Chapter 141
Victoria’s entire body went rigid.
A heavy silence fell over the room.
Muttered whispers began to ripple through the crowd.
Why had Victoria suddenly stopped crying? She was sobbing hysterically just moments ago. Did she feel guilty now?
Seeing the situation shift, Isadora stepped forward. “This is my fault. It has nothing to do with Victoria. She has always taught me to be a better person and repeatedly told me not to harm Isabella. But you’ve all witnessed how vicious Isabella can be. She never treated Victoria like a sister. She either hit her or verbally abused her constantly. I acted out of momentary rage. There’s no point in explaining further. Arrest me. Charge me. I accept full responsibility.”
Isadora’s performance seemed utterly sincere and believable.
Yet everyone had seen Victoria’s reaction. Her sudden silence was deeply suspicious. Wasn’t she clearly guilty too?
Isadora was obviously taking the fall for her!
An officer finally spoke. “Alright, Isabella is free to go. Victoria and Isadora, you will both remain to give your official statements.”
Isabella’s handcuffs were removed. Another officer moved to detain Victoria.
Victoria’s face had lost all color. The suspicion in the room was palpable. She didn’t dare play the victim again after Isabella’s sharp accusations. She had no choice but to go with the officers.
“Wait.” A cold, commanding voice cut through the noise.
Isabella’s gaze locked onto Victoria. “There is a signed agreement stating the responsible party must pay each model ten million dollars. Victoria, since you’ve essentially admitted fault, shouldn’t you be the one paying this sum on your agent’s behalf?”
Victoria froze. Eleven models. One hundred and ten million dollars total. There was no way Isadora could ever afford that.
Isadora was her closest ally and was sacrificing herself for her. Whether out of friendship or to ensure Isadora’s silence, Victoria had to pay. She was trapped.
But Victoria didn’t have a diamond mine like Isabella. All the money she’d earned modeling had been spent on her lavish lifestyle and currying favor with the Montgomery family.
She held family shares, but they were untouchable. Liquidating them was impossible.
Paying 110 million dollars would completely wipe out her entire savings. She would be left with nothing.
The eleven affected models immediately began to protest.
“Yes, the agreement was signed! We must be paid!”
“I can’t believe we were manipulated like this. It’s disgusting! It feels like swallowing a fly!”
“Pay up now! If you won’t, then Isadora must! The agreement states payment is due today! I want nothing more to do with any of you!”
The demands from the crowd grew louder.
Influencers broadcast the scene live. Reporters’ cameras flashed relentlessly in Victoria’s face.
Humiliation washed over her. She desperately wanted this to end so she could escape.
She had no other option. She pulled out her phone to transfer the funds to each model in full view of everyone.
Eleanor rushed over, trying to stop her. “Victoria, don’t be foolish! Isadora is your agent, but this is her mistake! You shouldn’t have to pay for it! A hundred and ten million is an enormous amount of money! I can’t let you do this!”
Victoria wanted to strangle her.
Was Eleanor an idiot? Couldn’t she see the position Victoria was in?