Chapter 543

Victoria's lips curled into a bitter smile as she studied Theodore's face.

Beneath her composed exterior, a storm of conflicting emotions raged. Love and hatred twisted together in her heart like thorned vines.

She had loved him once.

Victoria had always been a woman who craved romance. Born into poverty, she'd married Benjamin Lancaster for his wealth, though her heart remained untouched by his devotion.

Benjamin had adored her, showering her with every luxury, yet she'd remained unsatisfied.

Until Theodore entered her life.

Theodore was everything she'd ever dreamed of - an educated man with poetic sensibilities, freshly returned from university. For Victoria, it had been love at first sight.

But Theodore's heart belonged to another.

To him, Victoria was merely a convenient caretaker for Isabella. He'd married her solely to provide his beloved's daughter with a proper stepmother.

His entire life had been dedicated to protecting that woman's child.

Victoria knew this truth all too well.

Jealousy festered within her. Years ago, she'd conceived an audacious scheme - she'd switched Isabella with Harrison.

Now, watching Theodore, Victoria suppressed a dark chuckle. She'd succeeded in her revenge. The day Theodore discovered he'd been guarding the wrong person would be priceless.

Better still, she'd secured her own daughter's future as heir to the Lancaster fortune. The thought brought her perverse satisfaction.

Yet now, the consequences of her actions were becoming apparent. Isabella no longer acknowledged her as mother.

Theodore's sharp voice cut through her thoughts. "Why so quiet?"

His piercing gaze swept over her, suspicion darkening his eyes.

"Something's off. What are you hiding?"

Victoria's pulse quickened. "You're imagining things."

"I hope so," Theodore growled. "But don't even think about causing trouble. Mr. Lancaster is taking Isabella to Metropolia. Any foolish actions won't be tolerated."

Victoria forced a compliant nod, though bitterness churned within her. "I understand. Now, let's retire. Mr. Lancaster gave Isabella a credit card today. We're going shopping tomorrow."

Theodore gave a curt nod. "Very well."

The next morning found Isabella flanked by Victoria and Penelope at the most exclusive shopping center in Willowbrook.

Isabella moved through the designer boutiques like a queen holding court. She pointed imperiously at the displays. "That purse, that one, and those - wrap them all."

The sales associates' eyes gleamed with commission dreams. "Right away, Ms. Whitmore."

Isabella's smile turned predatory. "Actually, don't call me that anymore."

Confusion flickered across the clerks' faces. Penelope interjected smugly, "She's taking the Lancaster name now."

"Lancaster?" One associate gasped. "As in... Henry Lancaster?"

Another clerk whispered excitedly, "I heard the Lancaster heiress went missing years ago. They've been searching ever since."

"Some people are born lucky," murmured a third.

Isabella preened under their awed stares. "Well, it seems I'm that missing heiress."

The boutique erupted in shocked gasps. "Truly? You're the Lancaster heir?"