Chapter 17
At Montgomery Group headquarters.
Isabella had just left the boardroom. Lucas had dragged her into a meeting in the morning, her head still swimming with financial reports and data.||
“Mrs. Montgomery,” the assistant hurried over. Dominic Hinion is downstairs. He said he needs to see you.”
Isabella paused mid–step, then replied with practiced calm. Tell him I’m busy and don’t have time
The assistant hesitated, biting her lip. “But Mr. Hinton said it’s urgent. He said he won’t leave until he talks to you.“]
After a moment of silence, Isabella finally headed toward the elevators.
In the lobby, Dominic stood by the floor–to–ceiling windows, his silhouette looking isolated and bes
Hearing footsteps, he spun
around, his eyes locking onto her immediately:||
Isabella_
She stopped at a safe distance. “What do you want? |
Dominic’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. After a moment, he spoke hoarsely. “I found your ring-
Isabella’s eyes flickered before returning to t
their composed state
That’s it? That’s what you came here to?”
It was your mother’s only heirloom,” Dominic said, his voice beginning to tremble. You sold it without hesitation just to buy me a decent suit for interviews
Isabella looked at him silently, not denying it.
Dominic’s eyes reddened as he took a step toward her. He tried to hug her. “I’m so sorry… L.. “||
“Mr. Hinton“]
A cool voice cut him off.]]
Lucas strode out of the elevator, his gaze sharp as a blade
He walked directly to Isbella’s side, his arm sliding naturally around her waist. The way he held her was intimate and possessive
“You seen confused about boundaries, Mr. Hinton. This isn’t a place for a reunion.
Luces wore a smile that never reached his eyes.
“If you have business to discus, you’re welcome to make an appointment.”
Duminke stared at the hand resting on Isabella’s waist, his fists clenched until his knuckles whitened []
“What’s between Isabella and me is none of your inusiness
Lucas arched a brow, eyes sparkling with smug amusement, “Oh? But Isabella is my wife now. Her business is my business.”
Fury churned in Donnie’s eyes as he hissed. “Lucas Montgomery, you’re crossing a fucking line.
Lucas let out a cold laugh, refusing to back down.
“Crossing a line? Funny, coming from the guy who left her by the roadside to go chase after another woman.“[]
Dominic’s breath caught. He couldn’t oven deny it. He turned to Isabella, His voice humbled, almost pleading
sabrlin, please, just… talk to me. just for a minute.“1
Isabella remained a coal attitude throughout the whole scene play out.
She didn’t say a word until Dominie looked at her again. Her words stabbed into his heart like a knife
your regret has nothing to do with me anymore.”
Dominic stood frozen as he watched her turn away and walked away with Lucas
This time, she didn’t look back once
Dominic left the Montgomery Group Ilding in defeat. His phone rang–Chloe calling. He stood motionless, letting it ring until it went to voicemail]
This apparently enraged her. Within seconds, his phone exploded with notifications.
The messages evolved from questioning to demanding, from pleading to cursing ||
Dominic simply turned off his phone and tossed it onto the back seat. He stared up at the towering Montgomery headquarters, as if he could somehow see past the distance to Isabella herself.
The next day.]
The second Isabella walked into the Montgomery building, she noticed 1 the strange looks coming from all directions |
The receptionist’s smille seemed forced. And the moment she stepped into the elevator, the other employees immediately fell silent, exchanging meaningful glances
Isabella frowned slightly. When she pushed open her office door, her assistant jumped to her feet and rushed over.
Miss. Bennett, have you seem today’s financial headlines?“||
“What’s going on?]
The assistant handed her a tablet. Bold headline screaming across the screen
The Calculated Rise of Mrs. Montgomery Seven Years as a substitute, Now a Gold–Digging Social Climber!“[]
The article featured old photos of her with Dominic alongside pictures from her wedding to Lucas.]
The content was sensationalized, claiming Isabella had been nothing but Chloe’s “replacement.” She used Dominic’s downfall to worm her way into his life, only to dump him for Lucas when the power dynamics shifted.
Most damaging was the final section, which insinuated her marriage to Lucas had ulterior motives” and hinted at “illet financial transfers within Montgomery Group]
It was essentially accusing her of being a corporate spy who married Lucas with malicious intent ||
Isabella felt a chill run through her, but maintained her composure.
she set down the tablet her voice remarkably steady. “How’s the stock?”
Her assistant replied anxiously. It dropped three percent at opening and it’s still falling-
bella closed her eyes.
Chloe’s revenge was wilt. And it was brutal
