Chapter 935
No.1
Nathaniel would have to choose. His family… or her. He would drop her. He had to.
The image of Nathaniel discarding Isabella filled Alexander with grim satisfaction. The thought of her crawling back to him, begging.
He craved it. He wanted to see it happen.
Nearby, Victoria pretended to browse jewelry. She observed Alexander’s every move. She heard his phone call.
Perfect. Alexander was plotting against Isabella. Her days were numbered.
But…
A nagging worry pricked at Victoria. Alexander and his parents still looked down on her. Her shares in the Montgomery empire were pitifully small. They knew she was the true adopted daughter, not Isabella.
Once she married into the Whitmore family, her time to win over the Montgomerys would vanish. Her bonds with Eleanor and Richard would weaken.
What good were such meager shares then?
No.2
She needed more. She needed a larger stake before the wedding. With more shares, Alexander and his parents would finally respect her. They would value her.
A sharp glint of malice lit her eyes. She excused herself, heading for the restroom.
Inside a locked stall, she pulled out her phone. She opened her chat with Takashi Yamamoto.
[Mr. Yamamoto, I heard you’ve connected with my brother. Yet I understand you haven’t begun his lessons? Please, let me know if there is anything I can assist with.]
The reply was instant.
[Victoria, my admiration for you remains. Since our encounter in Westhaven, you are all I can think of.]
Victoria’s lip curled in distaste. [Your flattery is noted, Mr. Yamamoto. But I am to be married soon. We can, however, remain… good friends.]
Takashi Yamamoto's message glowed on the screen. [Don't worry. I have no intention of disrupting your wedding. I simply desire five photographs of you. Similar in nature to the one that gained such notoriety.]
She could still feel the stares. Everywhere she went. Burning into her. Some men even had the audacity to ask for more. Those images were a permanent stain. A brand on her reputation. They would follow her forever.
No.3
And now Takashi wanted his own private collection? He had to be joking.
She was finally marrying Alexander Whitmore. Her wedding was so close. Why was he demanding these photos? Photos that could obliterate everything she had built.
Her fingers trembled as she typed a reply. [Mr. Yamamoto, I must apologize. I am to be married. This is simply impossible. Please. Ask for anything else.]
His response was immediate. Cold. [I want nothing else. If you cannot provide this, then our arrangement is terminated.]
Terminated?
No. He couldn't do that.
This deal was everything. Her entire plan hinged on using Takashi to control Benjamin. To secure the remaining family shares. It was the most critical piece. The cornerstone of her strategy.
She typed frantically. [Mr. Yamamoto, there must be another way I can repay you. Please, reconsider. My brother idolizes you. He dreams of learning from you.]
His answer was a lesson in cruelty. [There are no free meals in this world, Ms. Kensington. I'm certain a woman of your standing understands that basic principle?]
No.4
[I understand perfectly,] she wrote back, desperation clawing at her. [Name your price. Anything else I can offer. Let us negotiate.]
[I lack for nothing,] he replied. [I merely admire your… beauty. Do not fear. I swear a solemn oath. I shall never leak the images. If I break this vow, may lightning strike me. May my future crumble to dust. May I never father a child.]
Victoria read the deadly vow. Her fierce glare softened slightly. The words were persuasive.
The last leak was Charmine's fault. Isabella's doing. This was different. Takashi just wanted a private collection. A personal trophy. And he had sworn such a severe oath…
Another message arrived. [I will be frank with you, Ms. Kensington. I possess a collection. Photos of other female celebrities. If any of it were ever exposed, my own reputation would be utterly destroyed.]
[It is merely a hobby. I enjoy collecting images of beautiful women. Send me the photos, and I will speak to Benjamin. I will teach him my finest techniques. He may even come to study with me in Westhaven.]
Study with me in Westhaven.
The words captured her complete attention. If Benjamin left… her plan would proceed flawlessly. She had already begun to win back a sliver of Alexander's affection. Securing more shares would be the ultimate victory.
Her eyes darkened as they lingered on the screen. A decision solidified within her.
No.5
[Very well,] she typed. [I will send them now.]
Approximately ten minutes later, Victoria emerged from the washroom.
Alexander had already settled the bill. "Let's go," he said, his tone flat. "I will take you home."
"Of course. Thank you, my dear Alexander." Her voice was sugar and submission.
He looked at her, this picture of meek devotion. "Do not trouble yourself with the online rumors," he reassured her. "I have taken care of everything. Your only task is to prepare to be my beautiful bride."
Victoria nodded, a shy, demure gesture. With Alexander handling the scandal, her scheme was safe. Once those photos of Isabella and Nathaniel were revealed, McKenzie and Nathaniel's parents would make Isabella's life a living hell.
At Rosewood Manor…
Isabella Montgomery was sketching a new design when her phone vibrated. She answered promptly. "Hello?"
"Ms. Montgomery? This is the Westhaven Memorial Gardens. Due to recent restructuring within the cemetery, we are required to relocate the remains of Ms. Genevieve Beaumont. May I inquire as to when you might be available to come and oversee the process?"
No.6
Isabella's brow furrowed. When she first returned to Westchester, she had visited Genevieve's grave. But her work had consumed her since. She had not found the time to return.
Genevieve was the only one who had shown her genuine kindness during her years with the Montgomerys. She needed to see this for herself.
"Understood," Isabella replied, her voice firm. "I will be there shortly."
Outside, the sun beat down relentlessly. A single cloud drifted across its face, offering a moment of reprieve. In that temporary shadow, the plot continued its inexorable unraveling.
When Victoria returned to Montgomery Manor...
Eleanor hurried to meet her, concern etched on her face. "Victoria, how was it? Did you find a gown you love? Is everything alright?"
"Mmm... yes..." Victoria's lips trembled slightly. She looked dejected but managed a weak smile. "Don't worry, Mother. I'm fine... Just exhausted. I need to rest."
"Alright." Eleanor studied her daughter closely, sensing something was wrong.
After Victoria retreated to her room, Eleanor summoned Penelope. "What happened? She seems upset."
No.7
"Oh, it's n-nothing, Madam! Really, nothing at all..." Penelope shook her head vigorously, but her expression betrayed her words.
"Tell me everything immediately," Eleanor demanded, "or I'll find Victoria a more competent assistant."
"Madam, no! I want to serve Ms. Victoria! I'll tell you... I'll tell you now!" With a frightened look, Penelope lowered her head and stammered, "W-We went to choose the wedding gown today. They only had ready-made designs, nothing custom. Ms. Victoria found one she adored, but it cost a million dollars. Mr. Whitmore said she shouldn't pick such an expensive gown and told her to choose another...
"Also, Madam Whitmore has repeatedly told Ms. Victoria that marrying Alexander is a blessing. She warned her not to demand too much and to be more accommodating...!"
"Penelope! Stop lying!" A sharp voice interrupted from above.
Victoria rushed down the stairs and sat beside Eleanor. "Mother, please don't listen to Penelope... None of that happened! The Whitmores treat me wonderfully, and Alexander is very good to me. Penelope invented all of that... S-She made it up..."
Despite her reassurances, Victoria's voice grew hoarse, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Eleanor's heart ached at her daughter's distress. "Nonsense! How dare they treat you like that? You're our precious daughter, not someone for them to belittle! Stop defending them, Victoria. We're going to have a serious conversation with them right now!"