Chapter 1500
No.1
Staff immediately moved forward to sweep up the glittering fragments. Victoria’s face paled as she watched the shattered glass being removed. That ‘rubbish’ wasn’t just her five billion dollars… it was her reputation, her dignity, being carted away.
Humiliation burned hotter than ever before. How did Isabella get that kind of money? Victoria couldn’t earn five billion in five years as a supermodel. How did Isabella manage it in Africa? Impossible! Where did her money really come from?
Theodore paid the drama no mind. His focus was solely on the young woman before him. Five years ago, sending Isabella away was a painful necessity for her recovery. His longing for his true granddaughter never faded. Seeing her return, so composed and strong, he rose from his seat and approached her.
Standing before her, he took Isabella’s hands in his, his touch fond. “My dear child,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “You’ve suffered these past five years. From this day forward, your status as my granddaughter is absolute. No one will ever send you away from me again.” He squeezed her hands gently. “Grandpa will transfer the promised fifteen percent share to you, as was always intended.”
Chaos erupted anew.
Senior Montgomery’s favor was unmistakable. He was giving her a fifteen percent stake in the family empire! The adopted daughter, vanished for five years, was suddenly receiving the greatest blessing imaginable. She was beautiful, seemingly generous. Her future blazed brilliantly.
Guests swarmed Isabella, offering congratulations and lavish praise. Victoria stood alone, a dim star in a suddenly bright sky. She was utterly discarded, just like the broken glass. No one glanced her way.
Finally, someone did notice her. Their only comment was a sharp, “Tsk. What a disgraceful fraud.” As they walked away, Victoria’s hands clenched into tight fists. How did Isabella steal her spotlight so effortlessly? No. This was deliberate. Isabella had returned for revenge for what happened five years ago. Victoria wouldn’t allow it. Malice darkened her eyes as she pulled out her phone.
[I want her eliminated.]
No.2
High in the mansion’s attic, a tall, powerfully built man stood watching, one hand in his pocket. He exuded an aura of undeniable class and authority. He had witnessed the entire scene unfold in the garden below, his gaze intensely fixed on Isabella. She was extraordinary.
His phone rang, snapping him from his thoughts. He answered immediately. “Did you find any leads on the girl from five years ago?”
“Sorry, Boss. I hit a dead end. Her identity is a complete blank. But we have a bigger problem. Christopher is missing!”
“What?!” The man turned sharply and strode from the room without a backward glance.
The last of the guests departed.
Only the Montgomery family remained in the gardens.
Theodore Montgomery, weary from the day's festivities, retired to his chambers.
The moment he was gone, Eleanor Kensington's venomous gaze locked onto Isabella.
"You vile, ungrateful wretch," she seethed. "Victoria protected you, loved you like a real sister. How could you betray her like this?"
No.3
Isabella remained unflinching. "I did nothing. Did I force her to purchase a counterfeit gem?"
Her calm defiance enraged Eleanor further. "She was deceived! You could have warned her! Instead, you humiliated her publicly! Is this how you repay familial kindness?"
"Remove her from the premises," Richard Montgomery commanded his security team. "The Montgomery name tolerates no such disgrace."
Guards moved to seize her.
Isabella brushed them off with a cold glare, straightening her jacket. "Don't bother. I'll see myself out."
Staying here held no appeal for her anyway.
"Isabella, where will you go?" Victoria feigned concern, a perfect mask of sisterly worry plastered on her face. "Mother and Father's anger will pass. Just apologize. The thought of you on the streets breaks my heart..."
Her performance was flawless, but Isabella saw the triumph hidden beneath.
"Unnecessary," Isabella stated flatly. "I recently acquired a portfolio of properties. Twenty villa blocks, to be precise. Collecting rent keeps me rather occupied."
No.4
A faint, mocking smile touched her lips. She produced a heavy ring laden with hundreds of keys. They jangled loudly with every step as she turned to leave.
The family stared, utterly dumbfounded. Such wealth? Where did a mere adopted daughter get that kind of money?
Isabella paused beside Victoria, their shoulders almost touching. She lowered her voice to a deadly whisper.
"Hello, fraud. Get ready."
Her tone was ice. "I'm back now. Everything you stole from me? I'm taking it all back. And everyone who wronged me? They should start praying to whatever god they believe in."
Her smile was serene, but her eyes held the promise of a predator lurking in the shadows. Lethal.
Victoria paled, her legs trembling. This wasn't the timid, shy girl she used to torment. This woman radiated terrifying power.
Isabella walked away, head held high.
[She's finally gone!]
No.5
Outside, Isabella secured her helmet and mounted her motorcycle. Her grand return wasn't meant for tonight. Staying would only invite more abuse for being 'the adopted one.' Only Grandpa Theodore ever showed her genuine kindness.
She returned for vengeance, not their scorn. Her official homecoming would be a spectacle. A celebration where they'd have no choice but to welcome her.
The powerful bike roared to life, carrying her from Westchester's heart toward the secluded villa district. The road grew quieter.
Her phone buzzed. Pulling over, she answered.
Heavy breathing came first. "Miss Montgomery! You've returned! Why didn't you inform us? We could have arranged proper transport. The boss has prepared a five-star suite—"
"Unnecessary," Isabella cut him off. "This is a private matter. I won't be staying long."
"But—"
"Contact you when it's settled. If you're idle, assist me with a task. Investigate every guest at The Ritz-Carlton on Valentine's Day, five years ago. Focus on all men present on the top floor that night."
That hotel. That night in 2015. It ruined her. She lost everything. She would find the man responsible. And make him pay.
No.6
"Understood, Miss Montgomery. I'll begin immediately," Maxwell Carter replied.
Call ended, Isabella revved the engine and sped off. Her mind was consumed with strategy, completely unaware of the dark van tailing her from a distance.
The villa sat just 800 meters outside Westchester's boundary, isolated and private. Usually, no outsiders came here.
It happened in a flash.
A deafening engine roar erupted behind her.
BAM!
The van slammed violently into her bike.
The impact launched her into the air. She crashed hard near the edge of a steep, treacherous slope.
Dazed and wounded, Isabella squeezed her eyes shut, scrambling for purchase on the loose gravel. It was useless. She tumbled down the sharp incline, rocks tearing at her clothes and skin. No trees broke her fall.
No.7
Below, her motorcycle lay shattered and smoking.
The van's driver jumped out, peering down the dangerous drop. His phone was already at his ear as he scanned the area where she vanished.
"Miss Kensington. Isabella went over the cliff. She fell."
"Find her! Now! I want her body! Dead or alive!"
Pain radiated from every part of Isabella's body at the bottom of the ravine. She needed a moment. Just a moment to breathe.
But noise from above shattered that hope. They were coming for her.
Anger flared, hot and sharp, cutting through the agony. She forced her mind to focus, scanning her surroundings with desperate urgency.
There. A cave, almost completely hidden by thick brush.
She dragged herself toward it, every movement pure torture. Inside the cool, dark silence, she collapsed against the rough wall, exhaling shakily.