Chapter 104

“I gave your mother my word that I would protect you, yet I…” Isadora’s voice broke, thick with emotion.

Victoria stared at the angry red mark on her hand before lifting her gaze. Her agent, always so composed, now had tears welling in her eyes. Victoria’s composure shattered. She slid to the floor, a graceless collapse.

“Isadora, I never meant to lash out. I’m just… terrified. I know my place in the Montgomery family is temporary. I needed to build my own career, my own security, before they cast me aside. I wanted to earn my own fortune. Why is Isabella so determined to ruin me? She has everything! The Montgomery empire, more wealth than she could ever spend, even Nathaniel Blackwood himself. Why can’t she just leave me alone? She won’t be happy until I’m completely destroyed!” The words spilled out, venomous and raw with a pain that cut deep.

Isadora sank down beside her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Victoria, not everyone possesses a heart like yours. Isabella targeted you from the beginning. This was a calculated move. We didn’t lose to her; we simply underestimated her ruthlessness. Promise me you’ll pull yourself together. Go home. Rest. I will find another way. I promise you.”

Victoria could only nod, her body wracked with sobs. She leaned heavily against the cold wall, utterly defeated. The situation was dire. The humiliation would follow her for years. The mocking whispers were already beginning.

Watching her, Isadora’s heart ached. “Should I call Alexander? His company might distract you.”

At the mention of Alexander Whitmore, a flicker of life returned to Victoria’s eyes. Over the past few days, he’d been feeding her stories about Isabella’s attempts to seduce Nathaniel. But the news of their actual marriage was a blow she still couldn’t process. Nathaniel Blackwood would never marry a woman with a tarnished past, a woman who had supposedly lost a child.

Aside from the Blackwoods, Alexander was the most handsome, powerful man she knew. The nation’s most coveted bachelor. Securing him would be her ultimate victory over Isabella.

She gave a weak nod. “Yes. Let him come. There are things we need to discuss.”

“Alright.” Isadora made the call, then helped Victoria to her feet. She gently cleaned her smudged makeup and reapplied it with practiced hands.

Victoria glanced again at her injured hand, regret washing over her. “Isadora… I’m sorry. I lost control.”

“It’s alright, dear. No apologies needed. I made a vow to your mother. I owe her everything. Without Evangeline, I wouldn’t be here today.” Isadora’s gaze was filled with unwavering devotion.

Years ago, a young and naive Isadora had been brutally attacked and left for dead in a gutter. It was Evangeline Kensington, Victoria’s mother, who found her, saved her, and became her protector. Even later, Evangeline continued to be her guardian angel.

The last message Isadora ever received from her was clear. [I’ve never asked you for anything. Please, watch over my daughter.]

Isadora had dedicated her life to that promise. Victoria was her daughter in all but blood. Her success was Isadora’s success. Her pain was Isadora’s pain. No one would harm her.

“Remember your greatest asset is that beautiful face. When Alexander arrives, don’t let him see you broken. Hold onto him. He is your safety net. At the very least, you will become Mrs. Alexander Whitmore, a respected name in high society.”

“I won’t fail. Besides, Alexander has a plan. A way to destroy Isabella completely, beyond any recovery.” Victoria’s expression turned serious, determined. “Leave Alexander to me. You focus on Isabella. Watch her every move. We need to find the perfect moment to strike back. This time, we leave no trace. No evidence.”

“Understood.”

Outside, the summer sky had darkened. Thick, ominous clouds rolled in, and the wind began to howl. A storm was coming.