Chapter 135

The courthouse was surrounded by a massive crowd before dawn even broke.

Clustered nearest the iron gates stood eleven supermodels, all waiting for their settlement checks.

They were also there to witness Isabella Montgomery's sentencing with their own eyes.

Victoria Kensington stood among them, clutching Gabriella Martinez's hand.

The Montgomery family lawyer, Atticus Whitmore, followed close behind them.

They were fully prepared to force Isabella to sign the share transfer documents.

Victoria secretly texted Alexander Whitmore, her heart swelling with triumph.

(Alexander my love, you can rest easy now. After today, those shares belong to us. You won't have to endure the humiliation of courting my sister any longer.)

Alexander was currently lounging on his sofa, swirling a glass of red wine.

His television was tuned to a live stream hosted by a popular internet celebrity.

A nagging doubt plagued him. 'With Nathaniel Blackwood's immense power and resources, would he truly allow Isabella to be imprisoned?'

'But how could even he save her now? The evidence against her is overwhelming. She has completely sealed her own fate.'

'To think Isabella was capable of such a vicious act. She dug her own grave. Who would want her after she gets out of prison in a few years?'

'I can't wait to see her arrogance finally shattered. Victoria is truly the kind and gentle one,' he mused.

He quickly typed a reply.

[My little angel, this is the final day. Ensure there are no mistakes. I will reward you handsomely tonight once our plan succeeds.]

Victoria read the message, a blissful smile gracing her lips.

Reporters suddenly swarmed her, shoving microphones in her face.

"Ms. Victoria, as Isabella's sister, what are your thoughts today? Do you have a message for the public?"

She hastily pocketed her phone, adopting a sorrowful expression.

"Even now, I find it hard to believe my sister is capable of such actions. I feel this must be a terrible misunderstanding."

"Perhaps the court will prove her innocence today! I will hold onto hope until the very last moment."

The crowd was moved by her words, gazing at her with admiration and respect.

Victoria truly embodied the nation's sweetheart, her heart seemingly pure and compassionate.

Dozens of internet celebrities and influencers had also arrived, capitalizing on the event.

They were all conducting live broadcasts, hyping up the spectacle for their audiences.

In a nearby secluded alley, a sleek black Maybach sat idling.

Nathaniel Blackwood and Oliver were in the back seat, while Sebastian was behind the wheel.

Oliver fidgeted nervously with a toy in his hands.

"Daddy! All the top streamers are here. Thirty-nine of them are live right now."

"The main broadcast channel already has over forty-three million viewers!"

Forty-three million. The number echoed in Nathaniel's mind.

That was equivalent to the viewership of major New Year's Eve specials.

A single misstep today would haunt her forever in the public eye.

He frowned, his voice tense. "Sebastian, any update on Julian Hawthorne's movements? Are his preparations secure?"

"Julian..." Sebastian sighed heavily. "He's been completely absorbed with his new agency, GoldenPhoenix Entertainment."

"He's been negotiating contracts for new artists all week. It doesn't appear he plans to come today."

Nathaniel's frown deepened. 'So Eric isn't the one assisting her? Perhaps it's Harrison Winslow? But Harrison is preoccupied with other matters.'

Despite Isabella's assurances, a deep unease settled in his gut.

"Prepare all necessary contingencies. Be ready to adapt to any situation immediately!" he ordered sharply.

"Understood!" Sebastian and Oliver responded in unison. Sebastian gave a firm nod.

Oliver's clear, childish voice rang with determination.

As the appointed hour approached, footsteps finally echoed from the end of the passageway.

"She's here! She's here!" a voice shouted loudly.

Instantly, every head turned toward the sound. All eyes focused on the approaching figure.