Chapter 620
Isabella was the epitome of self-absorption.
For decades, Theodore had poured his heart into raising her, treating her as his own flesh and blood with unwavering devotion. Yet she remained utterly indifferent. Anyone who stood in her way became an obstacle to be ruthlessly eliminated.
"Theodore was completely comatose at first," Victoria whispered urgently. "But Margaret brought Harrison in for acupuncture treatment, and now he's conscious. We must prevent your secret from coming out!"
Isabella's eyes darkened with cold calculation. "Then Harrison needs to vanish."
Victoria blinked in surprise.
"That meddling girl is the root of all our problems. Once she's gone, everything she possesses will rightfully be mine!" Isabella declared with venomous conviction.
Death was the only suitable fate for Harrison now.
Victoria nodded slowly, malice twisting her features. "She should have died years ago when we abandoned her in that village. Somehow the little wretch survived. This time, we'll make sure she disappears permanently."
Isabella gripped Victoria's arm, her voice razor-sharp. "I'm entrusting this to you. You'll handle Harrison personally."
Victoria stiffened. "You want me to do it myself?"
"Who else can we rely on? With Nathaniel and Henry watching our every move, it's too dangerous to involve outsiders. If anything leaks, everything unravels. It has to be you." Isabella's tone turned saccharine. "Mother...you're my real mother. You love me enough to do this, don't you?"
This was the first time Isabella had addressed Victoria as "Mother" without disgust. She clung to Victoria's hands with desperate pleading in her eyes.
Victoria melted. This was her true daughter after all. "Very well. I'll take care of it."
Isabella's face lit up as she threw her arms around Victoria. "Thank you, Mother! I knew you'd protect me. You're wonderful!"
Victoria returned the embrace warmly. "Silly girl, I'd move heaven and earth for you."
The moment their embrace broke, Isabella's smile vanished, replaced by icy calculation.
Harrison. Theodore. Victoria. They all needed to die.
Even as she pretended affection, Isabella was already plotting how to eliminate Victoria next. The woman knew too much. Only permanent silence could safeguard Isabella's secrets.
Meanwhile, Harrison entered Theodore's hospital room once more. The once-powerful man sat slumped in a wheelchair, his limbs lifeless, his voice stolen—a hollow shell of his former self. A nurse attended to his basic needs.
Harrison dismissed the caregiver. "I'll take over now."
As the nurse departed, Harrison turned to Theodore. "I'm going to administer acupuncture treatment today."
She reached into her medical bag for the needles.
Suddenly, Theodore's trembling hand shot out, clutching desperately at Harrison's sleeve.
Harrison started. "What is it?"
Theodore's mouth worked soundlessly, his eyes burning with urgency.
"Do you need to tell me something?" Harrison asked gently.
Theodore nodded with frantic intensity.
Harrison leaned closer. "What is it?"
Another violent nod.
"Is this about Isabella?" Harrison watched his reaction carefully.
Theodore's eyes blazed with confirmation, his entire body trembling with the effort to communicate.
Harrison's suspicions about Isabella and Victoria solidified. Theodore clearly knew something crucial.
She extended her palm. "You can't speak, but you can write. Take your time. Trace the words on my hand."
With shaking fingers, Theodore began forming clumsy letters on Harrison's palm.
"Isabella...is...a...fraud..." Harrison read aloud, her voice barely above a whisper.
Her blood ran cold.
Why would Theodore call Isabella a fraud?