Chapter 459

At the racetrack, Isabella single-handedly exposed the entire Vanderbilt Group's scandal!

As the patriarch of the Vanderbilt family, Reginald issued an ultimatum to Nathaniel—let Isabella rot in jail. If Nathaniel interfered again, he would disown him as his son, permanently!

But Nathaniel had his own agenda. Abandoning Isabella now would only fuel the media frenzy. They'd paint him as heartless, a ruthless capitalist who discarded women like pawns.

From his arranged marriage to the Sinclair heiress, to whispers of Eleanor's depression and tragic end, and now Isabella—implicated in drug use and dragged off in handcuffs—he couldn’t bear the world’s judgment. The narrative was clear: any woman tied to Nathaniel was doomed.

For his own reputation, he couldn’t let Isabella be branded a criminal. What Nathaniel didn’t expect was Alexander bypassing him entirely, calling an emergency board meeting without his approval.

And at that meeting, Alexander officially stripped Isabella of her executive position! By the time Nathaniel arrived, it was over. The executives stood in silence as he stormed in.

"Alex, you owe me an explanation. Who gave you the authority to call this meeting without consulting me?!" Nathaniel’s fury was palpable.

"It was a standard corporate meeting, nothing unusual."

Alexander leaned back, spinning a pen between his fingers, his gaze unreadable. "As CEO, am I not entitled to preside over daily operations? Why the sudden outrage?"

"You overstepped! Dismissing Isabella without my approval violates protocol!" Nathaniel’s face burned with anger.

"There was no time."

Alexander’s voice was ice. "The public is waiting for Vanderbilt’s response. Three days of silence have already damaged our reputation. As CEO, I had to act. Unless you still intend to save Isabella, in which case—you’re the one defying reason."

"Alexander!"

"Isabella—embezzler, repeat offender, now a suspected drug user—does she deserve to remain an executive? Does she think Vanderbilt is her personal bank?" Alexander scoffed.

"The police haven’t confirmed anything! This could be a setup!"

The board members exchanged uneasy glances.

"And what kind of setup involves her willingly injecting herself with drugs?"

"That’s the inconsistency! It’s too perfect—Isabella isn’t reckless!"

The moment Nathaniel blurted it out, he regretted it. Had he just implied Isabella had only avoided consequences because she was careful?

The room’s disapproval thickened.

Alexander stood, straightening his tie. "The decision is final. The entire company knows she’s been terminated. There’s no taking it back."

He moved to leave.

"Alexander, don’t forget your place! I’m still the Chairman. I decide who leads this company!"

Nathaniel pointed at him, trembling with rage. "You think you’re untouchable? I put you in that seat, and I can replace you with Oliver in a heartbeat!"

The room held its breath.

The Vanderbilt father-son feud was no secret, but this public showdown was unprecedented.

Alexander, though formidable, had delivered undeniable results. Under him, Vanderbilt’s profits had soared.

To threaten his position over Isabella? It reeked of irrational favoritism.

Once, such words would have enraged Alexander. But now, his priorities had shifted.

Vanderbilt was no longer his everything. His Seraphina was worth a thousand times more.

"Going forward, I don’t care who runs Vanderbilt. But as long as I’m CEO, Isabella will face consequences. No one stops me."

With that, Alexander strode out, leaving Nathaniel seething.

Outside, the city lights flickered to life.

Alexander slumped into his car, exhaling heavily.

"Mr. Vanderbilt, that was legendary!" Gordon grinned, buzzing with adrenaline.

"Legendary comes with a price," Alexander muttered, rubbing his temples.

"Worth it! Besides, Mr. Oliver Vanderbilt? The man faints at the sight of blood. If he even steps foot in New York, he’d flee back to Europe within a week!" Gordon chuckled. "And now that you and Mrs. Vanderbilt are reconciled, you’ve got the Sinclair empire backing you. Once you’re married, your father-in-law is the chairman of Sinclair Holdings. With your brothers-in-law—mythic heroes compared to mere mortals—who would dare challenge you? Your throne is secure!"

"Are you suggesting I live off Seraphina’s wealth?" Alexander’s eyes narrowed dangerously.

Gordon paled. "N-No! I just meant—strategic alliances!"

