Chapter 153
Victoria’s sudden move caught everyone by surprise. She tried to backtrack quickly. “Father, why would we ever fight you? All we want is what’s best for the family. Handing over most of our family shares to an outsider… it just doesn’t make sense.”
“That’s right,” Gregory chimed in, frustration clear in his tone. “Even if Victoria was somehow involved… taking her shares is one thing. But why give them to Isabella? She isn’t one of us.”
William’s eyes hardened. “How many times must I say it? Isabella grew up in this house. She lost her parents—we are her family. She is not an outsider!
“Since she returned from Africa, has she brought any disgrace to this family? Look at what Victoria has done! Anyone with half a brain can see the truth!”
Victoria’s face went pale. The old man clearly didn’t trust her at all. She quickly put on a pitiful expression and weakly stepped toward him. “Grandfather, I know you suspect me, but I am innocent. I would never hurt my sister. Gabriella did everything, I swear to heaven. I would never—”
“Enough.” William’s voice cut like ice. “You might fool a child with that act, but not me. I am neither a fool nor an idiot!” He struck his cane hard against the floor, silencing her.
Victoria’s face lost even more color. She had gathered everyone here today hoping to reclaim her ten percent share, but the old man was being impossibly stubborn.
Why did he favor an adopted child so much? Over the past five years, she had contributed so much to the family. She brought them honor, bought expensive gifts. Ten percent was a fortune… and it was going to Isabella?
No. She would get it back, no matter what it took. Her eyes burned with fierce determination, though she masked it behind a veil of tears.
“If Grandfather doesn’t believe me, and no one here does either… then fine. Assume I did it. Assume I am guilty of everything. I’ll give my life to make up for it! Mother, Father, thank you for raising me. I’ll repay you in my next life.” With that, she lunged toward the wall, aiming to smash her head against it.
Screams erupted. Eleanor instinctively rushed forward and grabbed her. “Victoria, don’t be foolish! Stop this! I can’t lose you!”
“Let me die, Mother! Everyone suspects me! My fans hate me, my own family turns on me…” Victoria sobbed, tears streaming convincingly down her cheeks. Her voice grew hoarse. “It’s my fault for not guiding Gabriella properly. I deserve this punishment!”
Eleanor’s heart shattered. But just as she opened her mouth to plead—
“Let her hit the wall. Let’s see if she actually does it.”
A cold, clear voice cut through the chaos. Everyone turned.
Isabella strode into the hall. She wore a smoke-gray gradient tube dress with bold crimson floral patterns. A phoenix was embroidered across her chest, radiating elegance and power.
Victoria’s eyes narrowed instantly. Why was this bitch here? Dressed so boldly, so fearlessly, while she was at her lowest? And now Isabella might actually make her go through with it!
Eleanor was furious. “What did you just say, Isabella?! Victoria is your sister! She always protected you since you were little! How can you be so cruel? Are you even human?”