Chapter 203
Inside the box lay a bridesmaid dress, custom-tailored just for her.
It was a strapless silk gown, the fabric so delicate it seemed to float on air. Yet it was crafted in a pale coffee-brown shade—Victoria’s least favorite color.
This particular tone of brown had a way of casting a sallow, sickly pallor over the skin. Anyone wearing it would look washed out and utterly common.
Victoria understood now why Isabella had been unusually kind. She intended to dress her bridesmaid in something hideous. Still, how could Victoria pass up a chance to land on the front page?
She put on a show of gratitude, eyes glistening. “Thank you, Isabella! You’re so thoughtful. I’ll be your bridesmaid tomorrow and give you my full blessing.”
“Hmph. If that’s all, I’ll see you at The Ritz-Carlton. Nine sharp,” Isabella replied.
Eleanor had asked Isabella to come to the Montgomery manor so she could tell Victoria she was forgiven. That way, Victoria would never return to those dark places. Hearing Isabella’s agreement pleased Eleanor greatly.
“You sisters should always support each other like this,” Eleanor said warmly. “It keeps the gossip at bay.”
“Oh, and Isabella—since so many entertainment industry elites will be at your wedding, remember to introduce them to your sister.”
Victoria’s career had been struggling lately. Without Gabriella to secure roles, many opportunities were snatched by others. Even though her Instagram following was growing, she was far from her former glory.
Isabella’s lips curved slightly. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure to help Victoria tomorrow.”
Her words carried a double meaning no one caught. Though Victoria sensed something odd, she brushed it off. She would stay alert during the ceremony. Isabella wouldn’t dare try anything obvious.
Besides, even if Isabella didn’t help her, she could seize opportunities on her own. The Blackwood men were drawn to Isabella—perhaps they could be drawn to her instead…
Each of them was lost in their own schemes.
The wedding day arrived amid great anticipation. The Ritz-Carlton was packed with guests even early in the morning. Security teams maintained order while reporters weaved through the crowd, filming and live-streaming.
The hotel lobby was transformed into an enchanted forest dreamscape. Flower arches lined the path. Lush greenery and white jasmine blooms created an ethereal, breathtaking scene.
It wasn’t Isabella’s preferred style—it was Victoria’s favorite.
Victoria had imagined her own wedding to Alexander countless times. It always included jasmine flowers, a towering champagne fountain, an exquisite wedding cake…
She never dreamed she’d see it come to life at Isabella and Alexander’s wedding. When she arrived with Eleanor and the others at the hotel entrance, she was stunned. A red carpet ran beneath nine jasmine arches stretching all the way to the doors. The setting was opulent and gorgeous.
Envy clawed at her, threatening to drive her mad. Paparazzi swarmed around them, hurling questions.
“Mr. Montgomery, is this sudden wedding between Isabella and Alexander a business arrangement?”
“Ms. Victoria Kensington, you were with Alexander for five years. How do you feel today?”
Though such questions were asked, the reporters Victoria had pre-arranged quickly shifted the focus.
“Ms. Victoria, is it true you traveled to the Cotswolds Countryside to aid the villagers?”
“Based on your posts, are you atoning for what Gabriella did?”
“Did you expect to gain seventy million followers in just a month?”
“Your fans have nicknamed you the ‘Country Angel.’ What are your thoughts?”
All attention was on Victoria, as if she were the star of the show.