Chapter 296

Victoria kept her gaze fixed on the floor. Defending Maxwell was the last thing on her mind when she was already drowning in her own mess. The only reason Evelyn had confronted her was because he had failed to complete his task.

Once Maxwell was escorted out of the office, Victoria finally spoke in a trembling voice, "Alexander, please let me handle this."

As a Montgomery, she still had some authority—or so she thought.

"Victoria, you have no right to interfere. And more importantly, why are you targeting this family?"

Alexander was baffled. What reason did she have to go after Evelyn?

Victoria's expression hardened. "Evelyn came between Nathaniel and me. Who does she think she is? I was just giving her a warning."

In that moment, Alexander remembered the Fleur International Design Competition. Evelyn had won first place, only to be accused of cheating.

When Victoria had claimed it was a misunderstanding, he had believed her. But now, it was clear—she had orchestrated it deliberately.

It was time to cut ties.

Alexander exhaled sharply, his decision final.

"Victoria, I mentioned dissolving your adoption before. Sign the papers now."

Victoria froze. She hadn’t expected him to bring this up now.

Her voice turned pleading. "I'm not married to Nathaniel yet. Didn't you say you'd only dissolve the adoption after I married him? Because then I'd have someone to rely on?"

But Nathaniel had called off their engagement because of Julian. Shouldn't the Montgomery family still take responsibility for her?

Without hesitation, Alexander pulled a file from his desk and slid it toward her.

"Sign it."

Victoria had crossed a line. Alexander couldn’t keep her in the family after what she had done to Evelyn.

Victoria glared at the documents.

"Alexander, are you really this desperate to get rid of me?"

"Victoria, this is the end. You're no longer fit to be a Montgomery."

If she stayed, the conflict with Evelyn would only escalate. How would they explain that?

"At least give me a reason! Don’t tell me it’s because of that scheming little witch, Evelyn!"

Victoria finally noticed the shift in Alexander’s demeanor whenever Evelyn was mentioned.

Alexander’s face darkened instantly.

"Victoria, since when did you become so vulgar?"

"Oh, did I strike a nerve? Julian was fooled by her, and now you’re under her spell too?"

Victoria was losing control. The adoption dissolution agreement was her worst nightmare.

Her only power came from being the Montgomery heiress.

Without that status, where would she stand in Bern City? She wouldn’t even have a chance with Nathaniel anymore.

Alexander frowned.

"I have no idea what you’re talking about. Evelyn isn’t a liar."

He knew her well. She was kind, genuine—nothing like the venomous accusations Victoria was spewing. His patience with Victoria had run out.

"Evelyn is nothing but a liar! She was tangled up with Daniel, and now she’s wrapped Julian around her finger! She’s a shameless, two-timing—"

"Enough!" Alexander’s palm struck her cheek before she could finish.