Chapter 389

When Victoria returned to Montgomery Manor...

Eleanor hurried to meet her, concern etched on her face. "Victoria, how was it? Did you find a gown you love? Is everything alright?"

"Mmm... yes..." Victoria's lips trembled slightly. She looked dejected but managed a weak smile. "Don't worry, Mother. I'm fine... Just exhausted. I need to rest."

"Alright." Eleanor studied her daughter closely, sensing something was wrong.

After Victoria retreated to her room, Eleanor summoned Penelope. "What happened? She seems upset."

"Oh, it's n-nothing, Madam! Really, nothing at all..." Penelope shook her head vigorously, but her expression betrayed her words.

"Tell me everything immediately," Eleanor demanded, "or I'll find Victoria a more competent assistant."

"Madam, no! I want to serve Ms. Victoria! I'll tell you... I'll tell you now!" With a frightened look, Penelope lowered her head and stammered, "W-We went to choose the wedding gown today. They only had ready-made designs, nothing custom. Ms. Victoria found one she adored, but it cost a million dollars. Mr. Whitmore said she shouldn't pick such an expensive gown and told her to choose another...

"Also, Madam Whitmore has repeatedly told Ms. Victoria that marrying Alexander is a blessing. She warned her not to demand too much and to be more accommodating...!"

"Penelope! Stop lying!" A sharp voice interrupted from above.

Victoria rushed down the stairs and sat beside Eleanor. "Mother, please don't listen to Penelope... None of that happened! The Whitmores treat me wonderfully, and Alexander is very good to me. Penelope invented all of that... S-She made it up..."

Despite her reassurances, Victoria's voice grew hoarse, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Eleanor's heart ached at her daughter's distress. "Nonsense! How dare they treat you like that? You're our precious daughter, not someone for them to belittle! Stop defending them, Victoria. We're going to have a serious conversation with them right now!"

Eleanor grabbed Victoria's hand, ready to leave.

Victoria resisted, clutching her mother's hand tightly. "Mother, no, please don't! My reputation is ruined. Marrying Alexander truly is my greatest blessing. I'm genuinely happy. Besides, you know how profit-driven people like the Whitmores are. Now that I've left modeling, I earn nothing and only have a small share of family stocks. What more can someone like me possibly ask for?

"Alexander is willing to accept me, willing to marry me. That's already more than I deserve. I don't need anything else. Please, Mother, don't make things difficult for them."

Her tone was soft, weak, understanding, and humble.

Eleanor felt a pang of pity and gradually calmed down. She had noticed the Whitmores' condescending attitude during wedding preparations but had restrained herself from confronting them.

She never imagined they would still mistreat Victoria!

After all, Victoria was her own daughter—the apple of her eye since childhood. How could the Whitmores treat her so poorly? At that moment, Eleanor made a decision. Gently, she said, "Victoria, I'm glad you're so understanding. Go rest now. I have some matters to attend to."

"Alright, don't overwork yourself," Victoria said caringly before leaving with Penelope. "Don't speak behind my back again!" Victoria scolded Penelope sternly.

"Okay..."