Chapter 1498
No.1
The truth struck Isabella like a physical blow. The child she carried wasn't Alexander's. Her entire identity had been stolen. The sister she adored had orchestrated her ruin.
Memories flooded her—Victoria encouraging her to skip studies, to embrace frivolity. All while Isabella gifted her sister every opportunity Grandfather provided, including the coveted study abroad program.
Eighteen years of lies. Alexander had known everything. Participated in it.
A choked sob escaped her. Her stumbling retreat knocked over a crystal vase.
The shattering glass startled the embracing couple. They whirled toward the sound.
"Isabella!" Alexander's face contorted in annoyance. "What are you doing here?"
Victoria hastily adjusted her dress. "Sweetheart, this isn't what it looks like! We were just—"
"Spare me your lies!" Isabella spat. "You love my shares! My inheritance! Not me!" She turned toward the grand staircase. "I'll tell everyone the truth! Let all of Westchester know what vipers you are!"
Alexander grabbed her wrist painfully. "Don't you dare cause a scene! Remember your condition! Without your shares, you're nothing! No one wants a pregnant teenager!"
No.2
He was right. She was only eighteen. Her university dreams died the night Victoria destroyed her. This engagement became her only option. Now even that was a grotesque lie.
"I'd rather die alone than spend another moment with you!" She wrenched free and fled toward the ballroom.
Panic flashed across Victoria's face. If Isabella reached the guests below, everything would unravel.
"Isabella, wait!" Victoria lunged, pretending to grasp her sister's arm. Instead, she shoved hard.
Isabella cried out as she tumbled down the marble stairs. Her body slammed against the balustrade. Warm blood instantly soaked her white gown.
"Alexander! What have I done?" Victoria whimpered, though her eyes remained dry. "I only meant to stop her!"
"Quiet! She brought this on herself!" Alexander descended with brutal efficiency. He glared at Isabella's crumpled form. Then he kicked her swollen abdomen. Once. Twice. Three times.
Agony ripped through her. This was the boy she'd grown up with. The man who'd sworn to protect her. How could he be so monstrous?
Crimson pooled around her, staining the pristine marble.
No.3
Darkness swallowed her screams.
Five years had passed.
The gates of the Montgomery family estate swung open.
A sleek black motorcycle roared into the compound.
It executed a perfect 360-degree drift before halting at the entrance.
The machine was a masterpiece of engineering, finished in matte black.
A cloud of dust settled around it.
An elegant leg extended from the bike.
A woman dismounted smoothly.
No.4
She removed her helmet.
Long dark hair cascaded down her shoulders, lifted by the breeze.
Isabella Montgomery’s gaze fixed on the words “Montgomery Manor.”
A faint, cold smile touched her crimson lips.
She was back.
After five endless years.
The last time she stood here, her world had collapsed.
Brutal kicks to her stomach.
A life lost before it began.
No.5
Public humiliation, branded an adulteress.
Framed by Alexander and Victoria.
Her dignity shredded.
Her inheritance stolen.
Banished to Africa with nothing.
Forced to survive on scraps.
Five years of agony.
Five years of survival.
Now, she would reclaim what was hers.
No.6
Every last bit.
She took a step forward.
Then another.
Her boots clicked against the pavement.
Inside the garden, a lavish party was in full swing.
Waiters glided through the crowd with trays of expensive canapés and champagne.
It was Theodore Montgomery’s 70th birthday.
The elite of Westchester had gathered to celebrate.
A crowd surrounded the old man, offering gifts and flattery.
No.7
“Father, I brought your favorite tea. A century-old Pu-erh. Worth half a million.”
“Grandfather, this painting is by Qi Baishi. ‘High In The Sky.’ Nearly fifty million. May you live as long as the heavens.”
A soft, melodic voice cut through the noise.
“Grandfather, I had this jade Buddha specially carved for you. It’s worth five hundred million. I hope it brings you peace.”
All eyes turned to Victoria Kensington.
She looked radiant, delicate features glowing.
Four assistants followed her, carrying a board draped in red silk.
On it sat an exquisitely carved jade Buddha.
Sunlight glinted off its surface, revealing deep, forest-green hues.