Chapter 714

Isabella's breath hitched sharply in her throat.

"Henry, have you lost your mind?" Her fingers dug into his forearm. "Giving up your cardiogen means certain death! I won't accept this—I refuse to let you trade your life for mine!"

Henry Lancaster didn't meet her panicked gaze. His steely eyes remained locked on Harrison. "Proceed with the treatment."

Isabella yanked his sleeve desperately. "Stop this madness! Harrison, ignore him—I don't consent to this!"

A knowing smirk played on Harrison's lips as she observed their heated exchange.

"Mr. Lancaster, there's no immediate urgency." She produced a vial from her coat pocket. "This will temporarily suppress the toxin. Since you're determined to make this... sacrifice..." Her gaze turned calculating. "Surely a man of your stature has affairs to settle? Business empires don't run themselves, and inheritances require proper documentation."

She was giving him time to draft his will.

The silence stretched between them before Henry gave a curt nod. "Three days. Then you'll have what you need."

"Agreed." Harrison pocketed the vial.

Henry turned to leave, but Isabella caught his wrist. "Wait—"

He pulled away without looking back, his broad shoulders rigid with resolve. The door clicked shut with finality.

Isabella whirled toward Harrison, her voice trembling. "I appreciate your help, but I won't be saved at his expense!"

Harrison's lips curved into a mischievous grin. "Darling, I may have... embellished the consequences."

"What?" Isabella's eyes widened. "You lied?"

"Necessary theatrics." Harrison winked. "Had to confirm his true feelings, didn't I? You've always believed Eleanor held his heart." She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Yet the moment I demanded his life force, he agreed without hesitation. What does that tell you?"

Isabella's throat tightened. "It was a moment of weakness. He and Eleanor share something unbreakable. She's—"

"Still clinging to that narrative?" Harrison interrupted gently. She grasped Isabella's icy hands, transferring warmth through their linked fingers. "Let's conduct a little experiment, shall we?"

Confusion flickered across Isabella's face. "I don't understand."

Harrison's eyes sparkled with cunning. "You claim his offer was impulsive? Let's see if he actually signs his fortune away to save you." She squeezed Isabella's hands. "The world's full of illusions, sweetheart. But when faced with mortality? That's when masks shatter."

A slow realization dawned on Isabella. "You want to see Eleanor's reaction when she learns he's willing to die for me."

"Precisely." Harrison's grin turned wolfish. "Imagine the fireworks when the golden heir prepares to martyr himself for another woman."

A strange warmth blossomed in Isabella's chest. Without thinking, she pulled Harrison into a fierce embrace.

"You're terrifyingly brilliant." Her voice cracked with emotion. "Sometimes I wonder if you're some sort of..."