Alexander smirked. "Gordon, one day I’ll introduce you to Dr. Lockwood. A neurologist. You might need a checkup."

Gordon laughed nervously. Since Alexander had been with Seraphina, he’d mellowed. Before, he’d have fired Gordon on the spot. Now, he almost seemed... amused.

Alexander closed his eyes, chest tight. Years of fighting for Vanderbilt, only to be treated as disposable.

"Drive. Let’s go home."

His voice softened. "I miss her. So much."

——

That evening, Seraphina hummed as she stirred a pot, wincing at the ache in her back. Olivia was out visiting a friend, leaving Seraphina alone.

Injured and sore, she still refused to stay in bed. She wanted Alexander to come home to a warm meal.

She chuckled, remembering her old plan to win him over through cooking.

How naive. True love didn’t need gourmet meals. The right person would adore you even at your worst.

Lost in thought, she didn’t notice Alexander approaching.

"Ah!"

She gasped as his arms wrapped around her, his warmth enveloping her.

"I leave for a few hours, and you’re already misbehaving. You should be resting." His grip was firm, almost painful, but she didn’t protest.

His breath at her neck was warm, ticklish. She frowned. "Have you been smoking?"

"Seraphina, I’m sorry. I couldn’t help it." His voice was rough with regret. "It won’t happen again."

"Something’s bothering you." She turned in his arms, searching his face.

"Nothing."

"Did Mr. Reginald Vanderbilt give you trouble today?"

Alexander laughed ruefully. "Do you have me bugged?"

"Obviously." She poked his chest. "Was it about Isabella?"

"I terminated her today. Reginald wasn’t happy. He’s determined to protect her."

His tone was casual as he tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "But don’t worry. I won’t let him. Isabella will pay."

"Mr. Reginald isn’t protecting her. He’s protecting his own reputation. What would people say about a man whose women keep falling from grace?"

"I know. My father’s greatest talent is his selfishness."

A wave of discomfort crossed his face. "But once we’re married, we’ll leave the Vanderbilt estate."

Married?!

Seraphina’s heart raced, cheeks flushing.

"If you want to stay near your family, we’ll live in Skyrim. Or if you prefer, we’ll buy a place near your grandfather." His eyes sparkled with plans.

"Grandfather called the other day. Said he’s tired of New York’s gossip. He’s considering moving to Skyrim with me." She fluttered her lashes playfully.

"Whatever you want." He surrendered, kissing her softly.

Breath mingled, promises sealed.

When they parted, Seraphina teased, "If we live in Skyrim, your commute will be hell. Four hours daily."

"I’ll take a chopper. Gordon can’t fly, but I can. Doesn’t matter. As long as you’re happy."

Tears glistened in her eyes. Yet, she sensed his lingering tension.

"Seraphina, you’re already planning our future. Does that mean you’ll marry me?" He pinched her cheek.

"As if." She huffed. What kind of proposal was this? So lazy!

——

Meanwhile, at the precinct, Adrian was cornered.

Isabella’s detention period was ending. Vanderbilt’s lawyers and his superiors were pressuring him to release her on bail within two hours!

Time was running out.

Sebastian strolled out of interrogation, smirking as he lounged at Adrian’s desk. "Captain Lockwood, I know you want revenge for your sister. But the law treats everyone equally. Your vendetta only proves your lack of professionalism."

"You’re calling her an innocent civilian?" Adrian’s glare could cut glass. "Sebastian, your eyes or your brain must be full of shit to spout such nonsense."

Sebastian reddened but kept his cool. "File a complaint if you dare."

Adrian scoffed. How could two brothers be so different? Julian was decent. Sebastian? A snake.

"Resisting is pointless. Two hours won’t change anything." Sebastian checked his watch. "Might as well quit and go back to being a spoiled heir."

"Even two hours—Isabella stays until the last second."

Sebastian shrugged. "Suit yourself. Doesn’t interfere with my dinner plans."

Adrian’s fists clenched under the desk.

Just then, an officer rushed in.

"Captain Lockwood! A confession!"

"About what?"

"Isabella’s case. The man claims he supplied the drugs—and has proof!"

Adrian’s pulse spiked. Sebastian froze.

"Who is he?!"

As the question hung in the air, Victor strode in, smirking.