeping some stray man! That's why you refuse to return home! It's true!"
William stepped forward, his expression dark. "Isabella, do you believe wealth grants you impunity? How dare you shame our family with this... this paramour!"
No.7
Nathaniel's brow furrowed. A stray man?
Never had anyone referred to the President of Blackwood Corporation in such terms.
And they dared insult his woman in his presence.
He began removing his sunglasses.
Isabella caught his hand, her gaze hardening toward her grandparents. "When I have a genuine partner, you call it shameful. Yet when Victoria sleeps with numerous men—including her fiancé's assistant—what exactly would you call that?"
Her clear voice hung in the air.
The elderly couple's faces stiffened instantly.
Their agitation intensified at her words.
They had been on an extended cruise when the scandal erupted.