Chapter 214
Isabella remained silent as Theodore Montgomery stepped forward. “You must drop this, Isabella. For the good of the family. We can witness the prenup signing right now. Alexander will never dare to harm you again.”
He continued gravely, “Think about what happens if our alliance with the Whitmores collapses. If you ruin Alexander, the Whitmores will cut off our supply of their premium materials.”
The Whitmore family produced the finest construction materials in the industry. Prestige Builders, the Montgomery family's globally renowned development corporation, relied entirely on these superior supplies to maintain its reputation for excellence. Losing this partnership would be catastrophic. The Whitmores held all the power.
Isabella’s eyes narrowed. She was about to respond when…
“So this is how the Montgomerys and Whitmores handle their disputes. By blackmailing the victim.”
A cool, authoritative voice cut through the tension. Everyone turned. Nathaniel Blackwood stood in the hallway entrance. Impeccable in a custom-tailored suit, without a single crease. His polished shoes gleamed. He carried himself like royalty.
The crowd’s pulse quickened. He had heard everything.
Theodore moved quickly to explain. “You misunderstand, Mr. Blackwood. We are merely trying to avoid a public scandal.”
“Precisely,” Margaret Whitmore added, her tone placating. “As elders, we only want the best for our children. Isabella and Alexander have a long history together. We wish to see them happy.”
A small figure peeked out from behind Nathaniel. Oliver Blackwood’s wide, innocent eyes scanned the room. “But if it was your wedding day,” the boy asked, his voice clear and curious, “and your fiancé cheated with someone else, and tried to take all your money and maybe even hurt you… would you just let it go? Could you?”
His question hung in the air. It struck a chord, particularly with the women present. They glanced at their own partners, imagining the betrayal. The answer was a resounding no. They would never let it go. They would want vengeance.
Nathaniel’s voice was ice cold and definitive. “As an outside observer, I find this unacceptable. If the Whitmore family severs ties with the Montgomerys over this, the Blackwood Group will supply Prestige Builders with our materials. Indefinitely.”
A shockwave went through the room. Blackwood materials were legendary, reserved for international projects and elite clients. They had never supplied a local company. Was he openly taking Isabella’s side?
Alexander’s face darkened with fury. This was his wedding, his family’s business. Nathaniel had no right to interfere.
Theodore Montgomery slammed his cane on the floor. “Enough!” he declared, his voice ringing with finality. “This ends now. The wedding is canceled. No one will pressure Isabella further. The Whitmores will deal with Alexander’s discipline.”
He paused, his furious gaze landing on Victoria. “As for you… Pack your things. You are on a flight to Africa today. You will not return until this disgrace is forgotten.”
Africa?
Victoria paled, her face a mask of sheer horror. He was banishing her? To that distant, unforgiving continent?