Chapter 444

The realization struck not just Diana and Victoria, but the entire Kensington clan. Genevieve sneered first. "I told you she was all smoke and mirrors. None of you wanted to listen." Penelope chimed in with a chuckle, "Who could've imagined she'd have the audacity to pull such a stunt in front of everyone? Right, Victoria?" Though Victoria remained silent, the corners of her lips curled into a knowing smirk.

Genevieve's voice turned singsong. "This means once that gold-digger gets divorced, she'll never make it into the Graves family." If Isabella Sinclair's supposed talents were fabricated, her chances of marrying into elite circles would vanish. The thought visibly lifted Diana, Genevieve, and their companions' spirits.

Inside the chauffeured Mercedes, Diana smoothed her skirt with satisfaction. "Next Wednesday marks the end of the cooling-off period. The moment Alexander returns from Salzburg, those divorce papers get signed." Genevieve practically vibrated with excitement. "Finally!" Even as an outsider, she felt electric anticipation crackle through her veins.

For years, she'd addressed Alexander as "brother-in-law," convinced of his undying devotion to Victoria. Yet the legal shackles binding him to Isabella had always needled her conscience. Diana and Eleanor shared the sentiment. Despite Alexander and Victoria's picture-perfect relationship, that unbroken marital tie to Isabella rankled like a pebble in a designer shoe.

If mere spectators found the arrangement distasteful, Victoria's torment ran deeper. Initially, she'd dismissed the marriage as inconsequential—Alexander's palpable disdain for Isabella made her feel secure in her superiority. What threat could that pathetic woman possibly pose?

But everything changed when Isabella started demonstrating genuine business acumen. Worse still was witnessing Alexander's gradual shift in attitude toward his estranged wife. That legal bond transformed from a triviality to a barbed wire around Victoria's heart.

Genevieve's question sliced through her thoughts. "When's Alexander due back from his trip?" The inquiry conjured yesterday's humiliation—Alexander detouring to see Isabella before departing without so much as a text to Victoria.

Acid churned in Victoria's stomach. Salzburg's annual fiscal reviews always consumed Alexander's attention. Perhaps she was reading too much into his radio silence. "His schedule remains fluid," she answered coolly. Genevieve's brow furrowed. "He won't miss the deadline, will he?" Diana waved a dismissive hand. "Business trips get extended. What difference does a few days make?" The divorce would happen regardless.

Genevieve nodded, but Victoria remained silent. Back in her penthouse, she dialed Alexander's private line. Again. Straight to voicemail. The crystal tumbler in her hand met the marble countertop with a violent crack.