Chapter 465

Victoria sobbed uncontrollably as she explained. “Everything was fabricated—I deceived Grandfather. I never abducted Benjamin. I merely assisted Benjamin in connecting with Takashi Yamamoto to train together in Westhaven. Benjamin had developed a passion for competitive gaming, and I only wanted to support his ambitions. The photographs I showed Grandfather were taken when he was instructed to remain in the basement. Takashi was helping him cultivate greater patience and focus…”

She pulled out her mobile device, displaying her message history with Takashi Yamamoto. The exchange was clearly visible: [Takashi Yamamoto: Ms. Kensington, please do not worry; I will ensure your brother's well-being. He is adjusting, though still acclimating to the new regimen.] Several images of the basement were attached. The space did indeed contain two high-end gaming computers. One photo showed Benjamin seated before a monitor, wearing headphones. Theodore Montgomery’s expression turned stormy. So Victoria had manipulated him? There had never been an actual kidnapping?

Benjamin was never abducted… It was all an elaborate scheme for Victoria to acquire the company shares? Eleanor didn’t immediately challenge the deception regarding the shares. Instead, she pressed, “You claimed Benjamin was in poor condition? Explain what happened.” “Waa…! It’s Isabella! She’s still not satisfied after publicly ruining my reputation! Now that all of you have transferred your shares to me, she’s consumed by fury! Last night, she went to Takashi Yamamoto’s residence and forcibly took Benjamin! He was perfectly fine when she took him, but after they returned to Westchester, Benjamin was rushed to the emergency room…”

Victoria wore a mask of profound worry and guilt, her body shaking with sobs. “She wants all of you to despise me! To blame me for abducting Benjamin and causing him harm! Waa… Benjamin is so young! How could she possibly injure him? He’s completely innocent!” She broke down into tears once more.

Eleanor and Richard were visibly stunned. True, Benjamin had been a profound disappointment to the family, but he was still their blood relative. They never wished any actual physical harm upon him.

Who could have imagined Isabella was capable of such a monstrous, inhuman act!

Richard’s voice was icy with contempt. “Prepare a car for Grace Memorial Hospital immediately! Ensure that ungrateful wretch Isabella is still there when we arrive!” Theodore followed them, his anxiety palpable. He had not seen the message Isabella had sent him.

At Grace Memorial Hospital.

After over an hour in the emergency room, Benjamin was finally transferred to a private ward. The lead physician approached Isabella, his tone deeply apologetic. “Ms. Montgomery, I regret to inform you that we have exhausted all immediate options. We have been unable to identify the specific toxin administered to Mr. Kensington. Based on his current vitals and neurological responses, it is highly probable he will not regain consciousness.”

Never wake up? A permanent vegetative state? Isabella’s brow furrowed deeply. “Explain. You cannot even trace the origin of the poison?” “We have drawn extensive blood samples for comprehensive analysis, but the results will require a minimum of seventy-two hours. This toxin is exceptionally complex. It appears to induce acute neurological death, directly attacking the central nervous system and cognitive functions. He is fortunate you initiated resuscitation procedures so promptly. Otherwise… Well.” He sighed heavily.

Isabella’s eyes darkened. Acute death? When she had boarded the private jet with Benjamin, there had been no signs of poisoning… Their environment had been secure.

At that moment, the rapid, heavy sound of approaching footsteps echoed down the corridor. Isabella turned. Theodore Montgomery, Richard, Eleanor, and Victoria were striding toward her, their faces contorted with pure, undiluted rage. They had evidently heard the doctor’s grave prognosis.