Chapter 1312
No.1
"Don't mention those two!"
His voice sharpened to a blade.
"Isabella sits in a cell."
He practically spat the words.
"And that worthless Benjamin hasn't been home in weeks."
His jaw clenched.
"Thinking about them boils my blood."
He focused on Victoria.
"You're the only one I trust now."
No.2
His gaze intensified.
"Drop some endorsements if you must."
A calculated pause.
"Help me rebuild the company's reputation."
He offered the ultimate carrot.
"My shares will be yours eventually."
Victoria feigned humility perfectly.
"I don't care about the shares, Daddy."
She laid it on thick.
No.3
"I only want to ease your burdens."
Her performance was flawless.
"I'll create new policies."
She promised the moon.
"I'll handle everything for you."
Richard nodded, thoroughly deceived.
"My true daughter."
He compared bitterly.
"A million times better than that adopted stray."
No.4
The press release hit every major outlet by noon.
Isabella Montgomery resided in South Africa for five years.
She held no operational role within Montgomery Group.
Shares were granted based on family status alone.
Due to her recent criminal actions...
The board has voted unanimously for removal.
All shares are hereby forfeited.
Montgomery Group severs all ties with Isabella Montgomery.
Her future actions are her own responsibility.
No.5
Public approval was immediate and overwhelming.
Twitter ignited with supportive comments.
Every local branch amplified the message.
Small towns received the news within hours.
Isabella's name became synonymous with poison.
Her reputation dissolved into mud.
Public favor evaporated completely.
She was utterly notorious.
The detention room held an unnatural quiet.
No.6
Isabella slept deeply on the narrow cot.
She showed no concern for the world outside.
Nathaniel Blackwood arrived with Oliver in tow.
The scene gave him immediate pause.
He gestured for Oliver to wait down the hall.
Nathaniel entered alone.
An exquisite lunch box weighed in his hand.
"Your trial is tomorrow."
His voice cut the silence.
No.7
"Are you truly prepared?"
Isabella didn't bother opening her eyes.
"Everything is handled."
Her tone remained flat.
Nathaniel's frown deepened.
Discomfort prickled under his skin.
"By Julian Hawthorne?"
The name felt like acid on his tongue.
"Is that who you mean?"