Chapter 249: Reaping What They Sowed
William was no saint, but Laura—she was even worse.
A graduate of a prestigious university, yet she had chosen to become some rich man's mistress rather than build a real career. The internet had opinions about that.
"If I got into Havenbrook University, I'd be the pride of my family."
"If I graduated from Havenbrook and came out as someone's side piece? My mom would disown me on the spot."
The replies piled up in agreement. Clearly, the online masses shared Isabella's contempt for Laura.
Isabella sat in her study, casually scrolling through the chaos. A slow smile crept across her face as she read thread after thread of brutal takedowns.
No wonder people got addicted to the internet—watching strangers tear each other apart had a certain entertainment value, especially when you were personally invested in the outcome.
It was pure catharsis.
Meanwhile, Laura had taken to wearing oversized sunglasses and face masks every time she left the house.
Being recognized came with consequences she hadn't anticipated. The stares were bad enough, but the insults—those cut deeper.
One shopping trip ended with strangers cornering her near a boutique entrance, their voices dripping with mockery and disgust. Laura kept her head down, wishing she could disappear entirely. When the verbal assault escalated, she bolted, practically running back to the Montagu estate, one hand covering her face.
"What happened to you?" Henry had caught only a glimpse of her rushing past.
Laura mumbled something incoherent from the top of the staircase before disappearing into her room.
Henry turned to Sophia with a questioning look.
Sophia followed upstairs immediately. She knocked once, then let herself in.
"What's going on?"
The concern in Sophia's voice was all it took. Laura's composure shattered. Tears streamed down her face as she collapsed into the older woman's arms.
"Tell me," Sophia said gently, stroking Laura's hair. "Don't keep it bottled up."
"I just went out to buy a few things," Laura choked out between sobs. "And people on the street—they pointed at me, called me shameless, said I was—"
"That's enough." Sophia's jaw tightened. "I'm calling William right now. He's going to issue a public statement verifing your relationship. I'm not going to let him humiliate you like this."
One phone call later, William was summoned from the office.
He walked into the living room to find both his parents seated on the sofa, the air thick with tension.
"We promised," Sophia began icily, "that you'd stop seeing Isabella. And then you went online and publicly acknowledged your marriage to her. Is this how you keep your word?"
William's expression remained perfectly calm. "I was stating a fact."
"Do you have any idea how important Ascend Holdings is to this company?" “Laura is being attacked because of your negligence!” Sophia’s voice rose. This reflects badly on the entire family!"
William's dark eyes didn't waver. "Frankly, I don't care."
"William!" Sophia slammed her hand on the coffee table, her composure finally breaking. "Don't you understand what you've done?"
"You forced me into this position," William said coldly. "I never divorced Isabella. You pushed Laura on me. I could clarified that we weren't involved, but you insisted I marry her. You created this mess, not me."
"Laura was your choice," Sophia shot back.
"Was she?" William's tone turned bitter. "Let's be honest—if I hadn't betrayed Isabella in the first place, none of this would have happened. The internet is calling me a cheater because I am one. And you expect me to feel no guilt?"
Sophia stared at her son as if he were a stranger.
Henry's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "Like it or not, you were born into this family. Arranged marriages are part of the territory. Laura was someone you picked—someone you wanted. You're not the victim here."
He leaned forward slightly. "The online situation needs to be handled. Contact Isabella. Whatever she asks for, we'll agree to it—as long as she helps clean up this disaster."
Unlike Sophia's emotional appeals, Henry operated with cold precision. When he made a decision, there was no room for negotiation.
Under his parents' combined pressure, William pulled out his phone.
He dialed Isabella's number.
"This better be urgent," Isabella's voice was sharp with irritation.
William hesitated. "It's about... what's happening online."
Silence.
"We're willing to compensate you," William continued, his jaw clenched, "if you'd be willing to help clarify the situation publicly."
He hated himself for saying it, but part of him hoped she'd refuse—that it would finally sever the last thread connecting them.
Isabella didn't respond right away. When she finally spoke, there was laughter in her voice.
"I'm sorry—in what capacity are you asking me this, Mr. Montagu? We're in the middle of a divorce. Laura is your problem. Whether she's your girlfriend or your future wife, that's on you. If you want to fix your reputation, Call a PR firm."
"Isabella." Sophia’s voice cut in from the side. "You lived together for years. Surely there's still some affection between you. William's situation affects you too—and Olivia."
Isabella let out a short incredulous laugh..
"Are you people delusional? I'm the one who got cheated on, and you want me to clean up your mess? Have you completely lost your minds?"