Chapter 273
No.1
Pathetic heart, stop racing. He’s only drawn to your face. He just wants to get you into bed. Get a grip. Don’t fall for a reckless, untamable man like him. Isabella mentally scolded herself, pressing a hand firmly over her heart.
Ding! Her phone screen illuminated.
She answered. It was Julian Hawthorne. “Because of the press conference Sophia Kensington is holding, Chanel has postponed today’s shoot. They’re waiting to see how the conference plays out before deciding whether to terminate your contract. Also, a new shipment of diamonds has arrived at Ohly. They’re exceptionally rare. You need to personally inspect them.”
“Right now? Are you certain?”
Even an international powerhouse like Chanel was delaying because of Sophia’s press event. The online mob would be vicious. Leaving the villa meant risking not coming back in one piece.
Julian reassured her. “Don’t worry. The Blackwood Corporation has issued a strict order. No media outlet is permitted to invade your privacy or harass you. Any that do will be shut down immediately. Just keep a low profile outside. These diamonds are critical. You must verify their authenticity and ensure they haven’t been tampered with.”
These were limited-edition stones. A single substitution would mean a massive financial loss.
“Fine. I’ll go,” Isabella relented. Having excessive wealth was occasionally a burden.
“Be cautious,” Julian warned before ending the call.
Isabella entered her room and searched for the most nondescript outfit she owned—something for complete anonymity. She chose a simple black athletic top and matching pants. She added a face mask and a cap. Only her eyes were visible.
Satisfied she was unrecognizable, she left the manor and hailed a taxi to Ohly.
Ohly was an exclusive jewelry boutique specializing solely in wedding rings. Their policy was strict: one ring per person, per lifetime, registered with a government ID. No exceptions, regardless of wealth or status. True to its "one and only" branding, Ohly maintained just one store in each of the nation's 34 major cities.
Upon entering, she immediately spotted four people inside. Of all the luck. It was Eleanor Kensington, Victoria Kensington, Sophia Kensington, and Alexander Whitmore, impeccably dressed in a suit.
No.2
Alexander was presenting a ring to Victoria. “Do you like this design, Victoria?” His voice was soft, like a gentle breeze.
The sound alone made Isabella nauseous. She turned to leave.
Victoria caught a glimpse of movement from the corner of her eye. One look was all it took. “You, by the door! Wait!” she called out.
Wait? Who did she think she was, issuing commands?
A cold smirk touched Isabella’s lips. She continued walking, her long strides carrying her away from the store.
Victoria’s initial suspicion grew. The woman’s physique was familiar, but the confident, dismissive gait confirmed it. “That looks like Isabella,” she announced. “Why is she running away after seeing us?”
“Isabella?” Sophia’s head snapped up. She hurried forward, blocking Isabella’s path.
“Isabella Montgomery! Are you deaf? Someone told you to stop!”
Isabella paused as Sophia stepped in front of her.
“Did you forget basic manners?” Sophia sneered.
Isabella’s gaze sharpened.
“Why is your mouth so filthy? Don’t you know a good dog doesn’t block the path?”
A dog? Did she just call Sophia a dog?
No.3
Sophia’s face flushed with rage.
“Isabella! You’re nothing but a homeless stray now. Everyone’s mocking you. How dare you act so high and mighty? If I were you, I’d find a hole to hide in! And you’re out shopping? Have you no shame?”
Isabella’s gaze shifted from Victoria to Sophia as she spoke.
Bystanders immediately looked at the two women differently.
Sophia felt the judgmental stares.
Furious, she gritted her teeth.
“Isabella Montgomery! You’re a lying witch! You’ll pay for this today!”
She raised her hand, ready to strike.
Victoria’s face burned with humiliation.
She had hidden indoors for days waiting for the scandal to fade.
Now, just as she was showcasing her perfect relationship with Alexander to divert attention, Isabella had to bring it up again!
Victoria hated Isabella so much she wanted to rip her mouth apart.
But with Alexander present, she forced composure.
No.4
She stepped toward Sophia.
“Calm down, Sophia. Remember why we’re here? She’s just a jealous girl. We should be the bigger people.”
Sophia instantly recalled their purpose.
Her expression eased.
She lifted her chin arrogantly.
“Right! Today is a glorious day! I won’t waste another second on a homewrecker like you!”
“Do you even know what this store is? Ohly! It means ‘the one and only’! This is for engagement rings. One identity, one ring, one true love! They’d never sell to a mistress like you! Why are you even here? To stink up the place?”
