Chapter 216
Isabella arrived expecting to witness a spectacle, but Nathaniel’s sudden entrance with Christopher disrupted everything. Their bold statements risked exposing their hidden relationship to her family.
She shot a warning glance toward Oliver, but the boy feigned innocence perfectly. “Did I say something wrong?” he pressed, widening his eyes. “Why is no one taking action? Does the Montgomery family condone women like her?”
He paused dramatically, turning toward Nathaniel with feigned urgency. “Daddy, you must never work with these people! They’re defending someone so vile. Families like this can’t be trusted.”
His words sent a chill through the room, particularly unsettling the Whitmores. The Blackwoods' arrival had initially seemed like a promising opportunity, but now it threatened disaster. Would this scandal get them blacklisted?
Margaret Whitmore rushed forward, forcing a smile. “Young Master Blackwood has such a sharp sense of humor! Of course we don’t support her. We fully agree with the decision! Eleanor, Theodore, send Victoria to Africa immediately. She shouldn’t remain in the country any longer.”
Theodore Montgomery understood the gravity of the situation. Victoria’s reputation was irreparably damaged, and offending the Blackwoods was not an option.
He gestured grimly to his head of security. “Marcus, take her home and ensure she packs her belongings.”
“Yes, sir,” Marcus Donovan replied, stepping forward to forcibly remove Victoria.
Pale with rage, Victoria felt nothing but bitter hatred. This was all Isabella’s doing, yet everyone turned against her. Nathaniel’s interference had only made things worse.
A woman like Isabella didn’t deserve such protection. She didn’t deserve Nathaniel Blackwood!
Her fury finally erupted. “Isabella Montgomery! Everyone will learn the truth about what you did today! Karma will destroy you for framing me! I will never forgive you! Never!”
Her hysterical screams echoed through the hall, dripping with venom.
The guests were stunned. No one had expected the gentle Victoria to reveal such a vicious side. A few even wondered if Isabella might truly be at fault.
But Isabella remained unbothered. The evidence she held was more than enough to ruin Victoria completely. Her priority now was to leave, to put distance between herself and Nathaniel before their relationship was exposed.
She turned to Theodore. “Grandfather, I’ll leave the rest to you. I need to be alone.” Without another word, she walked away, her white gown flowing behind her. Her departure painted a tragic picture, and sympathetic sighs followed her exit.
Theodore glanced at Reginald, signaling him to approach. “Mr. Blackwood, thank you for supporting the Montgomerys today. If you have time, would you care to stay for tea?”
“My apologies,” Nathaniel declined smoothly. “I came to discuss an urgent business matter with Isabella. I must excuse myself.” Taking Christopher’s hand, he followed Isabella out.
Theodore watched them leave, his expression deeply contemplative.