Chapter 370
“Exactly, Isabella. You’ve lost your opportunity with Alexander. You didn’t act during the ceremony—now it’s far too late to reclaim him,” Margaret Whitmore sneered.
Isabella only laughed softly. “Who told you I came to take him back?”
“Then why are you here?” Margaret demanded, her expression puzzled.
In silence, Isabella’s eyes shifted toward Victoria.
Victoria’s heart dropped. That gaze was icy and penetrating, like a surgeon’s blade poised to slice her open.
She felt a surge of guilt. What did Isabella know? Could she possibly be aware the baby wasn’t…
Would Isabella expose her?
Just as panic began to churn in Victoria’s stomach, Isabella’s attention suddenly turned to Alexander.
Alexander met her eyes. This was not the timid girl from five years ago. Her stare was fierce and commanding.
It stirred in him a raw desire to dominate her, to claim her. But he knew Victoria carried his child…
As Alexander opened his mouth to speak, Isabella looked toward Theodore Montgomery. “Grandfather, Victoria is pregnant. What’s the purpose of a grand engagement? Her belly will only swell in the coming months. People will assume Alexander was coerced into this. An engagement is pointless—a waste. They should marry immediately.”
What?
A wedding? Now?
Everyone stared, certain they had misheard.
Isabella Montgomery, Alexander’s former lover, was advocating for a swift marriage instead of sabotaging it?
Victoria was equally stunned. What game was Isabella playing?
Isabella continued calmly, “Even if we want a spectacular event, we must arrange the wedding as soon as possible. Today, Alexander pressures Victoria to abort. Who’s to say he won’t push her down the stairs tomorrow? Have you forgotten what he did to me five years ago? If he truly cherished this child, he would never have suggested termination.”
Her words were measured, yet they sent a chill through the Montgomery family. She had a point.
If Alexander truly loved Victoria, why would he do such a thing? He had seemed reluctant to even visit!
Theodore Montgomery made the final decision. “I don’t care about the details. The wedding will take place in three days. That is final.”
Alexander’s fists clenched tightly. A wedding in three days?
Did Isabella truly wish to see him marry another woman? Was she genuinely ensuring he was bound to another in just seventy-two hours?
“Three days is too rushed,” Alexander interjected quickly. “I doubt I can arrange a proper ceremony—”
“Don’t worry. My associate is highly skilled at event planning. They could organize it by tomorrow,” Isabella cut him off.
Alexander’s face darkened. She was forcing his hand.
Unexpectedly, Margaret Whitmore agreed. “Fine. The wedding will be in three days.”
Since Victoria was already carrying Alexander’s child, marriage was inevitable. Why delay and invite more scandal?
Margaret instructed Alexander, “Begin preparations immediately. Select an auspicious time to take Victoria dress shopping.”
Alexander seethed, but under the circumstances, he had no choice.
“Understood.”
He shot a furious glare at Isabella and turned to leave.
Victoria watched Isabella, her brow furrowed. Why would she help her? Why show such kindness?
It made no sense. Isabella was scheming—Victoria felt it in her bones.