Chapter 56

Nathaniel's fingers tightened around the shattered wine glass.

For days, Harrison's beauty had consumed him, twisting him into someone he barely recognized.

He'd decided to let her play her games with Alexander. She was nothing but a siren, luring men to their doom.

At the Whitmore estate, Isabella was sprawled across the living room sofa, throwing a fit. "Dad! Mom! Nathaniel doesn't care about me anymore!"

Theodore frowned. "Isabella, that’s impossible. Has he divorced Harrison yet? When is he marrying you?"

Isabella kicked the coffee table in frustration. "He hasn’t even filed for divorce! It’s all Harrison’s fault—she refuses to let him go!"

Theodore shot Victoria a sharp look. "What’s going on? Isn’t Harrison your daughter? Can’t you make her behave? Why does she keep interfering with Isabella?"

Victoria forced a sweet smile. "Don’t worry, darling. I’ll handle it. They’ll be divorced soon."

"How?" Theodore demanded, skepticism lacing his tone.

"Margaret’s 80th birthday is coming up. I have the perfect plan—everything will fall into place there," Victoria purred, her confidence unshaken.

Theodore patted Isabella’s shoulder. "Just hold on a little longer, sweetheart."

Isabella huffed and stormed upstairs.

Theodore stood, ready to leave.

Victoria caught his arm. "It’s late, darling. Stay home tonight."

Ever since her failed attempt to drug Harrison, Theodore had been distant, spending nights elsewhere. Victoria had been left alone in their cold, empty bed.

She pressed against him, her crimson nails tracing his chest. "I’ve missed you."

Theodore shoved her away. "I’ll come back when Nathaniel divorces Harrison. You know what to do."

With that, he walked out.

Victoria’s face darkened. She knew exactly where he’d been—entangled with his secretary.

She wasn’t about to share her husband.

Now, she just had to wait for Margaret’s birthday party. Her plan would ensure Nathaniel and Harrison’s marriage ended—once and for all.

The grand celebration for Margaret’s 80th birthday was in full swing. The Whitmore estate glittered with lights, filled with Willowbrook’s elite.

Harrison had arrived. She spotted Margaret seated regally, surrounded by the Whitmore family—Theodore, Victoria, Isabella from the second branch, and Frederick, Cassandra, and Penelope from the third.

Margaret beamed, clasping Penelope’s hand. "I heard Penelope is now Dr. Sinclair’s assistant. Is it true?"

Frederick and Cassandra puffed with pride. "Of course! Dr. Sinclair is a miracle worker, and she personally chose Penelope."

Harrison overheard and forced a tight smile.

"Wonderful! Penelope brings such honor to our family," Margaret gushed.

Theodore quickly interjected, "Mom, Isabella is now the principal dancer at the ballet company."

Though the Whitmores appeared united, the rivalry between the second and third branches simmered beneath the surface. Theodore and Victoria wouldn’t let the third branch steal the spotlight.

Sure enough, Margaret grabbed Isabella’s hand. "Both my granddaughters are exceptional! The Whitmore name shines because of them!"

She held Penelope and Isabella’s hands, radiating pride.

Victoria, unusually cheerful, suddenly noticed Harrison standing near the doorway.