Chapter 125

Isabella Montgomery met Officer Donovan Pierce’s gaze with unwavering seriousness. “To clarify, I am merely a suspect at this stage. I should be held in a detention room, not a prison cell.”

Donovan was taken aback by her precise knowledge of legal procedure. Everything she stated was factually correct. He nodded stiffly. “Escort her to a holding room.”

She was led into a sterile white space. It was a significant improvement over a cell. A metal-framed bed stood against one wall. A basic but clean lavatory was tucked in the corner.

The door clicked locked behind her. Isabella showed no concern. She moved with casual grace, surveying her temporary quarters before settling on the bed. Her gaze dropped to her hands. A faint, knowing smile touched her lips. ‘Go ahead, Victoria. Make your move while you can. The finale won’t be satisfying otherwise.’

A sharp rap echoed at the door. “Isabella Montgomery. You have visitors.”

She glanced toward the sound. Victoria Kensington, Eleanor Kensington, and Richard Montgomery stood outside. Isabella closed her eyes, dismissing their presence entirely. They entered without waiting for permission.

Eleanor’s voice cut through the quiet. “Isabella! How could you commit such a vile act? Poison the others if you must, but your own sister? Bringing you into our home was the gravest mistake! The shame you’ve brought upon us is immeasurable. And you just lie there! Get up and apologize to Victoria immediately!”

Isabella’s eyes remained shut. She offered no response.

Richard’s fury boiled over. He snatched a glass of water from a nearby table and hurled it. The cold liquid splashed across Isabella’s face before she could react.

Her eyes flew open. She rose from the bed in one fluid motion. Her expression was glacial, her eyes gleaming with a predator’s ruthless light.

Richard flinched under her stare, momentarily stunned. He quickly regained his composure, rage burning hotter. “Still no remorse! The Montgomery family wasted twenty-three years on you! If you refuse to confess and apologize to everyone you’ve harmed, we will publicly disown you. We will cut all ties and exile you from Westchester!”

Victoria’s eyes glittered with concealed triumph. If Isabella was cast out, her fifteen percent family shares would default to Victoria. She quickly moved forward, clutching Isabella’s hand with feigned concern. “Sister, please! Explain yourself to them! Tell them you’re innocent! I know you didn’t do this!”

“Remove your lying, pathetic face from my sight. Stop pretending to be a saint,” Isabella’s voice was a sharp, cold blade. Her gaze pinned Victoria in place.

Victoria recoiled, snatching her hand back. Her heart hammered against her ribs. Even locked up, Isabella’s presence was terrifyingly potent. This was a new level of fury.

Victoria retreated to the far side of the bed, her expression expertly crafted into one of profound hurt. Anyone watching would think she was the victim here.

Isabella seethed internally. The sight of Victoria’s manipulations fueled her anger.

Eleanor pulled Victoria protectively closer. “Victoria, stop. Don’t waste your kindness on her. Look at her defiance. She is utterly shameless! Stay away from her from now on. She is no sister of yours. She doesn’t deserve your compassion!”

Richard glowered at Isabella, his rage palpable. “Since you refuse to admit your guilt, don’t blame us for our severity. I will convene a shareholders’ meeting immediately. You will be expelled from the Montgomery family! I will have you driven out of Westchester!” With that, he and Eleanor hurriedly escorted a seemingly distraught Victoria from the room, as if the place itself contaminated her.

Without missing a beat, Isabella’s voice followed them, cool and clear. “Do take care. I won’t be seeing you out.”

Their steps faltered, shoulders stiffening with renewed anger before they quickened their pace. Silence reclaimed the room. Isabella picked up a tissue and calmly wiped the water from her face.