Chapter 1928
No.1
Financially secure…
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.
No.2
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.”
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."
No.3
She walked to his desk and placed an elegant container filled with exquisite pastries from a renowned patissier. These were limited edition creations she had queued hours to obtain.
Alexander glanced at the desserts without expression. "You shouldn't be out right now. The paparazzi are everywhere."
"I missed you," she murmured, moving to sit on his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck. "I'm so tired of all this. Why don't we stop scheming against Isabella? Let's get married, start a family, live simply. I'll transfer all my Montgomery assets and shares to you. I'll support you completely as your devoted wife."
Her voice was soft and pleading.
Yet Alexander found her offer insulting.
Her pitiful portion of Montgomery shares? What use were those to him?
His hands settled on her waist. "Victoria, you're not thinking clearly. Why rush? Let's wait until you control at least fifty percent of the shares."
Fifty percent?
That would require taking shares from Isabella and her parents! Impossible in her current disgrace.
He was making excuses to delay.
No.4
Her expression turned mournful as she searched his eyes. "Alexander, I don't want any of that anymore. I'm exhausted. I just want you. Let's abandon these plans against the Montgomerys and Isabella, please?"
Noticing her unusual behavior, Alexander pushed her away and patted her head. "You're not yourself today. I have urgent matters to handle. Go home and rest. We'll discuss this when you're feeling better."
Victoria pressed her lips together but finally stood after a long silence. She paused at the door. "Alexander...do you still love me?"
Love her?
Love?
Alexander's hand stilled on the document he'd picked up. After a prolonged pause, he replied, "Victoria, haven't I always promised I'd never let you down?"
He'd give her anything except marriage—money, status, even his body.
That constituted not letting her down.
She smiled faintly. "I understand now. Forgive my childishness. I'll let you work. I'll visit again soon."
Her voice remained gentle, her smile bright and innocent. But the moment she left Whitmore Enterprises and entered her car, her eyes turned icy and dark.
No.5
Alexander wanted to marry Isabella! He wanted to remain married to her forever!
Was he discarding Victoria now that she'd become useless?
First the Montgomerys treated her coldly, and now Alexander? After everything she'd done?
All because she wasn't born a Montgomery? Because she'd fabricated her identity?
No. Absolutely not.
Her fingers tightened around the recording device in her bag—disguised as a lipstick, utterly ordinary yet technologically advanced.
She had captured their entire conversation. 'You'll regret this, Alexander. You'll regret everything!'
At Rosewood Manor
Isabella spent the summer with Oliver, studying checker manuals and architectural blueprints. She remained vigilant against Vivienne and Alexander's schemes, yet no trouble came.
Time flew, and the day of Reginald Blackwood's birthday celebration arrived.
No.6
Isabella woke to an empty bedroom that morning. Frowning, she headed downstairs.
In the living room, she spotted Nathaniel and Christopher by the door speaking with Dominic. Dominic departed with a violet box in hand.
She frowned. "What's going on?"
"Nothing, nothing!" Oliver shook his head vigorously.
To appear less suspicious, Oliver dashed to Isabella and tugged her hand to distract her. "Mommy, I'm going to Grandpa's party with Daddy today! You have to be good, okay?"
Nathaniel approached. "Breakfast is in the microwave. Don't forget to eat."
"You're taking Christopher?" Isabella blurted.
Nathaniel nodded.
Oliver was part of the Blackwood family, and Nathaniel never shied from rumors. He would stand by Oliver anywhere.
Isabella pressed, "But your parents dislike Christopher. The rest of the family does too. If he goes with you, they'll mock him."
No.7
Nathaniel looked at Oliver. "He's a man."
Three words, clear and firm. As his son, Oliver needed to face such challenges young.
Oliver reassured Isabella, "Don't worry about me, Mommy. I'll be fine. I'll grow strong and protect you with Daddy!"
His small voice held determination, tugging at Isabella's heartstrings. Why should an innocent child like Oliver face the Blackwoods' judgment?
She scooped Oliver into her arms, speaking with maturity. "Christopher is only five. Still a little boy. He shouldn't endure that. I'm here now, and you're here. He never has to grow up!"
Nathaniel frowned. Isabella would be here? Oliver never had to grow up?
That meant...
Nathaniel's eyes narrowed, a soft gleam of affection sparkling within. His gaze softened as he looked at Isabella. "Oh, Isabella, look at you. Being an overprotective parent."
He intentionally emphasized the last two words.
Isabella jolted at his suggestive tone. Right! Since when had she started caring so much about Oliver?