Chapter 1985
No.1
She never anticipated this.
A heavy weight settled in her chest. What could she possibly say to him now? How could she explain this tangled web?
Would the one person in this family who had shown her genuine trust ever believe her again?
A long, weary sigh finally escaped Theodore. "We will discuss this when Benjamin wakes," he declared, his voice heavy with exhaustion. "His recovery is our only priority now. Richard, use every resource. Contact the finest medical specialists globally. Money is no object."
Richard nodded, though his sharp, blade-like glare never left Isabella. "This isn't over. Once he's conscious, we will have our answers. Be ready with those transfer documents." He turned on his heel and strode away.
Eleanor was equally furious. Her face was a mask of cold rage. "Your grandfather's patience is not ours! Get out. We will care for Benjamin. You are no longer a part of this family. Do not ever call me your mother again. I regret the day we brought such a viper into our home!"
Her words were ice, meant to wound.
Before Isabella could respond, Victoria clutched her arm, her voice a trembling whisper. "Mother, please… don't say such things. You'll upset Isabella…"
A cold, mocking laugh escaped Isabella's lips. Her eyes locked onto Victoria's feigned concern. "Enjoy your performance while it lasts, Victoria. It ends the moment Benjamin opens his eyes."
No.2
Her tone was a promise, laced with frost.
She turned and walked out, leaving a chill in her wake.
Victoria felt a shiver of genuine fear. Could he really wake up? It was supposed to be impossible. Takashi Yamamoto had guaranteed the poison was lethal. Keeping him alive was a miracle in itself. Waking? Unthinkable. She just needed two more days. Then she would be gone from Westchester forever. Benjamin simply could not wake before then.
A dark, oppressive cloud seemed to follow Isabella out of Grace Memorial Hospital. Her family placed Victoria on a pedestal. She was the golden child, beloved since infancy. Her words were gospel.
Victoria was the poisoner. Yet she had masterfully twisted the narrative, painting herself the victim. Isabella, no matter what she did, was always viewed with suspicion and disdain.
They were her blood. Her parents. And yet…
No. Panic was a luxury she couldn't afford. Demanding a DNA test now would only make her look utterly unhinged. She had to wait. Just a little longer. The truth would surface. It had to.
Isabella remained deep in thought, analyzing Victoria's next potential move.
A sudden roar shattered her concentration.
No.3
"Isabella Montgomery! Return my grandson this instant! I'll beat that wretched girl to death!"
She looked up to see William and Beatrice Kensington storming toward her.
These were Eleanor's parents—her maternal grandparents.
Eleanor had been their only daughter, and they adored her children immensely.
They had reserved substantial family assets for Victoria and Benjamin.
Vacationing abroad when news of Benjamin's crisis reached them, they had rushed directly to the hospital.
Beatrice now raised her walking cane, preparing to strike Isabella with full force.
Caught off guard, Isabella barely registered the attack.
Just as the cane descended, a powerful hand intercepted it mid-air.
No.4
In the next moment, she was pulled into a solid, protective embrace.
She glanced up at Nathaniel's striking profile.
His expression was ice-cold, radiating undeniable authority.
Matte black sunglasses concealed half his face, revealing only his sharp, commanding jawline.
Beatrice failed to recognize him as she shook her cane violently. "Who do you think you are? Release my cane! I'm disciplining my granddaughter! Step aside immediately!"
"I protect what's mine. This doesn't concern you," Nathaniel's voice resonated deeply as he released the cane.
Beatrice stared in shock. His woman? Isabella belonged to him?
A realization dawned on her face. She scowled at Isabella. "Now I understand! No wonder Victoria mentioned you keeping some stray man! That's why you refuse to return home! It's true!"
William stepped forward, his expression dark. "Isabella, do you believe wealth grants you impunity? How dare you shame our family with this... this paramour!"
No.5
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.
No.6
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.
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.
No.7
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..."