Chapter 1682
No.1
Explanation? What could she possibly say? The evidence was irrefutable.
Victoria’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “The past is too painful to revisit. Someday you’ll understand the difficult position I was in, but not now. Just know that I am your sister. I’ve always looked out for you, haven’t I? Since we were children. I’ve always wanted what’s best for you.”
She painted herself as a martyr, silently bearing a burden to protect him.
Benjamin remembered. She had always been his defender. She funded his gaming team when their parents scoffed. She cheered him on when no one else did. His expression softened.
Seeing his defenses crumble, Victoria gently took his hands. “I’ve never asked you for anything, Benjamin. Not once. But I need to ask you for a favor now. Will you help me?”
A favor? He looked at her, his loyalty warring with his doubt.
“I don’t care if the Whitmores despise me,” Victoria began. “And I don’t care what anyone else thinks of me either. But I’m terrified—terrified this wedding won’t happen. Benjamin, you know I’ve left modeling. I have nothing left except Alexander and this baby.”
She paused, letting the silence hang.
“But Isabella… she despises me. She won’t just let me be. Of course, it’s just a suspicion… I worry she still has feelings for Alexander. I’m afraid she might try to hurt me.”
No.2
Benjamin narrowed his eyes. “That seems unlikely.”
Isabella was with Nathaniel now. Her hatred for Alexander was obvious…
“I hope you’re right!” Victoria continued. “But I don’t feel safe. If she didn’t hate me, she wouldn’t have mocked me like that before she left.”
She looked down, feigning distress.
“You know she’s never accepted my apology. She still holds a grudge. So… I need you to stay with her for a few days. You don’t have to confront her. Just watch her. It’s harmless.”
“If she plans anything, you can intervene. You’re her brother, after all. You can warn me if something happens.”
Benjamin frowned. She wanted him to move out of Montgomery Manor? To live with Isabella? He already disliked her. Did he really have to stay under the same roof?
“Benjamin, I know you’re reluctant. But it’s only three days. Just three! In return, I can get Takashi Yamamoto to coach you. Personally.”
His eyes lit up immediately. “Seriously?”
No.3
Even though Takashi had lost to that player called Boss, he was still one of the top gamers. Besides Boss, no one could touch him.
The night after his defeat, Takashi had challenged every top player—and won every match. His reputation was fully restored. People whispered that Boss must have cheated. Or gotten lucky. Or was some kind of gaming deity.
To Benjamin, Takashi was still a legend.
Victoria nodded. “Yes. I met him at an event in Westhaven once. He’s a fan. He’ll do it if I ask. This isn’t a bribe, Benjamin… I see you as my own brother. I know you’ll be bored these next few days. Think of it as my wedding gift to you.”
He felt a pang of guilt. She was always so thoughtful. And here he was, hesitating over such a simple request.
“Alright,” he agreed. “I’ll do it. I’ll go find her right now.”
Victoria watched him leave, a cold smirk twisting her lips once his back was turned.
Penelope closed the door behind him and approached, confused. “Ms. Victoria, we could hire someone to watch Isabella. Sending Benjamin and paying Takashi… that will cost a fortune!”
She knew Victoria’s finances were strained. After the last scandal, her shares were frozen. Theodore Montgomery had ordered her to rest at home. No one was giving her money anymore.
No.4
As for Takashi… Even if he admired her, no one did favors for free. Not for a woman with a ruined reputation.
Victoria scoffed. “You know nothing. I have my reasons.”
She picked up her phone and typed a message to Takashi Yamamoto:
[Mr. Yamamoto, I have a favor to ask. My brother is an avid gamer and admires you greatly. Would you be willing to train him? I will make it worth your while. If you can take him to Westhaven for intensive coaching, I will be even more grateful. Help him achieve his dream.]
Her eyes darkened as she sent the text.
Just wait. Soon, everyone who looked down on her would regret it. Even the mighty Whitmores.
Meanwhile, the entire manor was buzzing with wedding preparations. Even Theodore was involved.
Only Benjamin slipped away, rushing to the parking lot.
Luck was on his side. Isabella hadn’t left yet. Her car was still there.
No.5
Isabella Montgomery reached for the ignition when she sensed movement behind her. She turned to find Benjamin Kensington seated there. Her brow furrowed instantly.
"What are you doing here?"
"The estate is unbearable today. I'm staying with you for a couple days." Benjamin stated it plainly, without pretense.
Isabella found it odd. Even if the Montgomery manor was chaotic, he had other options. Friends. Hotels. Why choose her?
Victoria must have made her move. Isabella's curiosity prickled. What was her adopted sister planning now?
She secured her helmet and handed Benjamin a spare one.
He blinked, surprised. He had expected resistance, not immediate compliance.
This was going better than anticipated. Benjamin fastened the helmet.
Isabella revved the engine. The motorcycle surged forward, accelerating at a breathtaking pace.
No.6
Benjamin grabbed the rear handle, caught off guard. His mind flashed to the old Isabella. The pretentious, clumsy girl who trailed after Alexander Whitmore. The constant embarrassment.
Now, she was this. Formidable. Impressive. He had to admit, she looked incredibly cool.
Meanwhile, at the Blackwood Estate...
A lavish celebration was in full swing. Industry elites mingled throughout the opulent halls. Their conversations were a low, refined hum.
Vivienne Delacroix stood apart even here. A crystal wine glass dangled from her fingers. She sat near an elaborate floral arrangement.
Her strapless gown was a masterpiece. The hem was a river of inlaid diamonds. They caught the light with her slightest movement, sparkling from every angle.
She was beauty. She was class. She was utterly singular.
A cluster of women orbited her. Admiring gazes from men followed her. But Vivienne's attention was fixed on one figure alone.
Nathaniel Blackwood stood by the champagne tower. His tailored suit accentuated his powerful frame. He was surrounded by businessmen, yet he held a quiet command.
No.7
He didn't need to speak. His presence alone radiated an aura of exquisite authority.
A slow smile touched Vivienne's lips. The plan was in motion. By now, Alexander should have had his way with Isabella. She could barely contain her anticipation.
She imagined Nathaniel's face when he saw the photos. The delicious shock. The betrayal.
Just then, her assistant, Cassandra Delacroix, rushed over. "Madam, an urgent matter."
Vivienne offered a brief apology to her companions. They dispersed immediately, not daring to linger.
Cassandra leaned in, her voice a hushed whisper. "Alexander's plan failed. Victoria is pregnant. They're announcing their engagement."
What? Vivienne's grip on the glass tightened. The stem threatened to snap.
How could Alexander let such a perfect chance slip through his fingers and end up engaged to Victoria instead?
What a useless pawn he turned out to be.