Chapter 467

Theodore Montgomery stared at Isabella, his expression deeply troubled. He wanted to believe her. He truly did. But every single piece of evidence pointed directly at her. It was a devastating blow. Her continued silence, her refusal to answer his calls, only made everything appear worse.

For years, Victoria had been the dependable one. She always answered, no matter the time or place. She checked in, she reassured him. She made him feel cared for.

Isabella was different. Since her return, she was a ghost in the manor. Rare visits. Even rarer calls. He was an old man. His heart craved simple respect and affection from his grandchildren. If Isabella truly held such malice for the Montgomerys… if she felt nothing for them… the thought shattered him.

Isabella met his gaze, her own solemn. She was not like Victoria. She didn't deal in pretty words and empty promises. Her proof was always in her actions. She had given her word she would save Benjamin. She intended to keep it.

She never anticipated this.

A heavy weight settled in her chest. What could she possibly say to him now? How could she explain this tangled web?

Would the one person in this family who had shown her genuine trust ever believe her again?

A long, weary sigh finally escaped Theodore. "We will discuss this when Benjamin wakes," he declared, his voice heavy with exhaustion. "His recovery is our only priority now. Richard, use every resource. Contact the finest medical specialists globally. Money is no object."

Richard nodded, though his sharp, blade-like glare never left Isabella. "This isn't over. Once he's conscious, we will have our answers. Be ready with those transfer documents." He turned on his heel and strode away.

Eleanor was equally furious. Her face was a mask of cold rage. "Your grandfather's patience is not ours! Get out. We will care for Benjamin. You are no longer a part of this family. Do not ever call me your mother again. I regret the day we brought such a viper into our home!"

Her words were ice, meant to wound.

Before Isabella could respond, Victoria clutched her arm, her voice a trembling whisper. "Mother, please… don't say such things. You'll upset Isabella…"

A cold, mocking laugh escaped Isabella's lips. Her eyes locked onto Victoria's feigned concern. "Enjoy your performance while it lasts, Victoria. It ends the moment Benjamin opens his eyes."

Her tone was a promise, laced with frost.

She turned and walked out, leaving a chill in her wake.

Victoria felt a shiver of genuine fear. Could he really wake up? It was supposed to be impossible. Takashi Yamamoto had guaranteed the poison was lethal. Keeping him alive was a miracle in itself. Waking? Unthinkable. She just needed two more days. Then she would be gone from Westchester forever. Benjamin simply could not wake before then.

A dark, oppressive cloud seemed to follow Isabella out of Grace Memorial Hospital. Her family placed Victoria on a pedestal. She was the golden child, beloved since infancy. Her words were gospel.

Victoria was the poisoner. Yet she had masterfully twisted the narrative, painting herself the victim. Isabella, no matter what she did, was always viewed with suspicion and disdain.

They were her blood. Her parents. And yet…

No. Panic was a luxury she couldn't afford. Demanding a DNA test now would only make her look utterly unhinged. She had to wait. Just a little longer. The truth would surface. It had to.