“Oh, hilarious,” Isabella laughed mockingly.
She had zero interest in entertaining this.
Victoria had expected Isabella to be heartbroken seeing them together.
She thought it would be as satisfying as slapping her.
She never imagined Isabella would remain so indifferent.
Frustrated, Victoria put on a pitiful face.
No.5
She looked at Isabella with fake sympathy.
“Isabella, I know it’s my fault. Please don’t blame Alexander. Our love is real. He’s buying me an Ohly ring today. Please, just let us be. You and Alexander are over. You’re the Diamond Prince’s… plaything now. Please, just move on.”
Her voice was soft, pleading, and helpless.
The crowd began to believe Isabella was there to sabotage their ring shopping.
How could a homewrecker be so shameless as to ruin a happy couple?
Alexander stepped forward and embraced Victoria.
“Victoria, why beg her? This is Ohly. There are guards everywhere. If she touches you, we’ll call the police. Come, let’s pick your ring. Don’t let a shameless woman ruin our day.”
“Exactly, Victoria. Pick the most stunning diamond. Show her what real love looks like. That’s the price of being a homewrecker!” Sophia said proudly, chin held high.
Suddenly, a black vehicle screeched to a halt at the entrance.
The store manager exclaimed, “The new limited edition diamond collection is here! I heard this shipment includes a three-carat pigeon’s blood ruby surrounded by diamonds!”
“What? A pigeon’s blood ruby? Seriously? That’s impossible! I heard finding a colored diamond among thousands is rare, let alone a pigeon’s blood ruby!” Sophia gasped excitedly.
Victoria’s eyes sparkled.
“Most red rubies are purplish-red or dark purple. A pigeon’s blood ruby is the rarest gem in the world!”
No.6
“If you want it, Victoria, it’s yours,” Alexander said tenderly, glancing at Isabella to ensure she heard.
Sophia smirked at Isabella.
“Hear that? He’s buying the pigeon’s blood ruby for Victoria! An Ohly red ruby! The only one of its kind in the world!”
“Why are you still standing there? Get out!”
Eleanor Kensington’s eyes burned with pure hatred as she glared at Isabella Montgomery. “Leave this instant! The Montgomery family has no room for a disgraceful homewrecker like you!”
No matter how loudly they shouted, Isabella didn’t flinch. Her expression remained unreadable, as though she were watching a pitiful circus act.
Realizing Isabella wouldn’t budge, Sophia Kensington turned sharply to the sales manager. “What are you waiting for? Remove this shameless woman immediately! If she stays, we’re not buying a single thing from Ohly.”
The store’s general manager, Beatrice Worthington, had heard about the pigeon-blood ruby purchase. Her eyes lit up with greed. She stepped forward, scowling at Isabella. “Madam, you need to leave. Ohly is an exclusive establishment. We don’t just allow anyone inside.”
“Madam Worthington, store policy clearly states that every customer deserves—”
“Enough! She’s nothing but a despised outsider. Why show her respect? She clearly has none for herself, especially trying to ruin Miss Victoria’s special day. I can’t stand people like her.” She snapped her fingers. “Security! Escort her out immediately.”
Several guards moved to obey.
Just then, the driver from the vehicle outside stepped in. He was a tall American dressed in a sharp black suit that screamed professional agent. His presence commanded immediate attention.
The crowd stared, mesmerized. Even a delivery guard was this strikingly handsome?
No.7
Victoria Kensington straightened her posture, feeling a surge of superiority. “Since the ring has arrived, bring it to me,” she said, her voice dripping with false elegance.
The man didn’t even glance her way. He walked straight past her, a white box held securely in his hands.
Victoria’s excitement grew with each of his steps. This rare gem was about to be hers, right in front of Isabella! No matter how much Isabella pretended not to care, she had to be seething inside.
But then the man walked right past her without stopping.
Victoria’s eyes widened in shock. What was happening?
He stopped directly in front of Isabella. “Boss Montgomery, please inspect and sign for this delivery.”
Silence.
Everyone froze in disbelief.
What did he just say? Boss Montgomery? He was asking her to sign?
As the onlookers stood stunned, Isabella calmly opened the box. Inside lay nine exquisite diamond rings. The centerpiece was a stunning 3-carat heart-shaped pigeon-blood ruby, deep red like true passion and genuine love.
“Boss Montgomery, if everything meets your approval, please sign here,” the man said professionally, handing her an invoice.