Chapter 249
No.1
Isabella cried out as she tumbled down the marble stairs. Her body slammed against the balustrade. Warm blood instantly soaked her white gown.
"Alexander! What have I done?" Victoria whimpered, though her eyes remained dry. "I only meant to stop her!"
"Quiet! She brought this on herself!" Alexander descended with brutal efficiency. He glared at Isabella's crumpled form. Then he kicked her swollen abdomen. Once. Twice. Three times.
Agony ripped through her. This was the boy she'd grown up with. The man who'd sworn to protect her. How could he be so monstrous?
Crimson pooled around her, staining the pristine marble.
Darkness swallowed her screams.
Five years had passed.
The gates of the Montgomery family estate swung open.
A sleek black motorcycle roared into the compound.
It executed a perfect 360-degree drift before halting at the entrance.
No.2
The machine was a masterpiece of engineering, finished in matte black.
A cloud of dust settled around it.
An elegant leg extended from the bike.
A woman dismounted smoothly.
She removed her helmet.
Long dark hair cascaded down her shoulders, lifted by the breeze.
Isabella Montgomery’s gaze fixed on the words “Montgomery Manor.”
A faint, cold smile touched her crimson lips.
She was back.
After five endless years.
No.3
The last time she stood here, her world had collapsed.
Brutal kicks to her stomach.
A life lost before it began.
Public humiliation, branded an adulteress.
Framed by Alexander and Victoria.
Her dignity shredded.
Her inheritance stolen.
Banished to Africa with nothing.
Forced to survive on scraps.
Five years of agony.
No.4
Five years of survival.
Now, she would reclaim what was hers.
Every last bit.
She took a step forward.
Then another.
Her boots clicked against the pavement.
Inside the garden, a lavish party was in full swing.
Waiters glided through the crowd with trays of expensive canapés and champagne.
It was Theodore Montgomery’s 70th birthday.
The elite of Westchester had gathered to celebrate.
No.5
A crowd surrounded the old man, offering gifts and flattery.
“Father, I brought your favorite tea. A century-old Pu-erh. Worth half a million.”
“Grandfather, this painting is by Qi Baishi. ‘High In The Sky.’ Nearly fifty million. May you live as long as the heavens.”
A soft, melodic voice cut through the noise.
“Grandfather, I had this jade Buddha specially carved for you. It’s worth five hundred million. I hope it brings you peace.”
All eyes turned to Victoria Kensington.
She looked radiant, delicate features glowing.
Four assistants followed her, carrying a board draped in red silk.
On it sat an exquisitely carved jade Buddha.
Sunlight glinted off its surface, revealing deep, forest-green hues.
No.6
The stone seemed to pulse with ancient energy.
The crowd gasped.
“My God! What kind of jade is that? The color is incredible!”
“That’s not jade. It’s the Czech No.1 Black Green Meteorite! Valued at five billion!”
“The one and only in the world?”
“Yes! It’s harder than diamond. A type of iron meteorite. Indestructible.”
“Unbelievable! Victoria actually bought it and had it carved!”
“She must have spent her entire savings!”
Admiration filled the air.
Victoria basked in the praise inwardly.
No.7
Outwardly, she remained humble.
She bowed her head slightly. “Please, it’s nothing. I just wanted to make Grandfather happy. My savings were well spent.”
Theodore beamed. “I love it! Absolutely magnificent!”
Suddenly, a voice rang out. “Who is that? She looks familiar!”