Chapter 1945
No.1
She quickly reconsidered. “No, forget I said that. Rest peacefully, Aunt Genevieve. You gave your life protecting my childhood. I’ll take care of myself now.”
Nathaniel watched Isabella pray. His eyes darkened slightly. He sensed not sorrow, but a cold, brutal fury radiating from her.
Isabella Montgomery stood upright after paying her respects at Genevieve Beaumont's grave. Memories of the woman's unwavering kindness and protection during her childhood flooded her mind. Isabella made a silent vow. She would resolve all outstanding issues and build a life with Nathaniel. Genevieve deserved to rest in peace, free from worry.
Nathaniel Blackwood and Christopher placed floral tributes with solemn reverence. Their research indicated Genevieve had shown Isabella exceptional kindness, caring for her for eight years. Tragedy struck when eight-year-old Isabella fell into a raging river. Genevieve saved the child but was tragically pulled under by the strong current and drowned. This incident drastically worsened Isabella's life within the Montgomery household. She was universally blamed for bringing misfortune upon the family.
Nathaniel's gaze remained fixed on the headstone. 'Rest assured. I will protect Isabella.'
Recent renovations to the cemetery grounds meant other visitors were present. A man dressed entirely in black was tending a grave several meters away. Appearing to be in his fifties, he wore a tailored black suit, his hair neatly tied back. His movements were deliberate, almost languid, and he seemed completely at ease, undisturbed by their presence.
Isabella noticed him but dismissed him as irrelevant.
Her phone vibrated. It was Maxwell Carter. "Ms. Montgomery, Victoria orchestrated a fire to rescue Richard. She also arranged for Takashi Yamamoto to train Benjamin in Westhaven. Richard and Eleanor have already transferred their twenty-five percent company shares to her. Theodore Montgomery approved the transaction!"
Isabella's eyes narrowed. Victoria was moving faster than anticipated. Her plan was finally in motion.
No.2
This development meant Victoria now held thirty percent of the Montgomery shares, having acquired twenty-five from Richard and Eleanor. Isabella personally held twenty-five percent. Theodore also retained thirty percent. This placed Victoria on equal footing with Theodore, granting her matching authority within the company!
If anything were to happen to Theodore, Victoria would effectively gain control of the entire corporation…
A dark shadow crossed Isabella's features.
Standing beside her, Christopher tilted his head. "Mommy, that bad woman isn't even a real Montgomery. Why can't you just make her leave? Those shares should be yours!"
His words pulled Isabella from her dark thoughts. She knelt to his eye level. "You're still young, my love. Some matters are complex. Reclaiming shares is straightforward. Winning back loyalty and affection is the true challenge. Victoria lived as a Montgomery for twenty-three years. Even knowing she isn't their blood, their hearts may not readily accept me. These things require patience. But it will conclude soon. She has made her opening move. I hope she is prepared for the consequences!"
A cold, determined glint hardened Isabella's eyes.
The middle-aged man, still within earshot, overheard the exchange. His expression darkened slightly. Her words echoed in his mind: 'Victoria lived as a Montgomery for twenty-three years. Even knowing she isn't their blood…!'
She was not the actual daughter…
Not the actual daughter…
No.3
Isabella departed with Nathaniel and Christopher. The man remained, deeply contemplative. He watched their retreating figures with a grave and intense focus.
A bodyguard approached him cautiously. "Sir, shall we proceed with the investigation? If their claims are verified, should we arrange for Madam's immediate return?"
"Patience. If it is indeed her… a marriage is impending. We must gather more intelligence before we act," the middle-aged man instructed, his voice low and measured.
"Understood, Sir." The bodyguard withdrew.
After finalizing the necessary cemetery paperwork, Isabella, Nathaniel, and Christopher prepared to leave. Given the likely schemes of Alexander Whitmore and Vivienne Delacroix, returning to the safety of the estate was paramount.
Nathaniel's phone rang as they settled into the car. A panicked shareholder's voice came through the speaker. "Mr. Blackwood, urgent situation! Critical issues have emerged with the outreach initiative. Immediate intervention is required!"
Nathaniel's composed demeanor shifted, a storm of emotions brewing beneath the surface. This project had run smoothly for three years. Why would catastrophic problems arise so abruptly?
"Convene a meeting in thirty minutes." He ended the call and turned to Isabella. "Please take Oliver home directly. I must go to the corporate office immediately."
"Alright."
No.4
Nathaniel needed to go to the office.
He had spent over two weeks at Rosewood Manor with Isabella, only handling meetings remotely.
Dominic drove Isabella and Oliver back to the manor first.
Then he took Nathaniel to Prestige Builders.
Isabella entered the villa with Oliver.
She saw Benjamin and Victoria sitting on the sofa.
Victoria was speaking to Benjamin in a soft, soothing tone.
Benjamin was nodding diligently at her words.
Isabella frowned.
No.5
She looked down at Oliver. "Momo, go upstairs first."
"I want to stay with you, Mommy! I'm a big man. I can protect you," Oliver insisted.
He stepped in front of Isabella, glaring at Victoria.
Victoria's face stiffened.
Had she become a villain in this young master's eyes?
Isabella must have poisoned his mind against her!
She must have been bad-mouthing her behind her back!
Victoria suppressed her anger.
She forced a faint smile. "Oh, Oliver is here too. Auntie didn't know you were visiting. I didn't bring a gift. Don't worry, I'm your Mommy's sister. I won't harm you."
No.6
"Hah! Can you even believe your own words? Your voice is so fake and annoying! Shut up! Leave now!" Oliver snapped impatiently.
Victoria's face froze completely.
Her words got stuck in her throat.
Did he just speak to her like that?
He called her...
Isabella didn't want Oliver involved in adult matters.
She gently ruffled his hair. "Momo, be good. Go prepare the rock-climbing gear. Give me five minutes to make her leave, okay?"
"Okay, then," Oliver muttered, pouting.
He still shot a scornful look at Victoria. "Listen, you bad woman! I'm warning you! Don't hurt my Mommy, or my Daddy will make you pay!"
No.7
Then he ran upstairs.
Victoria's expression shifted between shock and humiliation.
She was once the top supermodel.
Everyone used to respect and admire her.
Now even a child despised her!
How could a child say such cruel things?
It had to be Isabella.
Isabella must have slandered her behind her back.
She must have ruined her reputation.