Chapter 695

Henry clenched his phone until his knuckles turned white. "Isabella's with me. I've booked a private suite at The Grand View for lunch. You can see her there."

The arrangements were made swiftly.

Victoria agreed immediately. "Fine. Noon it is."

Just then, a youthful male voice interrupted from Victoria's end. "Vic, where to next?"

Vic?

Henry's brow furrowed, his patience wearing dangerously thin. "Victoria—"

The line went dead before he could finish.

The message was clear—Victoria had no interest in speaking to him beyond what was absolutely necessary. Her daughter was her sole priority. Henry was left standing there, utterly speechless.

Eleanor, noticing the storm clouds gathering on Henry's face, already knew who had called. No one else could rattle him the way Victoria did.

She stepped closer. "Was that Victoria?"

Isabella's pulse quickened. "Dad... Was that Mom?"

Henry gave a stiff nod. "Yes. She's back. I've arranged for you to meet her at The Grand View at noon."

Victoria had returned earlier than expected. Isabella had initially feared her arrival, but then a thought struck her—this could be an opportunity. Henry had never suspected her deception, so why would Victoria? With another mother doting on her, Isabella was certain her life would only become more luxurious.

"Now that Mom's here, I'm going to tell her how horribly you've treated me!"

Henry's lips pressed into a thin line.

"Don't spout nonsense in front of your mother. She has a temper. As the sole heir of the Lancaster family, she now controls all their enterprises."

Isabella's eyes widened in surprise. She hadn’t realized Victoria was that powerful—the head of the Lancaster empire.

The Lancaster family’s influence spanned the globe, particularly in jewelry, fashion, and entertainment. Victoria had been born with a silver spoon and a razor-sharp business mind, groomed for leadership since childhood.

Later, the Lancaster and Lancaster families had merged through marriage, forming an unshakable alliance.

Isabella’s heart soared. Everything Victoria owned would be hers too. After all, she was the only daughter of both families.

She glared at Henry and pouted. "Since you clearly prefer Charlotte, I’m moving out to live with Mom. At least she’ll treat me better. I refuse to stay here another second!"

"Isabella!" Henry snapped.

Eleanor couldn’t wait for Isabella to leave. She dreamed of taking Victoria’s place one day and giving Henry a child of their own.

"Henry, stop arguing," Eleanor said firmly. "She’s been through enough. Let her rest and get ready before meeting Victoria."

Henry locked eyes with Isabella. "You kidnapped Charlotte and Victoria. How do you plan to fix this?"

Isabella dodged the question entirely. "You’ll handle it for me, won’t you?"

"This is your mess. Clean it up yourself."

"If you won’t help, I’ll go to Mom. She loves me more! I’m done talking about this. I’m exhausted. I’m going to sleep."

Without another word, Isabella stormed upstairs.

Henry was left seething. He couldn’t fathom how he’d ended up with a daughter like Isabella—one who caused chaos without remorse, refused accountability, and still acted like the victim.

He had no idea how to get through to her anymore.