Chapter 698

"Mr. Lancaster, your private dining suite - the Sapphire Room - is ready for you and Ms. Lancaster. Please follow me."

The maitre d' guided Henry and Isabella through the opulent restaurant with polished professionalism.

Isabella's fingers twisted nervously in her silk gown. "Is Mother here already?"

Henry's face remained impassive. "We'll see when we enter."

"Mr. and Ms. Lancaster, your exclusive dining suite. After you."

The heavy oak door swung open. "Mother!"

Empty chairs greeted them - Victoria hadn't arrived.

Henry checked his platinum watch. "It's still early. Sit and wait."

"Of course."

A melodic chime interrupted them - Henry's phone.

"I need to take this."

"Go ahead."

Alone, Isabella fidgeted with her diamond bracelet before deciding to freshen up.

Meanwhile, a vision in crimson swept through the restaurant's grand entrance.

Victoria Lancaster had come alone, dismissing her entourage in her eagerness to reunite with her daughter.

The scarlet Valentino gown clung to her flawless figure. Blood-red lips contrasted against porcelain skin, raven hair cascading like liquid night. At forty-five, she moved with the grace of a woman half her age, turning heads as she glided between tables.

Rushing toward the private suite, Victoria rounded a corner just as Isabella emerged from the powder room.

Their collision sent Isabella stumbling back.

"My apologies-" Victoria began automatically.

"You clumsy cow!" Isabella shrieked, examining her dress. "Look what you've done!"

Victoria's concerned expression hardened at the venom in the younger woman's voice. "We both moved suddenly. Shared responsibility, don't you think?"

Isabella's eyes flashed. "Do you have any idea who you're speaking to? This is a fifty-thousand-dollar Givenchy! You'll pay for this!"

Victoria's manicured eyebrow arched. "Such impressive manners."

"You provincial nobody! In Metropolia, I make the rules. On your knees and apologize properly!"

A dangerous smile played on Victoria's lips. "How interesting. No one's demanded that of me in twenty years."

Isabella's gaze raked over the stranger. "You're not in our social registers. That dress? Clearly a sugar daddy's gift. Just another gold-digging mistress, aren't you?"

Having memorized every elite socialite's face, Isabella felt certain this stunning stranger was some rich man's plaything.

Victoria's laugh held winter's chill. "My first hour back in Metropolia, and I encounter such... character. Mistress? That's a new one."

Isabella crossed her arms. "Then enlighten me. Who exactly do you think you are?"