Chapter 44

Isabella's lips curved into a cool smile. "Penelope Kensington. What an unexpected surprise. You haven't aged a day."

"Mother—" Genevieve's face darkened at the compliment.

She'd always known Isabella was beautiful, but seeing her now after years apart was like a slap to the face. That flawless complexion, that effortless elegance—it made Genevieve's blood boil.

Then she remembered. What did it matter? Alexander Whitmore would never look at Isabella twice. His heart belonged only to Victoria.

The thought soothed her bruised ego.

Reginald Kensington cleared his throat. "Penelope, what brings you here?"

"We missed you, Uncle Reginald," Genevieve cut in sweetly. Then her eyes landed on the open jewelry case. "Oh! Is this the anniversary gift you commissioned for Aunt Eleanor? It's exquisite!"

Reginald nodded. "Indeed."

"You always go above and beyond for their anniversary," Genevieve gushed. "Such a devoted husband!"

A faint chuckle escaped Reginald.

Emily Donovan had pieced together exactly who these people were. "Vipers," she muttered under her breath. She grabbed Isabella's wrist. "Let's go."

"Isabella." Reginald stepped forward. "Eleanor still cares for you deeply. You and Victoria are sisters—"

A harsh laugh escaped Isabella. "Are you deliberately trying to ruin my day?"

"How dare—"

"Uncle Reginald, don't waste your breath." Genevieve smirked. "My sister wouldn't claim her as family either. Look at her—does she even belong in Victoria's league?"

She turned to Isabella with malicious glee. "You must be so proud of yourself for blocking Victoria from YodaVision. But guess what? The harder you push her away, the tighter Alexander holds on."

Her voice dripped with triumph. "When he heard how you and that YodaVision CEO bullied her, he stormed their headquarters immediately."

"Of course, things didn't go exactly as planned—he couldn't actually touch YodaVision. But to make it up to Victoria? He handed us a billion-dollar project. The same one your precious uncle begged for. Hilarious, isn't it?"

Isabella's nails dug into her palms.

Emily scoffed. "Has Alexander even married Victoria yet? Calling him so familiarly—how desperate can you be?"

"You—"

"Enough, Genevieve." Reginald held her back with a sigh. "Isabella, Victoria is revolutionizing AI at YodaVision. Stop this petty vendetta."

"Finished?" Isabella's gaze could freeze hell over. "Then get out of my sight."

Penelope finally spoke up. "Isabella, is that any way to speak to your father?"

Genevieve nodded vigorously. "No manners at all!"

Ice laced Isabella's voice. "Correct. I wasn't raised by mistresses like you."

"How dare—"

"Enough." Reginald's disappointment was palpable. "Let's go."

With a final glare, Reginald collected his jewelry box and swept out with Penelope and Genevieve in tow.