Chapter 176
No.1
Yet, despite his efforts, the gifts never reached Isabella for days. Every single one ended up with Victoria.
He hadn’t received any response from Isabella despite countless messages!
What more could Alexander do?
He only had two weeks to win Isabella’s favor. He needed her help to mitigate the severe damage to Whitmore Enterprises.
At Montgomery Manor.
Victoria was seething with rage. The堆积如山的gifts filled the room, twisting her features into an ugly mask of fury.
A package with a lavender envelope arrived daily. The gifts varied: diamond necklaces, designer handbags, exquisite handmade artifacts!
Julian had never been this generous with her before! Even during their youthful romance, everything was clandestine. She constantly hid their relationship from everyone.
They only went public after Isabella was exiled to Africa. By then, their dynamic was set. She always pandered to him, cared for him. He only gave her gifts on special occasions.
Why was he so extravagantly generous with Isabella?!
Victoria felt sick with insecurity, anxiety, and burning anger!
She once believed she held Julian’s heart completely. Now, it seemed she had failed.
No.2
His heart had changed. utterly.
Eyes blazing with hatred, Victoria stood up abruptly and marched out.
Penelope asked, “Victoria, where are you going?” “I haven’t seen Alexander for a while. He must miss me.” Victoria checked her reflection in the hallway mirror, smoothing her hair. “Prepare the car,” she ordered Penelope. “Take me to Whitmore Enterprises.”
At Whitmore Enterprises…
Alexander was still strategizing how to win Isabella back when Harrison rushed into his office. “Mr. Whitmore, Ms. Vivienne Delacroix is here to see you.”
Vivienne?
Alexander frowned. She was renowned as the ‘genius entrepreneur’. He had only seen her from a distance at an international conference once or twice.
Why was she visiting Whitmore Enterprises?
As he pondered, Vivienne entered his office.
She wore an elegant beige lace dress. She exuded a refined, exquisite aura unlike Victoria or even Isabella!
It was an innate sophistication, bred from generations of high society. The ultimate dignity cultivated only within the highest echelons.
Harrison knew his place and quickly exited, closing the door behind him.
No.3
Vivienne approached his desk silently. She placed a small pill bottle on the polished wood and slid it toward him.
Alexander eyed the bottle suspiciously. “What is this…”
“This pill will help you win Isabella’s heart. It’s one of a kind.” Vivienne’s voice was calm yet calculating.
Alexander’s gaze sharpened at Vivienne’s proposition.
Could she truly deliver what he desired?
Was that substance… some kind of love potion?
As if reading his thoughts, Vivienne clarified, “This isn’t just any ordinary aphrodisiac. I spent a decade perfecting this pill. She doesn’t even need to swallow it—skin contact is enough. Then you can have your way with her.”
Alexander stared at Vivienne, both impressed and unnerved.
What a ruthless innovator. She actually invented this.
Still…
“Why help me?”
“You don’t need to know. Nathaniel will be at the Blackwood Estate in ten days. That’s your only window.”
No.4
Vivienne rose gracefully, her crystal heels clicking as she exited the office.
Alexander’s focus remained fixed on the pill bottle, his mind racing.
Ten days?
Outside, Victoria hid behind a large potted plant, holding her breath.
Once certain Vivienne hadn’t spotted her, she relaxed slightly and gestured to Harrison beside her. “You. Go talk to Alexander.”
“Yes, Madam.” Harrison understood and entered the office.
He noticed the pill bottle in Alexander’s hand and frowned. “Mr. Whitmore, what is—”
“Clear my schedule for the next ten days,” Alexander ordered.
Harrison grew more concerned. “So you’ve decided to pursue Ms. Montgomery? What about Victoria? If she finds out, she’ll be devastated…”
“She’s reasonable. She’ll understand,” Alexander replied coolly.
Victoria, eavesdropping outside, clenched her fists until her knuckles turned white.
Was she doomed to remain his secret mistress forever? Forced to watch him chase another woman, all because she was ‘reasonable’?
No.5
Even Harrison felt a pang of sympathy. A woman of Victoria’s caliber deserved better.
Summoning his courage, Harrison pressed further. “What… what happens after? Even if you succeed with Ms. Montgomery, she’s not easily manipulated. Divorcing her later could be complicated. Securing her assets won’t be simple…”
Alexander’s eyes narrowed. Divorce?
The word left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Isabella was powerful, resourceful, incredibly wealthy. Why would he ever divorce her?
“Harrison, you’re overstepping.”
“My apologies.” Harrison bowed his head and turned to leave.
But after a few steps, he couldn’t help asking, “If you don’t divorce Ms. Montgomery, what becomes of Victoria? What kind of life will she have?”
Victoria held her breath, waiting for his answer.
They had been together for years. Surely he cared about her future?
After a tense silence, Alexander finally replied, “I’ll ensure she’s financially secure.”
Financially secure…
No.6
Ha! ‘Financially secure’?
That meant he had no intention of marrying her.
Victoria’s heart shattered. Tears streamed down her cheeks uncontrollably.
She had devoted years to Alexander, supported him wholeheartedly, helped him build Whitmore Enterprises. And her reward? ‘Financial security’?
Alexander once promised to love her forever.
Then it became ‘I won’t let you down’.
Now it was ‘financial security’.
Ha… ha… ha…
Harrison asked nothing more. He left the office, closing the door quietly behind him.
Victoria remained hidden behind the plant, sobbing silently.
Moved by her distress, Harrison instinctively reached to wipe her tears.
But Victoria stepped back, composing herself instantly. “Harrison, know your place.”
No.7
Her tone was cold, defensive, leaving no room for pity.
Victoria wiped the tears from her face, restoring her usual elegant composure. She walked to the office door and knocked firmly.
Harrison watched her retreating back, awkwardly withdrawing his outstretched hand.
Of course. He was just an assistant. What right did he have to comfort her?
Inside the office, Alexander heard the knocking and immediately concealed the pill.
"Enter."
Victoria pushed the door open and stepped inside, her expression now composed with a faint smile. "Hello, Alexander. It's been too long. I brought you those cakes you like."