Chapter 353
No.1
A stark contrast to five years ago, when Isabella was publicly vilified. Back then, Eleanor had remained completely silent.
Isabella remained silent as Theodore Montgomery stepped forward. “You must drop this, Isabella. For the good of the family. We can witness the prenup signing right now. Alexander will never dare to harm you again.”
He continued gravely, “Think about what happens if our alliance with the Whitmores collapses. If you ruin Alexander, the Whitmores will cut off our supply of their premium materials.”
The Whitmore family produced the finest construction materials in the industry. Prestige Builders, the Montgomery family's globally renowned development corporation, relied entirely on these superior supplies to maintain its reputation for excellence. Losing this partnership would be catastrophic. The Whitmores held all the power.
Isabella’s eyes narrowed. She was about to respond when…
“So this is how the Montgomerys and Whitmores handle their disputes. By blackmailing the victim.”
A cool, authoritative voice cut through the tension. Everyone turned. Nathaniel Blackwood stood in the hallway entrance. Impeccable in a custom-tailored suit, without a single crease. His polished shoes gleamed. He carried himself like royalty.
The crowd’s pulse quickened. He had heard everything.
Theodore moved quickly to explain. “You misunderstand, Mr. Blackwood. We are merely trying to avoid a public scandal.”
“Precisely,” Margaret Whitmore added, her tone placating. “As elders, we only want the best for our children. Isabella and Alexander have a long history together. We wish to see them happy.”
No.2
A small figure peeked out from behind Nathaniel. Oliver Blackwood’s wide, innocent eyes scanned the room. “But if it was your wedding day,” the boy asked, his voice clear and curious, “and your fiancé cheated with someone else, and tried to take all your money and maybe even hurt you… would you just let it go? Could you?”
His question hung in the air. It struck a chord, particularly with the women present. They glanced at their own partners, imagining the betrayal. The answer was a resounding no. They would never let it go. They would want vengeance.
Nathaniel’s voice was ice cold and definitive. “As an outside observer, I find this unacceptable. If the Whitmore family severs ties with the Montgomerys over this, the Blackwood Group will supply Prestige Builders with our materials. Indefinitely.”
A shockwave went through the room. Blackwood materials were legendary, reserved for international projects and elite clients. They had never supplied a local company. Was he openly taking Isabella’s side?
Alexander’s face darkened with fury. This was his wedding, his family’s business. Nathaniel had no right to interfere.
Theodore Montgomery slammed his cane on the floor. “Enough!” he declared, his voice ringing with finality. “This ends now. The wedding is canceled. No one will pressure Isabella further. The Whitmores will deal with Alexander’s discipline.”
He paused, his furious gaze landing on Victoria. “As for you… Pack your things. You are on a flight to Africa today. You will not return until this disgrace is forgotten.”
Africa?
Victoria paled, her face a mask of sheer horror. He was banishing her? To that distant, unforgiving continent?
“What’s next?” Senior Theodore scoffed. “You believe this is unfair? When Isabella made an error, she endured five years in Africa before returning. Your transgression today is far more severe than hers ever was!”
No.3
Back then, Alexander and Victoria had accused Isabella of infidelity, claiming she carried another man’s child. They alleged Alexander discovered the truth and accidentally pushed her down the stairs. Essentially, Isabella’s only fault was alleged unfaithfulness. But Victoria? She conspired with her almost brother-in-law and plotted to steal her sister’s inheritance!
This was utterly unforgivable!
Senior Theodore remembered the video evidence clearly. His voice turned icy. “Marcus Donovan, escort her out.”
Marcus Donovan was Senior Theodore’s most formidable bodyguard, a powerfully built man. He advanced toward Victoria immediately.
Panic seized Victoria. She understood the gravity now. Her reputation was destroyed. The Montgomery family despised her! Being banished to Africa would mean the end.
Desperate, she clutched Eleanor’s arm. “Mother, help me! I’ve learned my lesson! I won’t repeat this! I refuse to go to such a place! I can’t!”
Eleanor’s heart ached watching Victoria’s tears. But she was horrified by Victoria’s actions and true nature. Outwardly, Victoria supported Alexander and Isabella. Secretly, she seduced Alexander and schemed to seize Isabella’s assets!
She could no longer defend a daughter like this.
Tears welled in Eleanor’s eyes as she pulled her arm away. “Victoria, you must go to Africa. It’s for your own good. For everyone’s sake.”
Victoria trembled violently. Even Eleanor agreed to this exile? Her mistake was huge, but not this severe! Five years away would erase her standing in the Montgomery family. Worse, Isabella would find ways to eliminate her in Africa. Or steal everything she had left, leaving her a discarded orphan!
No.4
She gripped Eleanor’s hand tightly, wailing hysterically. “Mother, Father, Grandfather, I’ll apologize! I’ll stay away from Alexander forever! I made a terrible mistake, but don’t send me there! I’ll do anything you ask! Please, I beg you, don’t cast me out…! Waa…!”
