Chapter 931
No.1
It was the same hotel where Alexander and Isabella had held their engagement party. A five-star establishment, but not the absolute pinnacle of luxury.
When the families announced the news online, it exploded across social media.
A former top supermodel. The so-called 'National Husband'. Their scandal was still fresh in everyone's minds.
#Victoria-marrying-Alexander instantly trended at number one.
(Is Victoria actually marrying Alexander?!)
(Didn't he just propose to Isabella at the Night of Glory gala?)
(Her nudes leaked, then she slept with him at his wedding to Isabella, and now this? Marriage?)
(That's all history! They're perfect for each other! They have a five-year history!)
(He proposed to Isabella and failed. Now he's marrying Victoria? Who does he actually love? Both?)
(Isabella hasn't taken any modeling jobs since the wedding. She's stepped back from the spotlight. Probably heartbroken.)
No.2
(It must destroy her, watching her ex marry her sister…)
(Sending love to Isabella.)
(Sending love to Isabella +10086)
Despite being the bride, Victoria's name was overshadowed. Isabella's name was searched more frequently.
Netizens dredged up everything: the leaked photos, the plots against other models, the betrayal with her almost brother-in-law.
The comment section was a warzone.
Victoria had just returned home. She was in her room, reviewing her schedule, when she saw the comments.
Her fists clenched until her knuckles turned white.
This was Isabella's doing. It had to be!
Isabella pretended to be so magnanimous in front of their grandfather. She acted supportive of the wedding.
No.3
All while scheming behind the scenes to sabotage it. How utterly vicious!
After a moment's thought, she called Alexander.
He answered after a few rings. His voice was flat. "Yes?"
All the previous gentleness was gone. There was no joy about their impending marriage.
Victoria's grip on the phone tightened. "Alexander, have you seen the news online? It's horrible… Someone is behind this. You have media connections. The wedding is so soon. Can't you have them take it down?"
Alexander was in his office. He absently rolled a small pill bottle between his fingers.
This should have been his wedding to Isabella. Everything was supposed to go according to plan.
Instead, he was stuck marrying Victoria.
Her stake in Montgomery Holdings was pitifully small. How could she possibly help him?
"Ignore them," he said, his tone devoid of emotion. "Clear your head. Focus on being a bride. Don't waste energy on this."
No.4
How could she possibly ignore it?
If this wasn't stopped, she would have to endure their judgmental stares on her wedding day. Was he looking down on her because of her small share percentage?
Victoria was about to respond to Alexander when Penelope burst into her room with excitement.
Good news?
Victoria had assigned her a task. Had she completed it successfully?
Victoria immediately ended the call with Alexander. "You must be exhausted. Get some rest."
"Alright. You too," Alexander replied flatly before hanging up.
Victoria turned to Penelope. "What did you find out?"
Not satisfied with just planting Benjamin as a spy, Victoria had sent Penelope to track Isabella's movements. She wanted to know exactly where Isabella lived, ideally to block access and trap her inside!
Penelope reported, "I followed Isabella back to Rosewood Manor. I was going to proceed as instructed, but I discovered two shocking revelations!"
No.5
Penelope closed the door, approached Victoria, and whispered, "Isabella is living with Nathaniel! They're both at Rosewood Manor. Also, someone else was following and observing them."
"After further investigation, I identified the stalker as Vivienne's assistant, Cassandra!"
Victoria frowned. Nathaniel was still with Isabella?
She thought Nathaniel was just toying with Isabella. Why was he still involved with her?
As for Vivienne? Anyone familiar with Nathaniel knew Vivienne. She came from generations of aristocracy and education—an exceptionally talented and extraordinary woman. Although her reputation was briefly tarnished by the Genevieve scandal, she recently issued several research and development patents that silenced critics. Since her patents benefited the public, who would dare insult a renowned researcher?
This new information seemed insignificant, but for Victoria, it presented more advantages than drawbacks!
Her red lips curled into a slow smile. Vivienne was investigating Isabella… That meant she was also keeping tabs on Isabella!
No matter how clever Isabella was, she couldn't defeat Vivienne, who had vast resources. Victoria simply needed to wait for Vivienne to crush Isabella and then seize the opportunity!
Victoria eyed Penelope. "Did you find out what Vivienne is planning?"
"She attended Senior Blackwood's birthday celebration today, but Nathaniel ignored her. I spent a considerable amount to learn that Vivienne is trying to obtain a photo of Isabella with Nathaniel to send to his parents!"
No.6
Penelope continued gossiping, "I heard Vivienne spent a fortune on a Special Warfare spy camera after Boss Blackwood moved out of his mansion, but she still hasn't managed to get a photo of them."
Victoria's eyes darkened. Was Nathaniel protecting Isabella?
Still, Nathaniel must not know about Isabella's past pregnancy. He would surely discard her once he found out!
The best strategy was to ally with Vivienne.
She picked up her phone and texted Benjamin: [Benjamin, are you settling in alright there?]
At Rosewood Manor.
Benjamin had just finished arranging his new room when he received Victoria's text. He replied: [Don't worry, Sis. Everything is perfect.]
All the daily necessities were brand new, and Nathaniel had even sent someone to install a new curved-screen computer in his room. He could play games to his heart's content.
Victoria texted: [How is Isabella's manor? Is she lonely living by herself? Invite her to come home and live with us—it's better for everyone to be together.] Benjamin thought about how cozy everything felt and sent a reassuring reply.
Benjamin: [Don't worry about me. She's perfectly fine, really.]
No.7
Victoria: [Good. I sent you those premium Bluetooth earphones—make sure you get them. Perfect for gaming sessions or listening to music.]
Benjamin: [Thanks, Vic.]
The earphones arrived that afternoon. They were the newest model from a top tech brand, sleek matte black with crystal-clear sound that made every track feel like a live performance.
Benjamin loved them. He didn’t even take them off during dinner.