Chapter 106

The glasses clinked as everyone drained their drinks.

Suddenly, the television in the private room flickered to life with a breaking news report. A poised anchor held her microphone, announcing, "Tonight, authorities have apprehended a criminal involved in child molestation and attempted rape, along with a suspected accomplice."

The screen cut to footage of Vincent Blackwood, his head concealed beneath a black hood, being shoved into a police car. Then, the camera panned to Victoria, her hands cuffed as officers led her away.

The three businessmen didn't recognize Vincent, but they knew Victoria instantly. Their expressions froze mid-conversation.

"Theodore," one of them muttered, "doesn't that woman look like your wife?"

Theodore, who had been pouring another round of wine, halted. His gaze snapped to the screen.

There she was—Victoria.

His face paled. The glass trembled in his grip.

The anchor continued, voice dripping with disdain, "If you're wondering who the biggest fool of the decade is, look no further. This woman sold out her own daughter just to chase after a man. The sheer audacity is staggering."

Theodore stood motionless, his jaw clenched.

The businessmen exchanged glances, their smiles vanishing. Without a word, they pushed back their chairs and stood.

"Gentlemen, wait—" Theodore called after them, but it was too late.

Lawrence, Winston, and Oliver merely smirked. "Theodore," Lawrence said dryly, "your family certainly knows how to make headlines."

Then they were gone.

Victoria had become the laughingstock of the city—and now, so had Theodore.

With a furious roar, he hurled his glass to the floor, shattering it into glittering shards.

His phone buzzed—a soft, melodic ringtone.

Isabella.

"Dad!" Her voice was frantic. "The press conference was a disaster! Mom's been arrested—you need to get a lawyer and bail her out now!"

It was past midnight when Theodore arrived at the police station, his lawyer in tow.

Victoria looked haggard, her face drained of color. This was her first time behind bars.

"Theodore, please, let me explain—"

His palm cracked across her cheek before she could finish.

Her head snapped to the side, a vivid red mark blooming on her skin.

Theodore's voice was a venomous hiss. "You've made me a joke in front of my associates. How am I supposed to show my face in business circles now? This is your doing, Victoria. You've humiliated me."

Victoria clutched her stinging cheek, too stunned to speak.

Rage burned through her. This was all Harrison's fault.

Isabella watched from the sidelines, her expression cold. She made no move to intervene. To her, Victoria was just a stepmother—nothing more.

"Dad," she said coolly, "what's our next move?"

Theodore exhaled sharply. "Nathaniel's feelings for Harrison have shifted. He's the key now. You need to secure him—keep him wrapped around your finger."

Isabella smirked, tilting her chin up. "You think Harrison actually believes Nathaniel cares about her? Let me show her exactly how wrong she is."

Even now, she refused to see Harrison as a threat.

Sure, Harrison had won a few petty battles. But when it came to Nathaniel? She would never win.

Isabella was certain of that.

And if Harrison needed proof, she’d be happy to deliver it.

Back at the Falcon Estate, Harrison's phone lit up with an incoming call.

Isabella.

"Harrison," her voice was sickly sweet. "Are you free? Let's grab coffee."