Chapter 980
No.1
Rex responded immediately.
The buyer refused to go higher.
He cited the family’s damaged reputation.
His tone was firm and unyielding.
Victoria felt the pressure mounting.
Eighty billion was a substantial amount.
But it wasn’t enough for what she needed.
Her situation was growing desperate.
Everyone despised her now.
She had to flee Westchester soon.
Where would she go?
Starting over required funds.
New identity, new life—all costly.
As she pondered, movement caught her eye.
A man in dark green stood at the hallway’s end.
She recognized him instantly—her wedding day.
No.2
She glanced around nervously.
Everyone was still in Benjamin’s room.
She hurried out to meet him.
The man waited under a garden tree.
The spot was secluded and empty.
Victoria approached him, furious.
Why are you here? she demanded.
Did you spend all the money already?
I’m not here for money, he began.
Victoria cut him off sharply.
I don’t care why you’re here, she snapped.
Leave now. Don’t ever contact me again.
My life is falling apart, she hissed.
I have no time for you.
I owe you nothing.
The man sighed heavily.
No.3
Victoria, I came to take you home.
Just come with me. You’ll understand.
Home? she laughed bitterly.
Where were you when I needed you?
When my mother struggled alone?
Her voice trembled with rage.
Memories flooded back, painful and sharp.
Her eyes reddened with unshed tears.
My mother worked as a cleaner, she spat.
Pregnant and exhausted every day.
She barely slept or ate.
She had nothing when I was born.
Couldn’t even pay the hospital bills.
She died three days after giving birth.
She swapped me into the Montgomery family.
So I wouldn’t end up like her.
No.4
So I could have a better life.
I lived in constant fear.
Terrified they’d discover the truth.
I avoided hospitals, blood tests, everything.
I was paranoid about leaving evidence.
Even a single strand of hair.
Every day was a nightmare.
The man looked down, guilt-ridden.
He tried to speak her name.
Victoria cut him off violently.
Don’t say my name, she snarled.
You gave me nothing. Not even my name.
You weren’t there for twenty-three years.
Now you show up because I’m rich?
Have you no shame? No guilt?
Get out of my sight forever.
No.5
I don’t want your money, he insisted.
Victoria shoved him hard.
Go! Now! Leave me alone!
Victoria pushed the middle-aged man away with force.
He stumbled backward, nearly losing his balance.
Seeing her agitated state, he had no choice but to retreat.
After a few steps, he turned back to offer his business card.
But Victoria had already vanished.
His outstretched hand hung awkwardly in the air.
A bodyguard in black approached him quietly.
"Sir, should I have someone else explain things to Ms. Kensington?"
"Not yet," the man sighed heavily. "Give her some time to process this."
Victoria stormed away from the garden.
She pulled out her phone and replied to Rex's text.
[Fine! 80 billion it is. Sell the shares privately—no attention. Prepare my flight for 10 tonight!]
She wasn't rushing without reason.
No.6
That man's appearance had unsettled her deeply.
She feared what might happen if she stayed longer.
The situation had spiraled out of control.
Enough was enough.
Her priority now was securing the shares from William and Beatrice.
Coincidentally, they were just leaving Benjamin's hospital room.
"Victoria, you're back," Beatrice greeted warmly. "We're heading home. Come with us?"
"I've prepared gifts for you and Benjamin. His favorite crystal gaming keyboard is included."
"You can bring it to him later. Maybe talking to him will help him wake up sooner."
"Okay," Victoria agreed.
She glanced back at Eleanor and Richard inside the room.
A strange pang of guilt shot through her heart.
After fleeing Westchester, she might never return.
She remembered their kindness over the years.
Part of her felt bad about leaving them like this.
But then she recalled how they took her shares.
No.7
How they favored Isabella over her.
How they looked down on her during her lowest moments.
Her eyes turned cold again.
They forced her into this position.
If they had treated her better after that video exposure...
If they had cared more about her feelings...
She wouldn't have to take such drastic measures.
Isabella had been nothing but a menace.
Pushing her to the edge, threatening her very existence.
She had no choice but to run.
With these thoughts hardening her resolve, Victoria followed William and Beatrice to their car.