Chapter 658

"My legs have failed me completely now. The wheelchair has become my constant companion," Victoria murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Charlotte tilted her head in innocent confusion before nodding sympathetically. "Are you hurting? Don't worry, you'll feel better soon. Here—" She rummaged through her tiny purse and produced a glittering lollipop. "This always makes me happy!"

Victoria went utterly still. No child had ever offered her candy before.

In her youth, the Lancaster family had drilled aristocratic manners into her—lessons on poise, etiquette, and the refined tastes expected of a future matriarch. Sugary treats were considered vulgar, beneath their dignity. She'd never held something so vibrantly colored, so unapologetically artificial.

Her fingers twitched uncertainly.

With gentle insistence, Charlotte pressed the candy into her palm. "Go on! It's strawberry—the best flavor!"

Seeing the girl's radiant smile, Victoria felt an unfamiliar warmth spread through her chest. The corners of her lips lifted slightly.

Then Harrison approached.

"Charlotte."

Victoria's head snapped up. Her spine stiffened at the sight of the woman she hadn't seen in three years—not since their last tense confrontation.

"Harrison? Is this...your child?"

Harrison hadn't anticipated Charlotte darting off to Victoria during her phone call. Three years had passed since their paths last crossed, since those painful words were exchanged between them.

Strangely, Harrison bore no resentment. As women navigating a world designed to pit them against each other, she understood Victoria's perspective all too well.

Taking Charlotte's hand, Harrison answered with quiet dignity. "Yes. This is my daughter, Charlotte."

Victoria studied her carefully. Time had been kind to Harrison—she still carried that same razor-sharp elegance, but motherhood had softened her edges, adding a new glow. The perfect picture of a woman who'd rebuilt her life beautifully.

"So you're the renowned Jolin I've heard so much about."

A ghost of a smile touched Harrison's lips. "Guilty as charged."

Victoria chuckled dryly. "I must admit, I admire you. You're...exceptional."

Harrison arched a brow. "Let's skip the pleasantries. If you have something to say, say it plainly."

The directness earned Victoria's respect. Intelligent women always recognized each other. "You've achieved so much. Built an empire. Raised this lovely child. So why cling to the past? Why haunt a man who was never truly yours?"

Harrison's gaze turned flinty. "You mean Nathaniel?"

"Precisely," Victoria said crisply. "The Lancaster-Whitmore alliance is inevitable. Nathaniel will marry Isabella. I won't have you confusing him any longer."

Harrison met her stare unflinchingly. "I walked away from Nathaniel three years ago by choice. I've neither contacted him nor interfered. If he chooses Isabella, they have my genuine blessing."

Victoria searched those clear eyes and found no deception. "Good. That's...good."

"I'm leaving Metropolia tomorrow."

That gave Victoria pause. "So soon?"

Harrison stepped forward, producing a small crystal vial. "I actually wanted to find you before I left. This is for you."

Victoria accepted it warily. Inside rested an assortment of jewel-toned lozenges.

Her brows knitted. "What is this supposed to be?"