Chapter 399
Isabella Montgomery strode toward the dressing room from memory.
She found Victoria Kensington surrounded by a flock of bridesmaids.
They chattered around her as if she were the princess she always pretended to be.
Victoria’s smile widened when she saw Isabella. “Sister! You made it. I wanted you as my only bridesmaid, but Grandfather and our parents insisted on more. I suppose it’s better this way. It shows the world how close our family is. I hope you don’t mind?”
Isabella scanned the room with an impassive expression.
The Montgomery family had always been like this.
Theodore Montgomery cared deeply about appearances.
He constantly sought to project an image of family unity.
As long as it didn’t interfere with her plans.
The other women knew Isabella’s reputation.
They fell silent under her gaze.
The air grew thick with tension.
Victoria lifted a solitary dress and offered it to Isabella. “Here, sister. Go change. We’re all waiting. Grandfather asked me to remind you—today’s wedding is crucial for the Montgomerys. We must all behave.”
Her meaning was clear.
If Isabella disrupted the wedding, Theodore would never forgive her.
Isabella eyed the smoky gray gown.
She took it from Victoria’s hands.
So this was Victoria’s plan.
Dress her in this dull, lifeless color and then destroy her reputation.
Victoria was about to learn the true meaning of regret.
It would be a lesson she would never forget.
Isabella entered the dressing room.
The moment the door closed, the eight bridesmaids erupted in whispers.
“Who does she think she is? A bit of money and she acts superior to everyone!”
“Exactly. Victoria is so much nicer. Even at her peak, she never acted like that.”
“What does her arrogance matter? She’s still just a bridesmaid. Alexander is marrying Victoria. She has no one.”
Their voices were hushed but sharp.
Victoria heard every word.
A smug smile touched her lips.
How could Isabella ever compete?
Every Montgomery adored her, not Isabella.
The thought of Isabella standing beside her, overshadowed and insignificant, filled her with glee.
Then… Click.
The door swung open.
Isabella emerged.
Every jaw dropped.
The gray gown featured a deep V-neck that accentuated her swan-like neck.
Drop-shoulder lace sleeves draped elegantly over her slender arms.
Most strikingly, the original tutu-style netting at the hem was gone.
Isabella had removed every layer.
She transformed the cheap, childish dress into a sleek, floor-length gown.
Delicate lace overlay added sophistication.
The smoky gray hue enhanced her cool, commanding presence.
Isabella didn’t wear the dress—she elevated it.
Whatever she touched turned to gold.
Victoria’s face froze.
How was this possible?
She had chosen the ugliest design on purpose.
The sleeves were meant to look like bat wings.
The tutu skirt was cheap and ridiculous.
How did Isabella alter it so quickly?
The other bridesmaids scowled.
They were all stuck wearing the identical tutu dresses.
Isabella had changed hers deliberately.
She wanted to stand out.
She wanted all attention on her.
Victoria couldn’t tolerate it.
She turned to the others. “Leave us. I need to speak with my sister alone.”
They filed out without question.
The door shut behind them.
Isabella and Victoria were alone.