Chapter 25
Victoria Kensington stood frozen in utter disbelief. Her face tightened as she struggled to contain the storm of emotions raging inside her. With immense effort, she forced a polite smile. "Sir, there must be some mistake," she said, her voice strained.
Isabella Montgomery had just returned to the country. Hardly anyone knew of her existence. How could some wealthy tycoon possibly know her and send a car specifically for her?
"No mistake," the chauffeur stated flatly. "I'm here for Miss Montgomery. Isabella Montgomery." He deliberately emphasized the name 'Isabella'.
All eyes slowly turned to Isabella, their expressions shifting to stunned silence.
This luxury vehicle was for her? She knew the owner? Impossible! Victoria's face contorted into a mask of pure revulsion. This couldn't be happening.
While everyone remained frozen, the man approached Isabella and gave a formal bow. "Miss Montgomery, your carriage awaits."
Isabella strolled over casually, her critical gaze sweeping over the car. "Hmm... Acceptable, I suppose. Though only seven of these exist globally. An unlucky number. Black also absorbs far too much heat for summer driving. And genuine leather seats?" She tutted disapprovingly. "Does your employer not realize how uncomfortable they become in warm weather?"
The crowd was speechless.
A HyperSport had been sent for her, and she was complaining? Criticizing the number as 'unlucky'? Complaining about the seats? The sheer audacity!
Dominic Sterling's eye twitched. This was classic Isabella Montgomery behavior. She had scorned Mr. Blackwood's diamond ring before, and now she was insulting his HyperSport? What was she even made of?
"Miss Montgomery, please," he said with a sigh, his brow furrowed. "Don't make this difficult. My master was very clear I must bring you. He also sent a gift." Dominic then presented her with an exquisitely crafted wooden box.
Isabella frowned. A young master? With a gift? Who could it be?
She took the box skeptically. Inside was a meticulously prepared breakfast. Rice was shaped into an adorable cartoon character, its eyes crafted from gleaming black pearls. In the bottom corner, a message was written in dark sauce:
[Good luck, Mommy! My Mommy will amaze everyone!]
It was from Christopher Blackwood.
A faint, almost invisible smile touched Isabella's lips as she pictured the boy's round, cheerful face. Her heart softened instantly. 'Fine,' she thought. 'For Momo, I'll go.'
Relief washed over Dominic. He hurried to open the passenger door for her before swiftly taking his place in the driver's seat.
Vroom!
The HyperSport roared to life and sped away, kicking up a cloud of dust and swirling leaves in its wake.
Victoria was sprayed with debris. Leaves tangled in her hair. Dust smudged her pristine white dress. The same so-called 'friends' who had been fawning over her moments ago now watched with barely concealed mockery. They wouldn't dare say it to her face, but she felt their scornful glances like physical blows.
She could no longer hold back her humiliation. She stood there, utterly mortified. The HyperSport was for Isabella, not her. The embarrassment was crushing, a feeling worse than any she had ever experienced.
Her plan had been to delay Isabella, to prevent her from reaching the show on time. Instead, not only had her scheme failed spectacularly, but she had been publicly and utterly humiliated.
No. This wasn't over. She refused to just stand by. Victoria wanted Isabella to fail. She wanted her ruined.
Snatching her phone, she fired off a reply to Sophia Kensington. Her eyes burned with pure, unadulterated malice.
'Just you wait, Isabella. You will be humiliated beyond repair. I will make you pay for this. Ten times over.'