Chapter 157

Alexander’s voice carried a clear, sharp edge of menace.

Isabella remained completely unfazed. “Testing my patience? You’re the one pushing it. I’ve held back from hitting you for a full minute. Do you really want to keep talking?” She shoved his hand away and flexed her fingers, knuckles cracking softly.

She added coldly, “Instead of wasting my time here, why don’t you go check on your precious Victoria? She’s kneeling in the prayer hall right now. Do you honestly think someone that fragile can handle it?”

Alexander narrowed his eyes. He had come because Victoria texted him. Her messages were full of pain and sorrow, so he showed up to defend her. He thought the family adored her too much to punish her harshly. He was wrong.

“I’ll visit her soon enough,” he said darkly. “But you should think twice about being with Nathaniel. It won’t end well for you.” He turned and walked away.

Isabella let out a soft, mocking laugh. A glint of calculation flashed in her eyes as she watched him leave. She had already pushed Victoria to her breaking point. Why not push a little harder? Make her suffer even more.

As Alexander strode off, he pulled out his phone and texted Victoria, concerned.

[What’s going on? Why did they make you kneel in the prayer hall? Was it because of Isadora? Tell me everything. I need to know how to help you.]

Victoria replied instantly.

[Yes. Isabella used cleverly edited photos to frame me. She convinced everyone! Alexander, my love, you have to help me. You know me better than anyone. Other than what happened five years ago, I’ve never hurt her. I’ve been trying to rebuild our relationship. I always hoped she would come back to you so we could move forward with our plans for the shares and the diamond mine. Why would I ruin everything now?]

Alexander remembered how Victoria invited Isabella to the Guci shoot. How she offered to be her prop. He believed every word she said.

He typed back, trying to soothe her. [Don’t worry. I’ll talk to Grandfather. Then I’ll come find you.]

Victoria was kneeling on the floor in the prayer hall, reading his text. A faint, smug smile touched her lips. Under Alexander’s influence, the old man would soften. Alexander was no ordinary man. She would be out of this miserable place soon. Even with a cushion, her knees ached. Every time someone passed by, she heard their whispers.

“Shh, quiet! Victoria is in there.”

“I can’t believe how cruel and evil she is. It’s shocking.”

“Never judge by appearances.”

Her fists clenched tightly. Useless maids. How dare they mock her? Once she was free, she would teach them respect.

Unexpectedly, the door creaked open. Thinking it was Alexander coming to rescue her, she turned eagerly… Only to be met with bitter disappointment. It was Isabella.