Chapter 1734
No.1
Nathaniel's brow furrowed. A stray man?
Never had anyone referred to the President of Blackwood Corporation in such terms.
And they dared insult his woman in his presence.
He began removing his sunglasses.
Isabella caught his hand, her gaze hardening toward her grandparents. "When I have a genuine partner, you call it shameful. Yet when Victoria sleeps with numerous men—including her fiancé's assistant—what exactly would you call that?"
Her clear voice hung in the air.
The elderly couple's faces stiffened instantly.
Their agitation intensified at her words.
They had been on an extended cruise when the scandal erupted.
The voyage to a remote island had taken two months without port calls.
They remained confined aboard until returning just last night.
Victoria had always been their cherished granddaughter.
They never anticipated such disgraceful behavior.
Upon their return, they immediately contacted Eleanor.
Hearing the truth from her had enraged them.
No.2
After a stunned moment, Beatrice's glare sharpened. "How dare you mention that? Your mother rescued you from the streets! Clothed you! Fed you! And you repay her by destroying our family! Victoria's reputation would be intact if not for your schemes! I've never witnessed such ingratitude!"
Another accusation of thanklessness.
Isabella had grown accustomed to these claims.
A mocking smile touched her lips. "If you insist on labeling me ungrateful, so be it. Your opinion means nothing to me."
She scoffed, tightening her grip on Nathaniel's hand.
They walked past the elderly couple shoulder-to-shoulder.
Her steps were crisp and deliberate.
Undeniably arrogant.
Zachary and Pam stared in disbelief. They couldn't comprehend such audacity from an adopted daughter.
She had transformed into someone entirely unrecognizable from five years ago... Pam clutched her chest, stumbling backward. "Oh heavens! Oh heavens! Why did Eleanor bring home this wretched girl? How could she be so utterly ungrateful?!"
"Grandpa! Grandma!" A honeyed voice cut through the tension.
Victoria had heard the commotion outside. Seeing them berating Isabella, she rushed forward. She gently supported Pam, her voice dripping with feigned concern. "Please don't upset yourself, Grandma. Don't harm your health. Isabella didn't mean to provoke you... She's still immature... speaks without filtering her thoughts..."
"Immature? You share the same birthday! How are you so compassionate while she's so vile?" Pam's fury intensified at the reminder of Isabella's defiance.
Zachary snorted in contempt. "What was Senior Theodore thinking? They clothed and fed this foundling for years. He even gifted her substantial family shares. She not only framed you but attempted to murder Benjamin! A despicable creature! I must confront Senior Theodore immediately!"
"Grandpa, no! Isabella is still family. She carries our name. We can't do this to her..." Victoria hastily intervened, her voice trembling.
No.3
"Look at you! Too kind-hearted! That's why that wicked Isabella set you up! Don't stop me. I'll handle this. She doesn't deserve our surname!"
Pam grasped Victoria's hand, her face etched with worry. "Instead of defending that ingrate, focus on yourself. Look at you! Only two months and you've withered away!"
"No, Grandma, really... I'm perfectly fine..." Victoria's eyes welled up. Her voice cracked, thick with emotion. Her tear-filled gaze made her appear profoundly wronged and pitiable.
It shattered Pam's heart. "Oh, my precious granddaughter..." She soothingly stroked Victoria's hand. "Don't pretend with me. I know you've suffered. But rest assured, we all believe you. Since Isabella harmed Benjamin, it proves she wants you both dead to seize all Montgomery shares. We won't allow it."
"Ah, yes! We bought you a magnificent gift on our vacation. Come with us later. I'll show you."
A dark glint flashed in Victoria's eyes.
Pam and Zachary lived independently. They owned over a dozen mansions. Countless priceless treasures filled their homes. Zachary was a renowned antique collector and appraiser. Their collection contained immensely valuable artifacts.
Selling it all would net Victoria a colossal fortune! Her departure was in two days. She never anticipated another massive windfall! Once she left Westchester, the Montgomery family would plunge into chaos. These two elders would be left destitute. She wanted Isabella to return to a shattered, bankrupt family!
The thought made her expression sweeter, more docile. "Thank you, Grandma."
"Oh, darling, no need for formalities! So polite! I'll check on Benjamin and speak with your parents. Wait for me." Pam patted her hand and entered the hospital room.
After they left, Victoria slipped into an empty hallway. She retrieved her phone. A text message flew to Rex:
[Make arrangements regarding William and Beatrice...]
Rex’s message flashed on Victoria’s screen.
He confirmed a potential buyer for 60% of the shares.
But the offer stood at only 80 billion.
No.4
Eighty billion? Victoria’s brow furrowed.
The Montgomery Group’s shares were worth far more.
That lowball offer was insulting.
She typed a swift reply.
Not selling below 95 billion.
She wouldn’t accept anything less.
Rex responded immediately.
The buyer refused to go higher.
He cited the family’s damaged reputation.
His tone was firm and unyielding.
Victoria felt the pressure mounting.
Eighty billion was a substantial amount.
But it wasn’t enough for what she needed.
Her situation was growing desperate.
Everyone despised her now.
No.5
She had to flee Westchester soon.
Where would she go?
Starting over required funds.
New identity, new life—all costly.
As she pondered, movement caught her eye.
A man in dark green stood at the hallway’s end.
She recognized him instantly—her wedding day.
She glanced around nervously.
Everyone was still in Benjamin’s room.
She hurried out to meet him.
The man waited under a garden tree.
The spot was secluded and empty.
Victoria approached him, furious.
Why are you here? she demanded.
Did you spend all the money already?
No.6
I’m not here for money, he began.
Victoria cut him off sharply.
I don’t care why you’re here, she snapped.
Leave now. Don’t ever contact me again.
My life is falling apart, she hissed.
I have no time for you.
I owe you nothing.
The man sighed heavily.
Victoria, I came to take you home.
Just come with me. You’ll understand.
Home? she laughed bitterly.
Where were you when I needed you?
When my mother struggled alone?
Her voice trembled with rage.
Memories flooded back, painful and sharp.
No.7
Her eyes reddened with unshed tears.
My mother worked as a cleaner, she spat.
Pregnant and exhausted every day.
She barely slept or ate.
She had nothing when I was born.
Couldn’t even pay the hospital bills.
She died three days after giving birth.
She swapped me into the Montgomery family.
So I wouldn’t end up like her.
So I could have a better life.
I lived in constant fear.
Terrified they’d discover the truth.
I avoided hospitals, blood tests, everything.