Chapter 55

Isabella Montgomery stood silently, her gentle nature usually hidden beneath a calm exterior. But when it came to Sophia Kensington, her protective instincts surged fiercely.

She stepped forward, her voice soft yet unwavering. "Father, I understand Sophia's actions were unacceptable. But she wasn't entirely wrong in her feelings. We've cared for Isabella all these years. Shouldn't there be some acknowledgment? That diamond mine she discovered... Even if she chooses not to share it, shouldn't she have at least informed us?"

"Precisely," Gregory Kensington declared, his voice booming across the room. The second son of the Kensington family never missed an opportunity to express his opinions. "It's like forgetting the hands that fed you. Not only has she forgotten, but she's also biting those very hands!"

The atmosphere grew thick with condemnation toward Isabella.

Victoria Kensington saw her chance to play the compassionate mediator. She moved gracefully toward William Kensington, the family patriarch. "This isn't entirely fair," she interjected softly. "We can't blame Isabella for her secrecy. She never felt connected to us. But she would have told Grandfather."

She poured tea into William's cup with practiced elegance. "Grandfather always showed her such kindness. She respected him deeply. It doesn't make sense that she would keep this from him." Victoria's voice took on a coaxing tone. "Grandfather, isn't that true? Please tell them Isabella confided in you."

William's expression tightened. Speak for Isabella? Say what?

This was a massive discovery, yet she had never mentioned it. All these years, he had worried about her solitary life in Africa. He had instructed Reginald Thornton to monitor her wellbeing. He reserved those fifteen percent shares for her, protecting her interests against family pressure.

And Isabella...

Victoria noticed his hesitation. A flicker of triumph crossed her eyes, quickly masked by feigned concern. "Grandfather? Don't tell me she kept you in the dark as well?"

Before William could respond, Eleanor Kensington cut in sharply. "The audacity! Everyone knows how well you treated her. How could she hide something so important from you? This is unbelievable!"

"She's spread her wings now," Gregory sneered. "She wants to fly far away from us. Why would she share her wealth or her diamond mine?"

Emboldened by the family's outrage, Sophia looked at William with wounded eyes. "Grandfather, she doesn't value you. Why do you still defend her?"

"I may be impulsive, but I am your true granddaughter. Your blood flows in my veins. I've always used my allowance to buy you gifts."

"And Isabella? What has she ever done for you? Will you really punish me for someone who doesn't consider you family?"

William's mind drifted to memories of Sophia. Arrogant, yes, but she always showed him respect. Isabella, on the other hand...

In his advanced years, material wealth meant little. He craved genuine affection from his grandchildren. For five years, Isabella had sent no word. He had always treated his adopted granddaughter as his own. But did she ever see him as her grandfather?

"Who claims I don't consider Grandfather family?"

A clear, resonant voice echoed from the doorway. All heads turned. Isabella Montgomery stood there, her posture regal. She wore a crimson high-waisted dress that accentuated her slender figure and endless legs. She was, as always, breathtakingly stunning.

Jealousy coiled in Victoria's gut. Why did Isabella have to be so flawlessly beautiful? Victoria would give anything to shatter that perfect face and break those elegant legs.

She suppressed her venom and approached Isabella with false warmth. "Isabella, you've arrived just in time. Please, explain everything to Grandfather. I'm sure you had your reasons for cutting contact. I believe you had reasons for not telling him about the diamond mine. Grandfather always favored you. If you explain, he will understand."

Her words were crafted to seem supportive, but they only fueled the family's anger. Even William looked at Isabella with profound disappointment and hurt.

Isabella positioned herself at the room's center, facing their accusatory glares. Her sharp gaze swept over the assembly before settling on Victoria and Sophia. "Are you both certain I made no contact with Grandfather these past five years?" Her voice was laced with icy mockery.

Her intense stare made Sophia shift uncomfortably. A flash of guilt appeared in Sophia's eyes before she defiantly lifted her chin. "Are we mistaken? Grandfather knows the truth! Tell them, Grandfather! Did Isabella ever call? Did she ever send a gift? You worried constantly. You sent her money regularly. And she shows nothing but ingratitude!"

As anticipated, William's eyes clouded with deeper disappointment. His disillusionment with Isabella was now painfully visible.