Chapter 566

Theodore lunged forward, his fingers closing around Victoria's throat like steel traps. "You vile creature!"

Victoria's breath caught instantly. The searing pain of suffocation turned her face crimson, yet she only laughed wildly. "I sent that precious girl you cherished to the countryside when she was just a child. She suffered through hell while you were oblivious. You failed! My daughter, Isabella, is the true heiress—not her!"

Disgust twisted Theodore's expression as fury consumed him. Right then, he wanted nothing more than to snap her neck. "You wretched witch, you've destroyed everything! I'll end you right here!"

His grip tightened. Darkness crept into Victoria's vision.

But she couldn't die.

Not yet.

With trembling hands, she fumbled blindly until her fingers closed around a heavy crystal ashtray. Summoning every ounce of strength, she swung it hard against Theodore's temple.

A sickening crack echoed.

Blood sprayed.

A crimson river streamed down Theodore's face as his grip slackened. His body crumpled to the floor like a puppet with severed strings.

Victoria clutched her throat, gasping. The terror of near-death left her shaking violently.

She stared down at Theodore, motionless in the spreading pool of blood. "Darling? Darling?"

But he was already unconscious.

"My love, I adored you once," she whispered hoarsely. "But you betrayed me. Now, Isabella is all I have left. I won't let anyone—not even you—stand in her way. You brought this upon yourself!"

Footsteps pounded outside. Nathaniel and Harrison had returned.

Victoria froze. They were here!

What now?

Outside, Nathaniel and Harrison ascended the stairs. Harrison had just been forced to drink a bowl of medicinal soup and was rushing back to finish the antidote.

"Mr. Lancaster, you don't need to stay," Harrison said.

Nathaniel's gaze was unwavering. "Harrison, I'm not leaving you alone. I won't rest unless I'm right beside you."

Just then, Henry Lancaster approached. "Ah, there you are."

Harrison turned. "Mr. Lancaster."

"How's the antidote progressing?" Henry asked.

"I'm still—"

A bloodcurdling scream cut her off. "Ah!"

Harrison jolted upright. "What was that?"

"Let's investigate," Henry said sharply.

The three of them burst into the room—only to find Theodore sprawled lifelessly on the floor.

Victoria knelt beside him, tears streaming. "Theodore! What happened? Wake up, please!"

Nathaniel stepped forward. "What's wrong with Mr. Whitmore?"

"I don't know!" Victoria sobbed. "I found him like this! He must have hit his head!"

Harrison moved to check his pulse, but Victoria blocked her. "No need! The doctor is coming!"

A white-coated physician rushed in. "Quick! Move Mr. Whitmore immediately! I'll handle resuscitation!"

Servants lifted Theodore's body as Victoria hurried after them.

Before leaving, she turned back to Harrison, her voice icy. "Finish that antidote for Isabella. My husband needs me now."