Chapter 1449
No.1
Isabella merely raised one perfectly sculpted eyebrow. "And if I did? Is there some problem with that?"
Her voice carried that signature chill, arrogant and utterly self-assured. The confirmation struck the room like a physical blow. Adrian Sinclair truly was president of GoldenPhoenix!
Just moments ago, they had all been mocking him while pretending to offer charity with that pathetic factory worth only $200,000 in dividends. Meanwhile, he commanded a position that made their petty offerings laughable. They had become the fools in this scenario.
Victoria Kensington had intended to publicly shame and embarrass Adrian, but instead found herself the target of ridicule. This was her wedding day! How could everything keep going so wrong? Even this minor confrontation had spiraled out of control. Her useless cousin had come to insult her at her own wedding!
White-hot fury surged through Victoria's veins as tears began tracing paths down her cheeks. She turned her pained expression toward Isabella. "Isabella, do you truly hate me this much? I begged for your forgiveness repeatedly, yet you never accepted my apologies! If you despise me, just say it directly! Why send Adrian to publicly humiliate me? Why involve innocent people in our personal conflict...?"
The revelation clicked for everyone simultaneously. Since Adrian worked for Isabella, he must have been acting on her instructions when he spoke those cutting words.
"Agh..." Victoria suddenly clutched her stomach as if in severe pain.
Margaret Whitmore's face paled instantly. "Victoria! Are you all right? Don't let this stress harm the baby!"
"Victoria, let's get you out of here," Eleanor said, taking her daughter's hand. "Come rest in the bridal suite. Don't lower yourself to their level."
She guided the seemingly distressed Victoria toward the private rooms reserved for the wedding party.
No.2
Richard turned his furious glare toward Isabella. "Even if Victoria made mistakes, you shouldn't sabotage her wedding! You're embarrassing the entire Montgomery family! And that child she carries is your own niece! Are you trying to cause a tragedy?!"
"I'm warning you clearly," Margaret added with a scornful look. "If anything happens to my grandson, I will hold you completely responsible!"
The entire wedding party swarmed around Victoria, some asking about her condition while others fetched water. They treated her like precious royalty in that private room while Isabella remained alone in her corner outside, appearing more isolated than ever.
Alexander Whitmore fixed Isabella with an icy stare. "I never imagined you could be this cruel, Isabella." He scoffed in disgust before turning away.
Not long ago, he had been desperately trying to win her affection. He believed her to be straightforward, genuine, and real. Now he saw her for what she truly was—a vicious, irrational, and heartless woman! If anything happened to Victoria's baby, he would never forgive her!
A subtle smirk touched Isabella's lips as she watched the crowd fuss over Victoria. They were all so concerned about that unborn child. She wondered what expressions they would wear when they finally discovered the truth...
Isabella found a secluded corner to sit, away from their prying eyes.
Once she was gone, Victoria turned to the Montgomerys and Whitmores. “Please don’t worry, it was just a cramp. I’m feeling much better now. I know you’re all very busy—please, don’t let me keep you.”
“Oh, darling! No matter how busy, you are our priority! Ignore whatever those people said; they’re just jealous!” Margaret Whitmore comforted her.
“We’ve put the past behind us, so you should too. The only thing that matters is that you and Alexander are happy together.”
No.3
“Exactly. Your happiness is crucial for the baby’s health. Pay no mind to cruel words—we know your true heart. As long as you learn from past mistakes, we will always support you,” added Eleanor Kensington.
“Alright... I won’t disappoint you,” Victoria nodded obediently.
After successfully persuading them to leave, a sinister expression returned to Victoria’s face. These people were so easily manipulated. A few sweet words from her, and they danced like puppets.
Isabella? Ha. That pathetic woman had no real allies.
Just then, a group of guests passed by the resting room, their voices carrying.
“Goodness, isn’t this wedding excessively lavish?”
“They must have spent a fortune. I thought they’d be more discreet!”
“Hah! The audacity. One is a notorious playboy, the other a master manipulator. They have no shame, flaunting this spectacle.”
“Absolutely. Look around—no one here is genuinely happy for them. I’d be mortified.”
“A cheating scoundrel marrying a home-wrecker? And they make it this grand? Hilarious...”
No.4
Inside the room, Victoria’s fists clenched tightly. It seemed Rio wasn't the only one mocking her.
No doubt, similar conversations were happening everywhere today. This was her wedding day, the most important day of her life! How dare they?
This was all Isabella’s fault. Isabella was the one who spread those rumors online. Those articles were still circulating for everyone to see.
Isabella had rejected Alexander, yet she played the victim publicly. All just to ruin this wedding!
Victoria scoffed coldly. “Penelope, is everything prepared?”
“Don’t worry, Madam. It’s all set. The photos will be revealed as planned,” Penelope answered.
Hearing this, Victoria’s expression softened slightly. She could hardly wait for the ceremony to begin.
She wanted everyone to see how Isabella was secretly involved with Nathaniel Blackwood while pretending to be heartbroken over Alexander!
Meanwhile...
Adrian Sinclair approached Isabella and sat beside her.
No.5
He spoke in a low voice. “Isabella, why haven’t you told them the truth? I can’t stand another second of that woman’s act.”
Isabella’s eyes darkened, though her face remained calm.
If possible, she preferred not to expose the truth about the baby Victoria carried. Perhaps it was her own maternal instinct, born from her experience five years ago.
Her original plan was to let Victoria’s schemes unfold, let her ruin the Montgomery family herself, and then step in to reveal everything. She had no interest in interfering in their romantic affairs.
She never expected Victoria to secretly photograph her with Nathaniel and plan to expose them at the wedding.
If Victoria insisted on this path, she deserved no mercy. A mother like her would be terrible for the child anyway.
A dangerous glint flickered in Isabella’s eyes.
“Soon.”
One hour remained until the ceremony.
The atmosphere buzzed with frantic energy.
No.6
Everyone moved with purpose, consumed by their duties.
Downstairs, the Montgomerys and Whitmores mingled with arriving guests.
Their laughter echoed through the grand lobby of The Ritz-Carlton.
Upstairs, the final preparations were underway.
Makeup artists hovered, ready for last-minute adjustments.
Victoria Kensington sat perfectly still before the vanity.
Her reflection showed a vision of bridal perfection.
Penelope Sinclair adjusted a stray curl.
"Madam, you must be so happy," she gushed. "You look absolutely stunning today."
A faint smile touched Victoria's lips.
No.7
"Thank you, Penelope."
Her eyes remained fixed on her own image.
She knew she rivaled any woman in beauty, even Isabella Montgomery.
Isabella's appeal was sharp, edged with arrogance.
Hers was softer, more refined.
Elegance radiated from within her, gentle and pure.
She embodied innocence, like a delicate jasmine blooming in silence.
Men adored such qualities.