Chapter 373
“I don’t care if the Whitmores despise me,” Victoria began. “And I don’t care what anyone else thinks of me either. But I’m terrified—terrified this wedding won’t happen. Benjamin, you know I’ve left modeling. I have nothing left except Alexander and this baby.”
She paused, letting the silence hang.
“But Isabella… she despises me. She won’t just let me be. Of course, it’s just a suspicion… I worry she still has feelings for Alexander. I’m afraid she might try to hurt me.”
Benjamin narrowed his eyes. “That seems unlikely.”
Isabella was with Nathaniel now. Her hatred for Alexander was obvious…
“I hope you’re right!” Victoria continued. “But I don’t feel safe. If she didn’t hate me, she wouldn’t have mocked me like that before she left.”
She looked down, feigning distress.
“You know she’s never accepted my apology. She still holds a grudge. So… I need you to stay with her for a few days. You don’t have to confront her. Just watch her. It’s harmless.”
“If she plans anything, you can intervene. You’re her brother, after all. You can warn me if something happens.”
Benjamin frowned. She wanted him to move out of Montgomery Manor? To live with Isabella? He already disliked her. Did he really have to stay under the same roof?
“Benjamin, I know you’re reluctant. But it’s only three days. Just three! In return, I can get Takashi Yamamoto to coach you. Personally.”
His eyes lit up immediately. “Seriously?”
Even though Takashi had lost to that player called Boss, he was still one of the top gamers. Besides Boss, no one could touch him.
The night after his defeat, Takashi had challenged every top player—and won every match. His reputation was fully restored. People whispered that Boss must have cheated. Or gotten lucky. Or was some kind of gaming deity.
To Benjamin, Takashi was still a legend.
Victoria nodded. “Yes. I met him at an event in Westhaven once. He’s a fan. He’ll do it if I ask. This isn’t a bribe, Benjamin… I see you as my own brother. I know you’ll be bored these next few days. Think of it as my wedding gift to you.”
He felt a pang of guilt. She was always so thoughtful. And here he was, hesitating over such a simple request.
“Alright,” he agreed. “I’ll do it. I’ll go find her right now.”
Victoria watched him leave, a cold smirk twisting her lips once his back was turned.
Penelope closed the door behind him and approached, confused. “Ms. Victoria, we could hire someone to watch Isabella. Sending Benjamin and paying Takashi… that will cost a fortune!”
She knew Victoria’s finances were strained. After the last scandal, her shares were frozen. Theodore Montgomery had ordered her to rest at home. No one was giving her money anymore.
As for Takashi… Even if he admired her, no one did favors for free. Not for a woman with a ruined reputation.
Victoria scoffed. “You know nothing. I have my reasons.”
She picked up her phone and typed a message to Takashi Yamamoto:
[Mr. Yamamoto, I have a favor to ask. My brother is an avid gamer and admires you greatly. Would you be willing to train him? I will make it worth your while. If you can take him to Westhaven for intensive coaching, I will be even more grateful. Help him achieve his dream.]
Her eyes darkened as she sent the text.
Just wait. Soon, everyone who looked down on her would regret it. Even the mighty Whitmores.
Meanwhile, the entire manor was buzzing with wedding preparations. Even Theodore was involved.
Only Benjamin slipped away, rushing to the parking lot.
Luck was on his side. Isabella hadn’t left yet. Her car was still there.