Chapter 237: Never Again
The police arrived swiftly. After hearing the whole story, their expressions grew helpless.
"This is a domestic dispute. There's really nothing we can do to resolve it," one officer explained to William, his tone patient but firm.
"My wife and I are the legal guardians of these two children. Someone took them without our consent and is now refusing to let us see them. Doesn't that constitute kidnapping?" William's voice was calm and logical.
To the officers, however, this sounded like nonsense.
"Whatever issues you're having within your family can be worked out among yourselves. We're here to mediate, not to solve your personal conflicts."
Isabella cut in sharply. "We're about to get divorced. Technically speaking, custody of our daughter belongs to me."
The officer gave her an odd look. "About to get divorced means you're not divorced yet. As long as you're legally married, you're still husband and wife in the eyes of the law."
Besides, Sophia was the children's grandmother. This wasn't a situation they could easily intervene in.
Isabella shot William a venomous glare.
Seeing the police at a loss, Sophia actually laughed.
"I've already told you—it doesn't matter who you bring here today. My terms remain unchanged. Agree to be with Laura, and I'll return both children to you."
The officer sighed. "Mrs. Montagu, you should try to understand their position instead of escalating this conflict. This isn't the way to maintain family relationships."
The standoff dragged on. Sophia had a servant bring out a chair, and she sat down right in the middle of the gateway like a sentry, clearly prepared to stay there until the end of time.
Julia tugged on Richard's hand, staring at the scene in confusion.
"Richard, why are they fighting like this?"
Richard had no easy answer for someone else's family drama. He simply patted Julia's head gently.
"This is the tragedy of adulthood, sweetheart. Life beats people down until they realize that true freedom requires absolute power."
Julia nodded slowly, not quite understanding. Her gaze drifted to Isabella's trembling shoulders, and her eyes filled with worry.
The tension continued to mount. Neither side would budge—both had reasons they simply couldn't back down.
The two patrol officers exchanged a glance, then radioed their superiors to report the situation. After a brief conversation, they left the Montagu estate.
Finally, Laura emerged from the house. She took her place beside Sophia, staring at Isabella and William with a complicated expression.
In terms of appearance, Isabella and William were an undeniably perfect match.
Handsome and beautiful. Talented and accomplished. Even the children they had together were flawlessly adorable.
A flash of jealousy sparked in Laura's chest.
Isabella had obtained everything Laura desperately wanted without even trying. Not just marrying into wealth, but fame as the legendary racer Victoria, and now the prestigious title of lead researcher at Infinity Ventures.
Compared to Isabella, Laura's entire life suddenly felt pathetic. Worthless.
The thing she'd fought tooth and nail to possess was nothing more than a man Isabella didn't even want.
"Mrs. Montagu," Laura began, her voice dripping with false sincerity, "I've been thinking... maybe we're pushing William too hard. Everything needs an adjustment period, doesn't it? Perhaps we should let this go for now. Let the children go home with their parents."
The moment Laura opened her mouth, her nauseating act made Isabella's stomach turn.
"Look at Laura's generosity and understanding," Sophia said, turning to William with profound disappointment. "She's the partner you deserve."
"I'm offering you a chance to reach heights you've never imagined. Ascend Holdings could transform Summit Holdings into a global powerhouse that spans continents. You would become a name forever celebrated in our family's history."
To Sophia, William's behavior was nothing short of foolish and childish.
The international standing and wealth of Ascend Holdings Ltd. was beyond what most wealthy families could even comprehend.
"Look at that woman standing beside you—she won't even spare you a glance. Meanwhile Laura is devoted to you heart and soul, and you can't even appreciate it?"
William's expression remained completely unchanged. If anything, a hint of contempt flickered at the corner of his mouth.
"Bring Nathan and Olivia out here!" Sophia commanded the servants sharply.
A servant carried Olivia out in her arms. The little girl's eyes were red and swollen. The moment she spotted Isabella, her tiny face crumpled and she burst into tears.
Hearing his sister cry, Nathan couldn't hold back either. He broke down sobbing.
The children's overlapping wails were heartbreaking. Isabella felt an invisible hand crushing her chest, squeezing her heart until she could barely breathe.
"Look at your son and daughter," Sophia said coldly. "Tell me honestly—do you really not care about their feelings at all? You'd rather keep them here with me than give up your so-called principles?"
She gestured for the servant to move closer.
Whether it was psychological or not, Isabella felt the crying grow louder. Her heart twisted and burned with unbearable pain.
"William, just agree to what Mrs. Montagu wants!" Laura shouted at him. "Nathan and Olivia are crying their hearts out! Even if you don't feel sorry for them, I do!"
Richard glanced at William with narrowed eyes.
Though none of this was his business, Richard couldn't help but notice that William no longer carried himself with his former confidence. The proud, untouchable CEO looked utterly defeated.
Even as an outsider, Richard found the scene painful to witness.
A mother-son relationship twisted into something this hostile and sharp—it didn't bode well for the Montagu family's future.
Finally, under everyone's watchful gaze, William lowered his head.
He had lost. "I... I accept your terms."
Sophia and Laura's faces lit up with unrestrained triumph. Sophia immediately signaled for the servants to bring the children forward.
Isabella practically snatched Olivia from the servant's arms and held her tight. A silent tear slid down her cheek.
"Let's get out of here," Richard urged quietly.
Before turning to leave with her daughter, Isabella fixed William with a red-eyed glare. Her voice came out raw and hoarse.
"Stay away from me. Both of you. I mean it."
With that, Isabella followed Richard away from the estate in long, determined strides.
Olivia clung to her mother desperately, her voice still thick with tears. "Mommy, I was so scared!"
Isabella gently stroked her daughter's hair. "I will never let you be hurt like this again. Never. I promise."