Chapter 17

In the elegant living room of the Whitmore family villa, Theodore sat on the plush sofa, his gaze fixed on Victoria. "Victoria, are you absolutely certain Dr. Sinclair will agree to treat Isabella?"

A sly smile played on Victoria's lips. Last night, Harrison had left with Dr. Gregory under the influence of the drug. Those few hours must have been explosive between them. Now that Dr. Gregory had gotten what he wanted, he would surely arrange for Dr. Sinclair's treatment.

Victoria's smile widened. "Don't worry, darling. Dr. Gregory will bring us good news soon."

She slid onto Theodore's lap with practiced ease. The powerful CEO exuded that irresistible middle-aged charm. Looping her arms around his neck, she purred, "Sweetheart, I'm the one who made this connection with Dr. Sinclair. Don't I deserve a reward?"

Theodore pinched her nose affectionately. "Didn't I reward you thoroughly last night? Wasn't that enough for you?"

Victoria pouted playfully and produced a bottle of pills from her pocket. "Darling, I don't want to take these anymore. I want to give you a son."

Theodore's expression darkened instantly.

Throughout their marriage, Victoria had never conceived because Theodore wouldn't allow it. Those pills had been her constant companion for years.

Victoria knew Isabella was Theodore's precious daughter, the one he'd move heaven and earth for. After all, Isabella was that woman's child.

But...

Masking the cunning glint in her eyes, Victoria clung to Theodore, whining like a spoiled child. "Sweetheart, Isabella's all grown up now. Soon she'll be Mrs. Falcon. Let's have our own son together."

Theodore remained silent.

Footsteps echoed in the hallway. Gregory had arrived.

Victoria's eyes sparkled as she quickly slid off Theodore's lap. Once Dr. Sinclair agreed to treat Isabella, she could press Theodore about the baby.

"Dr. Gregory!" she greeted brightly. "Did Harrison satisfy you last night?"

In her excitement, she missed the unease flickering across Gregory's face.

Gregory's eyelid twitched. "Very much so."

Victoria beamed. "Then you'll arrange for Dr. Sinclair to treat Isabella, won't you?"

Theodore stood, hope shining in his eyes. "Dr. Gregory, name your price. Whatever Dr. Sinclair wants to treat Isabella."

Gregory glanced at Victoria. "Mrs. Whitmore, I'm here to deliver a message from Dr. Sinclair."

"What is it?" Both Theodore and Victoria tensed.

"Dr. Sinclair says to stop wasting your time. Isabella will never receive treatment from him."

"What?" Victoria's face drained of color. "Dr. Gregory, you must be mistaken!"

Theodore turned icy eyes on Victoria. "This was your brilliant plan? Getting Isabella blacklisted by Dr. Sinclair?"

"Darling, I don't understand what happened! Let me explain—"

Victoria grabbed for Theodore's sleeve, but he shoved her away violently. She stumbled backward, slamming into the wall with a sickening thud.

Her forehead connected with the wall, leaving an angry red mark. Tears sprang to her eyes from the pain.

"Theodore..."

His gaze fell on the contraceptive pills scattered across the coffee table. "You're right. You won't need these anymore. Because you'll never get the chance."

With that, he stormed out.

Victoria's face turned ashen. "Theodore!"

She whirled on Gregory, gripping his arm. "What happened? We had a deal! I delivered Harrison to your bed in exchange for Dr. Sinclair's treatment! How could this—"

Her voice died when she noticed the slender figure standing in the doorway.

Harrison had arrived.