Chapter 154

“What?”

Care? Protection?

Victoria had encouraged laziness since childhood, ensuring Isabella would never amount to anything. She pushed for outrageous fashion choices, praising cheap and tasteless outfits. Victoria systematically molded her into the family’s black sheep. Was this the care William spoke of?

Isabella remained utterly unfazed. “Who’s the real monster here? Who harmed countless people just to get to me, then played the innocent victim? Victoria Kensington, you should be an actress, not a model.”

“Your performance is Oscar-worthy. Should I record this and post it online? You’d go viral.”

Victoria’s face tightened. Isabella was cornering her! The sheer audacity!

She masked her rage with a wounded expression. “Isabella, what will make you believe me? If Mother hadn’t stopped me, I would have died crashing into that wall. But she was right. What would happen to her if I died? She raised me all these years. I can’t let her suffer that loss.”

“I’ll swear it, okay? I swear to God: If I had any part in this, may my parents disown and despise me. May I die a lonely, abandoned orphan!” Victoria vowed, pouring every ounce of fake sincerity into her trembling voice.

The room fell silent. The oath was brutal. Pity for her apparent anguish filled the air. Even William’s stern gaze softened slightly. Had he misjudged her?

Isabella watched the theatrics with cold amusement. A cruel vow? She was already an orphan her real parents never wanted.

Victoria continued her lament, playing the misunderstood, unloved daughter.

‘If she loves acting so much, I’ll give her a standing ovation,’ Isabella thought, a sharp smile playing on her lips. “I might have believed you. Sadly, I have proof.” She flung a stack of photos at Victoria.

The images were from the Mercedes Auto Show backstage. One captured a knowing glance between Victoria and Isadora. Another showed Victoria’s venomous stare directed at her agent. A third clearly displayed a money transfer from Victoria to Isadora.

The amount was $19,500. The exact price Silas the dealer quoted for the halophilic bacteria. The transaction date matched Isadora’s court testimony perfectly.

Shocked gasps echoed through the room. Disbelief was etched on every face.

“My God! How could Victoria be so wicked?”

“The evidence is undeniable. She’s clearly involved.”

“What did Isabella ever do to deserve such hatred? She looks murderous!”

“Heavens! And she put on that whole show! Smashing her head! That horrible vow! Unbelievable!”

“This is terrifying! I always thought she was so kind. But look at her in these photos… She’s a monster!”

The room erupted into chaos. Eleanor, who had been holding Victoria, slowly pulled her hand away. Her voice shook. “Victoria… What is this?”