Chapter 143

Twitter exploded within the hour.

#IsabellaIsInnocent, #GabriellaGets3Years, #VictoriaPays110Billion, and #VictoriaIsRottenInside dominated the trending list.

Gabriella Martinez pleaded guilty immediately. The evidence was overwhelming. Isabella Montgomery had executed a flawless victory.

The internet turned into a frenzy of condemnation. Victoria Kensington became the primary target.

Some netizens defended her innocence. Others dissected the situation with brutal logic.

How could a mere agent possess such audacity? Victoria and Gabriella were inseparable. Ignorance was implausible.

Why did Victoria fall silent under Isabella's questioning? Why pay a staggering 110 billion so readily?

That sum was astronomical. No friendship justified that level of financial sacrifice. It reeked of guilt.

Victoria was clearly the mastermind. Gabriella was a sacrificed pawn.

Victoria's past, hypocritical defenses of Isabella resurfaced online. Her disingenuous nature was exposed.

Isabella had won decisively.

Yet, she found herself speeding aimlessly on her Kawasaki. Her mind was consumed by Eleanor Kensington's words.

Isabella was accustomed to familial neglect. But watching her adoptive mother unconditionally defend Victoria was a fresh wound.

No one had ever shielded Isabella like that.

Hard work never earned her such fierce, blind loyalty.

She pulled over near the coast. The sea breeze whipped against her skin.

The sun was brutal. The wind felt cold and harsh.

Suddenly, an umbrella appeared, blocking the glaring light.

She turned. Nathaniel Blackwood stood beside her.

He towered over her, his shoulders broad and imposing.

From her low angle, his features were devastatingly sharp. His presence was magnetic.

His beauty remained a potent force, capable of stealing breath.

She looked back at the ocean. Her voice was flat, devoid of emotion. "Why are you here?"

The vulnerable woman from moments ago was gone. Nathaniel's expression was serious. "Ms. Montgomery, you promised to visit the Blackwood estate to see Christopher. Are you reneging?"

She remembered. She hadn't expected him to retrieve her personally.

She was free today.

"Don't worry. I keep my promises. Let's go."

She compartmentalized her pain. The helmet went on. She mounted the bike.

Nathaniel wanted to stop her. He knew better. He opted to follow in his car instead.

A woman on a powerful motorcycle drew attention. Especially one in light-colored gear.

A pack of street racers noticed her. They whistled, swerving to ride alongside her.

Nathaniel reacted instantly. His luxury car shot forward, cutting off the racers.

The lead racer screamed in fury. "Who the hell is this asshole? Ram him!"

He accelerated. A subordinate grabbed his arm in panic. "Stop! Look at the license plate!"

The racer paled. The plate was unmistakable.

Mr. Blackwood. The man who owned Shelburne.

The racer swerved violently, fleeing the scene. His gang scattered behind him.