Chapter 1563
No.1
Theodore’s expression was grave, his voice steady but weary. “Has the investigation concluded? Have the police issued any official statement?”
“She signed a guarantee!” a shareholder yelled. “A written promise to cover all losses within two days!”
The deep lines on Theodore’s face seemed to have multiplied. He appeared to have aged years in just days. Victoria Kensington watched him closely. She moved quickly to his side, offering her arm for support. “Grandfather, I am so sorry. I truly believed my sister was set up. I exhausted every resource trying to help her these past two days. I pleaded with the eleven supermodels. They were utterly inflexible. They forced this guarantee from her…”
Victoria presented the document. Theodore recognized Isabella’s handwriting instantly. He recoiled, stumbling backward. Victoria held him firmly, her voice a soft, comforting murmur. “Don’t worry, Grandfather. I will not let my sister bear this financial ruin alone. You mustn’t distress yourself. And please, do not fear for Isabella’s future. Her diamond mines remain. She will never want for money. Even after… her release… she will live comfortably.”
“The priority is cutting her ties to this family,” Victoria pressed on, her tone shifting to one of urgent concern. “We must stabilize the Group’s stock. We must also protect her from the public’s hatred! So many people despise her now. Their anger could turn violent. We cannot predict what they might do.”
Eleanor Kensington nodded in vigorous agreement. “Father, if you care for her at all, you will take the shares. For her own safety. This mob mentality… it’s dangerous. Someone might harm her if she remains connected to us.”
Theodore’s face darkened further. A profound worry etched itself onto his features. He understood the viperous nature of the crowd before him. If this continued, they would show Isabella no mercy. Their vengeance would be swift and brutal.
A heavy, resigned sigh escaped him. “Very well. Do as you have decided. In two days, I will have Atticus Whitmore, our lawyer, meet with Isabella. He will handle the transfer of her shares.” Having spoken, Theodore turned away. He retreated back toward the quiet solitude of the prayer hall.
Victoria’s brow creased slightly. “Grandfather,” she called after him, “to whom will you transfer Isabella’s shares?”
No.2
Theodore paused at the threshold. He did not turn back. “To Richard Montgomery for the time being.” Then he disappeared inside, closing the heavy door firmly behind him.
A surge of pure triumph shot through Victoria. Richard Montgomery’s other children were perpetual disappointments. She was his sole favored daughter. Once those shares were in his possession, they would inevitably find their way to her. It was only a matter of time.
She allowed herself a small, victorious smile before schooling her features into concern. She addressed the closed door with honeyed sweetness. “A wise decision, Grandfather. Please, you must rest now. Do not let this trouble your heart. Isabella will be fine. Her diamond mines ensure she will never be poor.”
Theodore ignored the fading noises from the hall. He waited until silence prevailed. Then he crossed to a seemingly solid wall. His fingers found a hidden button, pressing it precisely. A section of the wall slid open noiselessly, revealing a concealed compartment. Inside rested a single, ornate picture frame. The name inscribed upon it was not Montgomery.
Theodore Montgomery stared at the silver-framed photograph.
His chest tightened with a heavy sigh.
"Even though I trust Isabella completely..."
His voice trailed off into the stillness of the room.
"The current circumstances leave no choice."
No.3
His fingers traced the edge of the frame.
"Removing her from the Montgomery legacy is the only protection I can offer."
He looked into the eyes captured in the portrait.
"You have my solemn vow."
His words carried the weight of decades.
"As long as I draw breath, she remains my granddaughter."
The declaration hung in the air.
"Shares or no shares."
Victoria Kensington never knew about the hidden photograph.
No.4
She floated from the study on a cloud of triumph.
The shareholders' approval echoed in her mind.
She cornered Richard Montgomery with a glittering smile.
"Congratulations, Father."
Her voice dripped with false sweetness.
"Largest shareholder of Montgomery Group."
She placed a possessive hand on his arm.
"Now you can provide even better for us."
Richard's face darkened instantly.
No.5
"Don't mention those two!"
His voice sharpened to a blade.
"Isabella sits in a cell."
He practically spat the words.
"And that worthless Benjamin hasn't been home in weeks."
His jaw clenched.
"Thinking about them boils my blood."
He focused on Victoria.
"You're the only one I trust now."
No.6
His gaze intensified.
"Drop some endorsements if you must."
A calculated pause.
"Help me rebuild the company's reputation."
He offered the ultimate carrot.
"My shares will be yours eventually."
Victoria feigned humility perfectly.
"I don't care about the shares, Daddy."
She laid it on thick.
No.7
"I only want to ease your burdens."
Her performance was flawless.
"I'll create new policies."
She promised the moon.
"I'll handle everything for you."
Richard nodded, thoroughly deceived.
"My true daughter."
He compared bitterly.
"A million times better than that adopted stray."