Chapter 1442
No.1
This development meant Victoria now held thirty percent of the Montgomery shares, having acquired twenty-five from Richard and Eleanor. Isabella personally held twenty-five percent. Theodore also retained thirty percent. This placed Victoria on equal footing with Theodore, granting her matching authority within the company!
If anything were to happen to Theodore, Victoria would effectively gain control of the entire corporation…
A dark shadow crossed Isabella's features.
Standing beside her, Christopher tilted his head. "Mommy, that bad woman isn't even a real Montgomery. Why can't you just make her leave? Those shares should be yours!"
His words pulled Isabella from her dark thoughts. She knelt to his eye level. "You're still young, my love. Some matters are complex. Reclaiming shares is straightforward. Winning back loyalty and affection is the true challenge. Victoria lived as a Montgomery for twenty-three years. Even knowing she isn't their blood, their hearts may not readily accept me. These things require patience. But it will conclude soon. She has made her opening move. I hope she is prepared for the consequences!"
A cold, determined glint hardened Isabella's eyes.
The middle-aged man, still within earshot, overheard the exchange. His expression darkened slightly. Her words echoed in his mind: 'Victoria lived as a Montgomery for twenty-three years. Even knowing she isn't their blood…!'
She was not the actual daughter…
Not the actual daughter…
No.2
Isabella departed with Nathaniel and Christopher. The man remained, deeply contemplative. He watched their retreating figures with a grave and intense focus.
A bodyguard approached him cautiously. "Sir, shall we proceed with the investigation? If their claims are verified, should we arrange for Madam's immediate return?"
"Patience. If it is indeed her… a marriage is impending. We must gather more intelligence before we act," the middle-aged man instructed, his voice low and measured.
"Understood, Sir." The bodyguard withdrew.
After finalizing the necessary cemetery paperwork, Isabella, Nathaniel, and Christopher prepared to leave. Given the likely schemes of Alexander Whitmore and Vivienne Delacroix, returning to the safety of the estate was paramount.
Nathaniel's phone rang as they settled into the car. A panicked shareholder's voice came through the speaker. "Mr. Blackwood, urgent situation! Critical issues have emerged with the outreach initiative. Immediate intervention is required!"
Nathaniel's composed demeanor shifted, a storm of emotions brewing beneath the surface. This project had run smoothly for three years. Why would catastrophic problems arise so abruptly?
"Convene a meeting in thirty minutes." He ended the call and turned to Isabella. "Please take Oliver home directly. I must go to the corporate office immediately."
"Alright."
No.3
Nathaniel needed to go to the office.
He had spent over two weeks at Rosewood Manor with Isabella, only handling meetings remotely.
Dominic drove Isabella and Oliver back to the manor first.
Then he took Nathaniel to Prestige Builders.
Isabella entered the villa with Oliver.
She saw Benjamin and Victoria sitting on the sofa.
Victoria was speaking to Benjamin in a soft, soothing tone.
Benjamin was nodding diligently at her words.
Isabella frowned.
No.4
She looked down at Oliver. "Momo, go upstairs first."
"I want to stay with you, Mommy! I'm a big man. I can protect you," Oliver insisted.
He stepped in front of Isabella, glaring at Victoria.
Victoria's face stiffened.
Had she become a villain in this young master's eyes?
Isabella must have poisoned his mind against her!
She must have been bad-mouthing her behind her back!
Victoria suppressed her anger.
She forced a faint smile. "Oh, Oliver is here too. Auntie didn't know you were visiting. I didn't bring a gift. Don't worry, I'm your Mommy's sister. I won't harm you."
No.5
"Hah! Can you even believe your own words? Your voice is so fake and annoying! Shut up! Leave now!" Oliver snapped impatiently.
Victoria's face froze completely.
Her words got stuck in her throat.
Did he just speak to her like that?
He called her...
Isabella didn't want Oliver involved in adult matters.
She gently ruffled his hair. "Momo, be good. Go prepare the rock-climbing gear. Give me five minutes to make her leave, okay?"
"Okay, then," Oliver muttered, pouting.
He still shot a scornful look at Victoria. "Listen, you bad woman! I'm warning you! Don't hurt my Mommy, or my Daddy will make you pay!"
No.6
Then he ran upstairs.
Victoria's expression shifted between shock and humiliation.
She was once the top supermodel.
Everyone used to respect and admire her.
Now even a child despised her!
How could a child say such cruel things?
It had to be Isabella.
Isabella must have slandered her behind her back.
She must have ruined her reputation.
No.7
Victoria wanted to tear that pretty face to shreds.
But Benjamin was here.
She could only glare at Isabella with reddened eyes.
"Isabella, I've already apologized. Can't you forgive me? Why are you turning a child against me?"
"Hah! Slander? Are you even worth my time?" Isabella rolled her eyes.
She turned her cold gaze to Benjamin. "This is my home. Why did you let a stray animal in without my permission?"
"She's not a stray animal! She's our sister!" Benjamin insisted. "Don't forget how she always protected you when we were kids! Why are you two fighting over a man?!"
"Over a man? Benjamin, let's get something straight," Isabella scoffed.
She pulled out her phone and played a video clip.