Chapter 131

Theodore Montgomery held complete ownership of all shares. He alone determined their distribution among his descendants. Yet ten additional investors held stakes in the Montgomery Group. These individuals were not family. They provided crucial technical expertise and capital. Their agreements guaranteed annual profit-sharing percentages. But they cared nothing for equity control. Their interest began and ended with financial returns.

Decades prior, Theodore had established these terms personally. The Montgomery Group’s very foundation relied on this profit-sharing structure. Their contracts were ironclad. If these investors stirred trouble now, the consequences would be catastrophic. A falling stock price was manageable. Total operational collapse was not. Theodore’s brow furrowed deeply. “Are every single one of them here?”

“All of them, sir,” Reginald Thornton confirmed. “And that is not the worst of it. The entire extended family has arrived as well.” A rising clamor of voices echoed from the hall. Theodore set his prayer book aside. He rose slowly, massaging his stiff knees. He moved toward the door with deliberate steps.

Penelope Sinclair spotted him first. She rushed forward, her expression severe. “Father, that adopted girl confessed everything! Why shield her still? She accused Sophia Kensington of vile intentions. But let’s be clear—Isabella Montgomery is no saint herself!”

“Our family’s losses are monumental because of her!” Gregory Kensington shouted, his face flushed with anger. “She must be removed from the Board immediately! She must return the fifteen percent of shares she holds!”

The chorus of voices swelled in agreement. “Return the shares! Remove her from the Board! Sever all connections with her!”

Theodore’s expression was grave, his voice steady but weary. “Has the investigation concluded? Have the police issued any official statement?”

“She signed a guarantee!” a shareholder yelled. “A written promise to cover all losses within two days!”

The deep lines on Theodore’s face seemed to have multiplied. He appeared to have aged years in just days. Victoria Kensington watched him closely. She moved quickly to his side, offering her arm for support. “Grandfather, I am so sorry. I truly believed my sister was set up. I exhausted every resource trying to help her these past two days. I pleaded with the eleven supermodels. They were utterly inflexible. They forced this guarantee from her…”

Victoria presented the document. Theodore recognized Isabella’s handwriting instantly. He recoiled, stumbling backward. Victoria held him firmly, her voice a soft, comforting murmur. “Don’t worry, Grandfather. I will not let my sister bear this financial ruin alone. You mustn’t distress yourself. And please, do not fear for Isabella’s future. Her diamond mines remain. She will never want for money. Even after… her release… she will live comfortably.”

“The priority is cutting her ties to this family,” Victoria pressed on, her tone shifting to one of urgent concern. “We must stabilize the Group’s stock. We must also protect her from the public’s hatred! So many people despise her now. Their anger could turn violent. We cannot predict what they might do.”

Eleanor Kensington nodded in vigorous agreement. “Father, if you care for her at all, you will take the shares. For her own safety. This mob mentality… it’s dangerous. Someone might harm her if she remains connected to us.”

Theodore’s face darkened further. A profound worry etched itself onto his features. He understood the viperous nature of the crowd before him. If this continued, they would show Isabella no mercy. Their vengeance would be swift and brutal.

A heavy, resigned sigh escaped him. “Very well. Do as you have decided. In two days, I will have Atticus Whitmore, our lawyer, meet with Isabella. He will handle the transfer of her shares.” Having spoken, Theodore turned away. He retreated back toward the quiet solitude of the prayer hall.

Victoria’s brow creased slightly. “Grandfather,” she called after him, “to whom will you transfer Isabella’s shares?”

Theodore paused at the threshold. He did not turn back. “To Richard Montgomery for the time being.” Then he disappeared inside, closing the heavy door firmly behind him.

A surge of pure triumph shot through Victoria. Richard Montgomery’s other children were perpetual disappointments. She was his sole favored daughter. Once those shares were in his possession, they would inevitably find their way to her. It was only a matter of time.

She allowed herself a small, victorious smile before schooling her features into concern. She addressed the closed door with honeyed sweetness. “A wise decision, Grandfather. Please, you must rest now. Do not let this trouble your heart. Isabella will be fine. Her diamond mines ensure she will never be poor.”

Theodore ignored the fading noises from the hall. He waited until silence prevailed. Then he crossed to a seemingly solid wall. His fingers found a hidden button, pressing it precisely. A section of the wall slid open noiselessly, revealing a concealed compartment. Inside rested a single, ornate picture frame. The name inscribed upon it was not Montgomery.