Chapter 1436
No.1
The situation had escalated beyond control.
Why hadn't Alexander taken action to stop this?
Penelope stammered nervously, "Madam, you must stay strong. The wedding is in two days. You'll be Mrs. Whitmore then. I only showed you this because I didn't know how to handle it. We need to find a solution..."
Victoria's anger intensified.
Her previous agent, Isadora, would have resolved everything before bothering her.
But Isadora was gone, replaced by this incompetent fool who needed guidance for every little thing.
The frustration boiled within her.
If other attendants weren't present, she would have slapped Penelope immediately.
Victoria forced herself to remain calm, returning the phone with steady hands.
No.2
"Don't worry. None of this is true. They can say whatever they want. I've done nothing wrong."
She lifted her gown gracefully and exited the room.
Alexander waited outside, already changed into his wedding suit.
He sat motionless on a velvet sofa, lost in thought.
The curtain rustled as Victoria emerged.
His eyes lifted, and his expression shifted subtly.
Victoria wore her hair in an intricate loose braid.
Her wedding gown featured dramatic bishop sleeves that accentuated her delicate frame.
She resembled a princess descending from a royal palace.
No.3
There was no trace of meekness in her posture.
She exuded elegance and refined beauty.
Her face was perfectly sculpted, her eyes luminous and captivating.
She was a vision meant to be cherished and protected.
Alexander's still heart suddenly began to beat again.
How could Alexander forget? If he compared their beauty, Victoria was not inferior to Isabella in any way.
Isabella was like a sharp-edged rose, while Victoria was a soft and gentle lily.
Lately, Alexander had been so obsessed with the thorny rose that he neglected Victoria, who had always remained loyal by his side. What’s more, she was carrying his child—his own flesh and blood.
Victoria noticed the shift in Alexander’s expression and smiled sweetly. “Alexander, darling, how do I look?”
No.4
“Beautiful,” he finally answered, rising to adjust a stray strand of her hair. “You look absolutely breathtaking today,” he said with genuine admiration.
Blushing, Victoria lowered her gaze and playfully tapped his chest. “You’re teasing me, Alexander. I look the same as always.”
“You’re always beautiful,” Alexander replied, feeling a pang of guilt for how cold he had been toward her recently. He held her closer than usual. Victoria rested her head against his chest, wrapping her arms around his waist. They stood together before the full-length mirror—a handsome man and a stunning woman reflected back.
Alexander’s eyes softened with affection. Marrying Victoria wasn’t such a bad idea after all. He had loved her once, and that love had started long ago.
As for Isabella… he would handle her later.
Just then, Victoria lifted her head and spoke softly, “Alexander, my love, please don’t look at your phone these next few days. Avoid the news and social media. Let’s just focus on our wedding.”
Alexander frowned. “What’s going on?” he asked.
“It’s nothing, really. Just ignore it. Like you said—we should live our own lives. No matter what others say, I’ll always stand by you. I believe in you,” Victoria murmured soothingly.
But how could Alexander resist checking after that? He immediately opened his social media feed and saw the heated discussions.
No.5
He expected to see criticism aimed at Victoria, but why were people mocking him too?
They called him heartless, a two-timing player who couldn’t make up his mind!
Articles claimed that Isabella had sacrificed so much for him, only to be treated unfairly.
Ha! Hurt? Sad? Isabella hadn’t even glanced his way! She pushed him toward Victoria, and now she was playing the victim online?
Victoria gently took his phone away. “Alexander, please don’t be upset. I’m sure my sister didn’t plan this. Let’s just get married and forget about all this noise.”
“Who else could it be? She doesn’t want us to be happy! Our wedding is just around the corner, and she’s still causing trouble!” Alexander growled, his eyes burning with anger.
He wondered why he had been so torn up these past few days over not being able to marry Isabella… She was a wicked woman!
Yes, they had wronged her five years ago, but ever since she returned, she had ruthlessly turned their lives upside down!
They had apologized again and again, but not only did she refuse to forgive, she became even more hostile!
No.6
Alexander patted Victoria’s shoulder reassuringly. “Victoria, I’ve neglected you these past few days and made you sad. Don’t worry—I’ll take care of this.”
“Please don’t, Alexander. You’re exhausted. It’s my honor to marry you. I don’t want to take up more of your time,” Victoria said, her voice tinged with sadness.
That only made Alexander feel guiltier. Even though Victoria’s reputation had suffered, it was all because of him.
One woman saw him as her whole world; the other was actively trying to destroy him. She had even secretly gotten involved with another man!
He must have been blind these past few days to have fallen for someone like Isabella! Alexander would make it up to Victoria—and show Isabella that he was not a man to be trifled with.
His eyes burned with pure venom. Alexander turned to Victoria. "Go select some jewelry. I'll handle the payment."
"Of course... I'll make sure to look perfect for you. I won't disappoint." Victoria gave a knowing smile before walking away.
Alexander sank into the plush sofa. He opened WhatsApp, searching for Isabella's contact. He considered messaging her there, but remembered all his previous attempts had been blocked. He switched to standard text messaging instead.
[Stop spreading lies online, Isabella. Don't force me to release these photos!]
No.7
He attached a picture of Isabella wearing a provocative nurse uniform.
At Rosewood Manor.
Isabella was finishing a game of checkers with Christopher. So engrossed in their game, she didn't notice her phone lighting up on the nearby sofa.
Nathaniel, working on his laptop nearby, picked up the vibrating device.
[Stop spreading lies online, Isabella. Don't force me to...]
The lock screen prevented him from reading the full message. He glanced at Isabella, completely focused on teaching Christopher. He could easily bypass her security, but...
He decided against it. Respecting her privacy mattered. He stood and brought her the phone.
She took it, seeing the message from 'Waste of Space' on the lock screen.