Chapter 191

The secretary hurriedly switched on the television, tuning it to the breaking news channel.

It was Elite World Report again.

Alexander Kingsley's expression darkened. Ever since losing the Westguard project, this news program had become a bitter reminder of his failures.

"Welcome to Elite World Report! Our top story tonight - international superstar Natalia Petrov has arrived in New York, drawing massive crowds of fans and media attention. Reports indicate Natalia came to fulfill her ailing mother's dying wish - to hold her wedding in her mother's hometown. The prestigious Windsor Estates and The Grand Marquis hotels have been locked in fierce competition to host this event. After days of intense negotiations, Natalia has finally made her choice."

Alexander's throat went dry as he stared unblinking at the screen.

"And the winner is... The Grand Marquis Hotel! Congratulations to The Grand Marquis for securing the rights to host Natalia Petrov's wedding!"

A leaden weight settled in Alexander's chest. His ears rang as a throbbing headache began.

Meanwhile, Victoria Sterling couldn't suppress her smirk.

For her, Alexander's failures only highlighted his incompetence - and increased her own chances of seizing power.

The broadcast then cut to Natalia's exclusive interview explaining her decision.

"Windsor Estates is undoubtedly an excellent hotel," Natalia said gracefully. "But I personally preferred The Grand Marquis' wedding planning proposal. This wasn't about the hotels' capabilities - simply a matter of personal preference."

Nathaniel Prescott couldn't bear to watch another second. He snatched the remote and violently turned off the television, slamming it onto the table.

"Enough! Wallowing in defeat won't change anything. We've lost completely! Not only did we fail to secure the wedding, but our promotional efforts last night ended up benefiting our rivals. How do you plan to fix this disaster?!"

Alexander's face was ashen. Before he could respond, Victoria quickly interjected, "Father, please don't upset yourself. Your health comes first."

She'd learned well from her mother Eleanor - defending Alexander now would only deepen Nathaniel's resentment. "Natalia herself said it was a personal choice, unrelated to Windsor Estates' quality. Alexander did his best. If anyone's to blame, it's that scheming witch Isabella Sinclair. She always finds ways to exploit our weaknesses."

"In business, all's fair in competition. Methods don't matter."

Alexander's icy gaze made Victoria shiver. "Isabella did nothing wrong. We were the ones who dropped our guard."

Victoria's eyes darkened, teeth clenched in frustration. They were already divorced, yet he still defended her. Where was this protectiveness before?

But this worked in her favor. The more he shielded Isabella, the faster he dug his own grave.

"Alexander, did you deliberately lose to Isabella?" Nathaniel demanded coldly.

"No." Alexander lowered his eyes.

"Let me make this clear - you're divorced from Isabella. She's no longer connected to the Prescott family! When you meet, you're business rivals, nothing more! That woman is cunning and ruthless, constantly causing trouble for us. I've tolerated her out of respect for your past relationship, but my patience has limits!" Nathaniel slammed his fist on the table, face flushed with anger.

Alexander stared at his father's furious expression, fists clenched tightly at his sides.

"Alexander! Are you defying me? What's with that look?!"

Nathaniel trembled, an uneasy chill running down his spine.

When Alexander's mother had committed suicide, she'd stared at him with those same cold, ruthless eyes!

Even now, seeing that gaze in his own son unsettled him deeply.

"I may be divorced from Isabella," Alexander said through gritted teeth, taking a threatening step forward, "but even if she's no longer my wife, you will not harm her."

Nathaniel's shoulders shook slightly as father and son stood locked in silent battle.

Victoria too was shaken by Alexander's intensity.

But she forced a calm smile, moving behind Nathaniel to massage his shoulders. "Father, let's not argue over Isabella. She may have won this round, but the game isn't over yet."

"Victoria, do you have a plan to turn this around?" Nathaniel seized on her implication.

"Father, if you give me full control of the Natalia project, I guarantee I'll make that woman regret crossing us!" Victoria declared confidently. "Even though she's announced her choice, wedding venues can always... change, can't they?"

Alexander's expression remained frigid.

He knew his sister well - ambitious but lacking the skill to match. Yet here she was, boldly challenging him as if victory was assured.

Someone was clearly pulling her strings.

"Excellent! This is why you're my most valued daughter - bold and resourceful!" Nathaniel chuckled approvingly, squeezing Victoria's hand. "The wedding project is yours! You'll need to coordinate with Alexander briefly. Alexander, you're stepping back from this one - I don't want your personal feelings interfering again. This is Victoria's show now!"

Alexander stood motionless, offering no response.

When it came to his successes, Nathaniel was stingy with praise. But failures? Punishment came swift and harsh.

First, because he despised this illegitimate son. Second, because he feared being overshadowed.

"Thank you for this opportunity, Father!" Victoria wrapped her arms around Nathaniel's neck, beaming.

"Succeed at this, and you'll be handsomely rewarded!" Nathaniel affectionately ruffled her hair. "What would you like? A beachfront villa? A luxury sports car?"

"Nothing so trivial." Victoria's eyes gleamed. "As your daughter and a Prescott, I want to contribute to our family legacy. If I secure this wedding, I'd like to be appointed General Manager of Windsor Estates. Given the chance, I'll prove my management skills rival Isabella's!"

Alexander's breath hitched, a cold smirk twisting his lips.

So that was her game.

"Done! Succeed here, and you'll have proven your capability. The hotel will be yours!" Nathaniel agreed without hesitation.

"Thank you, Father!" Victoria shot Alexander a triumphant glance, already envisioning his humiliating downfall once she took control.