Chapter 485

The Montgomery family, if Isabella chose to save them, would be valued at nearly two hundred billion. That figure would skyrocket once their other assets were included. Though the Montgomery Group carried heavy debt, its proprietary technologies and dedicated workforce were irreplaceable. With sufficient capital infusion and retaining their core team, the Montgomery Group could swiftly reclaim its former prestige. If Isabella gained sole ownership, the rest of the family would be entirely dependent on her, stripped of their shares. They would lose all annual dividends.

Theodore Montgomery shot Sophia a cold glare. "If you can produce fifty billion to rescue this family, then you may claim the Montgomery Group."

Sophia fell silent. If she possessed that kind of wealth, she wouldn't be standing here pleading.

Theodore turned to Richard. "Remember, our only objective is to apologize. Whether she agrees to help is secondary."

"Understood, Father. We know our place after everything that's happened," Richard assured him. Eleanor sighed heavily beside them. "I'm still too ashamed to face her..."

Even a simple apology felt impossible while they were destitute. Asking for financial salvation was an even greater humiliation. Given their past mistreatment and the mountain of debt, how could Isabella possibly agree?

"Eleanor, you must go." Beatrice entered from the adjacent ward. She offered comfort, "An apology to Isabella is necessary. The Montgomerys cannot continue like this. We've exhausted every contact; no one will assist us. If Isabella provides the funds, as Theodore stated, all Montgomery assets and shares become hers. Furthermore, she can receive half of the Kensington family's fortune."

The Kensington family?

That was Beatrice's lineage, which included Eleanor's father—Isabella's great-grandfather. The Kensingtons were centuries-old ceramic developers, producing and supplying exquisite pieces. Their work was classified as nationally protected artifacts, with legends stating their ancestors crafted for royalty. However, the market for such cultural art was niche. Mass-produced commercial ceramics had overshadowed them, despite their superior value and heritage.

Eleanor frowned. "Would Grandfather truly agree to give half his estate to Isabella? That's at least thirty billion!"

"A sigh... You don't understand. Your grandfather only had your uncle and me. Your uncle was meant to inherit, but... he and his wife could never have children. They're in their late sixties now, still childless—too traditional to consider adoption. With no heir, the estate's future troubles him deeply. When I spoke to him today and mentioned Isabella, he expressed confidence in her. He's willing to grant her half," Beatrice explained.

After all, Eleanor was Senior Kensington's granddaughter, making Isabella his great-granddaughter. She was the youngest direct descendant of his bloodline.

A flicker of hope sparked in Eleanor. "With half the Kensington assets... Isabella would only need to provide around twenty billion to save the Montgomerys. Perhaps she'll agree... I'll speak with her."

Sophia seethed with envy. Isabella was so fortunate to have a great-grandfather ready to bequeath his fortune. Why was she so blessed?

Why didn't she have a generous great-grandfather like that?

Outside the ward, an elegant figure halted. Vivienne had come to Grace Memorial Hospital to visit a friend and had coincidentally overheard the entire conversation. Her fists clenched tightly.