Chapter 1986
No.1
"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.
"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.
No.2
But the offer stood at only 80 billion.
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.
She had to flee Westchester soon.
No.3
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?
I’m not here for money, he began.
Victoria cut him off sharply.
I don’t care why you’re here, she snapped.
No.4
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.
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.
No.5
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.
I was paranoid about leaving evidence.
Even a single strand of hair.
Every day was a nightmare.
The man looked down, guilt-ridden.
He tried to speak her name.
Victoria cut him off violently.
Don’t say my name, she snarled.
You gave me nothing. Not even my name.
You weren’t there for twenty-three years.
No.6
Now you show up because I’m rich?
Have you no shame? No guilt?
Get out of my sight forever.
I don’t want your money, he insisted.
Victoria shoved him hard.
Go! Now! Leave me alone!
Victoria pushed the middle-aged man away with force.
He stumbled backward, nearly losing his balance.
Seeing her agitated state, he had no choice but to retreat.
After a few steps, he turned back to offer his business card.
But Victoria had already vanished.
His outstretched hand hung awkwardly in the air.
A bodyguard in black approached him quietly.
"Sir, should I have someone else explain things to Ms. Kensington?"
"Not yet," the man sighed heavily. "Give her some time to process this."
Victoria stormed away from the garden.
She pulled out her phone and replied to Rex's text.
No.7
[Fine! 80 billion it is. Sell the shares privately—no attention. Prepare my flight for 10 tonight!]
She wasn't rushing without reason.
That man's appearance had unsettled her deeply.
She feared what might happen if she stayed longer.
The situation had spiraled out of control.
Enough was enough.
Her priority now was securing the shares from William and Beatrice.
Coincidentally, they were just leaving Benjamin's hospital room.
"Victoria, you're back," Beatrice greeted warmly. "We're heading home. Come with us?"
"I've prepared gifts for you and Benjamin. His favorite crystal gaming keyboard is included."
"You can bring it to him later. Maybe talking to him will help him wake up sooner."