Chapter 368

Victoria screamed in agony, her fists pounding relentlessly against her own stomach. Despair and sorrow consumed her completely.

Alexander watched her breakdown, his resolve finally crumbling. "Victoria, stop this!" His voice was sharp and commanding. "Get ahold of yourself!"

Even as he tried to calm her, Alexander made no move to take the ring she had offered.

"Enough!"

Theodore Montgomery had remained silent until now. He suddenly slammed his walking cane hard against the hospital floor.

The loud crack echoed ominously through the private ward. Everyone froze. Even Victoria's violent assault on her own body ceased.

Theodore declared, "Victoria will have this baby. The Montgomery family will raise it. Effective immediately, all business contracts with the Whitmore family are terminated. This is your final warning, Alexander... Your reputation will be destroyed!"

Theodore's words left no room for negotiation. The engagement was off. The alliance between their families was over.

Victor Whitmore paled. Their families had been business partners for generations. While their resources were comparable, Theodore's influence was immense.

Especially since the wedding day when Nathaniel Blackwood had publicly supported them. Now with Isabella on their side, how could the Whitmores afford to anger the Montgomerys?

He stepped toward Theodore. "Mr. Montgomery, please reconsider. This should be a happy occasion. Let's not make hasty decisions. Alexander, come here! Explain yourself!"

"Save your breath. I'm not blind! My granddaughter does not need to beg your son to marry her!" Theodore scoffed. He turned to Victoria. "No matter what mistakes you've made, remember you are a Montgomery. We do not grovel. If Alexander doesn't love you, you won't marry him! Even pregnant, I will find you a better husband!"

Forcing a marriage now would make them look desperate and pathetic.

Theodore despised weakness. He could see Alexander's reluctance clearly. Victoria was no match for him.

Despite his disappointment in Victoria, she was still his granddaughter. He would not allow her to be humiliated this way.

Victoria felt utterly hopeless. Who else could she marry besides Alexander? He was the most successful man in all of Westchester—except for the Blackwood men, of course.

But the Blackwoods were untouchable. Isabella had already ensnared Nathaniel. Victoria held no illusions about winning him over.

Her grandfather claimed to protect her, but he was being utterly thoughtless. His decision would ruin her completely!

Still, Victoria forced herself to say, "Grandfather, I'll obey you. But must we become enemies? I was a willing participant. We can't blame Alexander or the Whitmore family entirely. Business and personal matters should remain separate."

Her words sounded incredibly gracious. The Whitmores looked at her with newfound respect.

They hadn't expected such maturity from Victoria, even in this situation. She was proving to be a remarkable woman.

Margaret Whitmore moved to her son's side. "Alexander, did you hear that? Victoria is still defending you! What is wrong with you? Why are you still hesitating?"

Alexander's gaze settled on Victoria. She appeared so fragile and pitiful. Truthfully, she had never intentionally harmed him.

In fact, she had always stood by him, protecting him.

Yet, his feelings for her had fundamentally shifted. He no longer desired to marry her, to love her... Perhaps...