Chapter 201
No.1
This was all Isabella’s fault. Isabella was the one who spread those rumors online. Those articles were still circulating for everyone to see.
Isabella had rejected Alexander, yet she played the victim publicly. All just to ruin this wedding!
Victoria scoffed coldly. “Penelope, is everything prepared?”
“Don’t worry, Madam. It’s all set. The photos will be revealed as planned,” Penelope answered.
Hearing this, Victoria’s expression softened slightly. She could hardly wait for the ceremony to begin.
She wanted everyone to see how Isabella was secretly involved with Nathaniel Blackwood while pretending to be heartbroken over Alexander!
Meanwhile...
Adrian Sinclair approached Isabella and sat beside her.
He spoke in a low voice. “Isabella, why haven’t you told them the truth? I can’t stand another second of that woman’s act.”
Isabella’s eyes darkened, though her face remained calm.
No.2
If possible, she preferred not to expose the truth about the baby Victoria carried. Perhaps it was her own maternal instinct, born from her experience five years ago.
Her original plan was to let Victoria’s schemes unfold, let her ruin the Montgomery family herself, and then step in to reveal everything. She had no interest in interfering in their romantic affairs.
She never expected Victoria to secretly photograph her with Nathaniel and plan to expose them at the wedding.
If Victoria insisted on this path, she deserved no mercy. A mother like her would be terrible for the child anyway.
A dangerous glint flickered in Isabella’s eyes.
“Soon.”
One hour remained until the ceremony.
The atmosphere buzzed with frantic energy.
Everyone moved with purpose, consumed by their duties.
Downstairs, the Montgomerys and Whitmores mingled with arriving guests.
No.3
Their laughter echoed through the grand lobby of The Ritz-Carlton.
Upstairs, the final preparations were underway.
Makeup artists hovered, ready for last-minute adjustments.
Victoria Kensington sat perfectly still before the vanity.
Her reflection showed a vision of bridal perfection.
Penelope Sinclair adjusted a stray curl.
"Madam, you must be so happy," she gushed. "You look absolutely stunning today."
A faint smile touched Victoria's lips.
"Thank you, Penelope."
Her eyes remained fixed on her own image.
No.4
She knew she rivaled any woman in beauty, even Isabella Montgomery.
Isabella's appeal was sharp, edged with arrogance.
Hers was softer, more refined.
Elegance radiated from within her, gentle and pure.
She embodied innocence, like a delicate jasmine blooming in silence.
Men adored such qualities.
They fell helplessly for this type of woman.
Today, she would captivate everyone.
A sudden knock interrupted her thoughts.
The sound was firm, deliberate.
No.5
Penelope moved warily to the door.
A man stood in the hallway, dressed in simple black attire.
His clothes were plain, unremarkable.
"Who are you?" Penelope asked, blocking his view.
The man's gaze shifted past her, landing directly on Victoria.
"I need to speak with Victoria," he stated. "Isadora Vasquez sent me."
Victoria's composure faltered.
Isadora? Her agent was imprisoned.
Why would she send this man?
Her eyes scanned him, taking in his age, his appearance.
No.6
A cold dread washed over her.
She knew, instinctively.
"Leave us, Penelope," Victoria commanded, her voice tight. "Wait outside. Allow no one to enter."
"Yes, Madam." Penelope stepped aside, allowing the man entry before exiting.
The door clicked shut.
Silence filled the luxurious room.
Victoria studied the stranger, her expression icy.
"Explain yourself," she demanded. "Who are you? Why are you here?"
The man's eyes held a strange mix of sorrow and intensity.
"Twenty-three years," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "You've grown into a beautiful woman."
No.7
Her blood ran cold.
What was he implying?
Her hands trembled slightly.
A horrible suspicion took root.
Could this be... him?