Chapter 447

Victoria had returned to the mansion earlier but lingered outside the dining room upon hearing their heated discussion. She knew they all despised her, yet hearing their words still turned her stomach.

The Montgomerys were never her true family. They even doubted her ability to lead the Montgomery Group. The thought of her carefully laid plans and her imminent departure from this wretched family brought a dark satisfaction. These people would soon face utter ruin and destitution! Ha! That was the price for crossing her! Her next move was to ensure every detail fell perfectly into place. She smoothed her features into a mask of placid determination and stepped into the room with a faint, practiced smile. “Grandfather, Father, Mother, Aunt Penelope, Uncle Gregory. The loan negotiation is successful. The funds will be transferred within two days.”

“Is that true?” Eleanor’s eyes widened in disbelief. Victoria secured a 50-billion loan? What bank would agree to such a massive amount? Of course, Victoria would never reveal she had mortgaged every single asset of the Montgomery Group, including the corporate headquarters. She replied with feigned calm, “Mhm. I presented our entire project proposal and offered them the highest possible interest rate. They’re willing to take the calculated risk on the Montgomery Group. I understand the concerns regarding this venture, but please trust my resolve and my capabilities. No one wants this project to succeed more than I do. I aim to prove my worth and compensate the company for any past… setbacks. In two years, our profits will soar, and our market valuation will increase by at least fifty percent.” Her ambitious declaration made Penelope and Gregory look at her with newfound interest. A fifty percent increase? Their shares would be worth a fortune! Penelope beamed with sudden approval. “Oh, Victoria, please disregard my earlier comments—I was merely anxious. If the bank has approved the loan, we have faith in your project’s success. We can simply tighten our belts for these next two years.” “Do not worry. You are my closest family. I would never hold it against you.” Victoria smiled sweetly, maintaining her impeccable facade. Though most still harbored resentment, her performance offered a sliver of reassurance. Eleanor, now calmer, recalled her earlier harshness and felt a pang of guilt. If she had wanted to meet Alexander instead of Harrison, it wasn't Victoria's fault, yet she had scorned her. Eleanor sighed inwardly; Victoria was such a diligent and forgiving daughter… She fetched a clean set of cutlery for her. “Sit, Victoria. You look thinner. You should rest at home these next few days and focus on your health.” “Thank you, Mother. Keeping busy is the only thing that makes me feel better. Actually, there is one more matter. I… Never mind. Let’s eat.” Victoria pretended to hesitate, then picked up her spoon. As anticipated, this only piqued their curiosity further.

Eleanor pressed, “What is it? You can tell us. We will help you.” “I… well, actually…” Victoria feigned reluctance, drawing out the pause. “I know my past actions were… disappointing. But many circumstances were beyond my control. Things would not have escalated so badly if someone hadn’t deliberately worked to sabotage my public image. I wasn’t sure if this person was targeting me specifically or the entire Montgomery family, so I launched a private investigation. We managed to interrogate an assistant, and she… She claimed…” Victoria trailed off, her expression growing troubled, as if she couldn’t bear to continue.

Penelope, ever the meddler, urged her on. “Victoria, who was it? Just tell us! We’ll deal with them!” “Yes. To be fair, this person is clearly malicious, constantly leaking those damaging clips. Just say the name,” Eleanor encouraged, her tone supportive. Victoria bit her lip, appearing genuinely conflicted and anxious before slowly uttering the name, her voice laced with feigned uncertainty…