Her voice was raw. She transformed into a pitiful, innocent young woman.
Gabriella once said her tears were her greatest weapon. If she could just stay in the city, she could find a way back! With that thought, she collapsed loudly onto the floor. Her limbs went limp as she sobbed wretchedly. “I’m just a fragile girl. I’ve never been apart from you all. I don’t want to leave… I’ll miss you so much…!” She wept again before adding, “I’m still so young. How will I survive there alone…? Waa…!”
Her ragged sobs tugged at many hearts. However furious Eleanor and Richard were, Victoria was still the daughter they raised from childhood. She was their favorite!
Unable to restrain herself, Eleanor turned to Senior Theodore. “Father, perhaps let Victoria stay? We can punish her here as we see fit. She truly is young and foolish…”
“Hah! Did any of you speak for Isabella when she erred? She was merely eighteen then! Was she not young? If Isabella survived Africa alone, can a twenty-three-year-old Victoria truly not manage?” Senior Theodore retorted furiously.
Oliver nodded in agreement. “Exactly! My father says noble families must uphold strict rules. This sort of person cannot be pardoned!”
Isabella arrived expecting to witness a spectacle, but Nathaniel’s sudden entrance with Christopher disrupted everything. Their bold statements risked exposing their hidden relationship to her family.
She shot a warning glance toward Oliver, but the boy feigned innocence perfectly. “Did I say something wrong?” he pressed, widening his eyes. “Why is no one taking action? Does the Montgomery family condone women like her?”
He paused dramatically, turning toward Nathaniel with feigned urgency. “Daddy, you must never work with these people! They’re defending someone so vile. Families like this can’t be trusted.”
No.5
His words sent a chill through the room, particularly unsettling the Whitmores. The Blackwoods' arrival had initially seemed like a promising opportunity, but now it threatened disaster. Would this scandal get them blacklisted?
Margaret Whitmore rushed forward, forcing a smile. “Young Master Blackwood has such a sharp sense of humor! Of course we don’t support her. We fully agree with the decision! Eleanor, Theodore, send Victoria to Africa immediately. She shouldn’t remain in the country any longer.”
Theodore Montgomery understood the gravity of the situation. Victoria’s reputation was irreparably damaged, and offending the Blackwoods was not an option.
He gestured grimly to his head of security. “Marcus, take her home and ensure she packs her belongings.”
“Yes, sir,” Marcus Donovan replied, stepping forward to forcibly remove Victoria.
Pale with rage, Victoria felt nothing but bitter hatred. This was all Isabella’s doing, yet everyone turned against her. Nathaniel’s interference had only made things worse.
A woman like Isabella didn’t deserve such protection. She didn’t deserve Nathaniel Blackwood!
Her fury finally erupted. “Isabella Montgomery! Everyone will learn the truth about what you did today! Karma will destroy you for framing me! I will never forgive you! Never!”
Her hysterical screams echoed through the hall, dripping with venom.
The guests were stunned. No one had expected the gentle Victoria to reveal such a vicious side. A few even wondered if Isabella might truly be at fault.
No.6
But Isabella remained unbothered. The evidence she held was more than enough to ruin Victoria completely. Her priority now was to leave, to put distance between herself and Nathaniel before their relationship was exposed.
She turned to Theodore. “Grandfather, I’ll leave the rest to you. I need to be alone.” Without another word, she walked away, her white gown flowing behind her. Her departure painted a tragic picture, and sympathetic sighs followed her exit.
Theodore glanced at Reginald, signaling him to approach. “Mr. Blackwood, thank you for supporting the Montgomerys today. If you have time, would you care to stay for tea?”
“My apologies,” Nathaniel declined smoothly. “I came to discuss an urgent business matter with Isabella. I must excuse myself.” Taking Christopher’s hand, he followed Isabella out.
Theodore watched them leave, his expression deeply contemplative.
Alexander’s vision turned crimson in that moment.
He was Isabella’s man.
Why was an outsider like Nathaniel pursuing her?
He rose to his feet, ready to chase after her.
Theodore Montgomery’s voice cut through the air like ice. “Stay where you are, Alexander! I forbid you from ever seeing my granddaughter again. If you disobey, I will never forgive you!”
No.7
Margaret Whitmore interjected sharply. “Theodore, what are you saying? We’ve already disciplined Alexander for his mistakes. He’s been beaten and scolded. Isn’t that sufficient?”
Theodore’s gaze was frigid. “If I demanded a Montgomery man sleep with two of your granddaughters, would you accept that? Do not take advantage of us and then cry for fairness!
“Our business partnership may continue, but my granddaughters will have no further contact with the Whitmore family!” His words were final and unyielding.
He turned and strode away without looking back.