Chapter 721

Isabella's face clouded over instantly. The last people she expected to see at this crucial moment were Victoria and Harrison. Their presence threatened to ruin everything.

She stood abruptly, plastering on a practiced smile. "Mother? What brings you here?"

Victoria's sharp eyes scanned the room. "I wanted to see how you were doing."

Isabella's lips curved, though her icy gaze betrayed her irritation. "I'm perfectly fine. There was no need for you to check on me." Her voice took on a razor edge. "And why did you bring her?"

Harrison blinked with exaggerated innocence. "Hello, Isabella."

Isabella looped her arm possessively through Victoria's, fingers digging in slightly. "You know Harrison and I don't get along. She's always been cruel to me. I can't bear having her here!"

Victoria sighed wearily. "She's explained everything to me. Harrison is a good person. Perhaps there were misunderstandings before, but I expect you both to behave civilly from now on. Is that clear?"

Isabella stiffened, disgust churning in her gut.

Of course Victoria would take Harrison's side. Blood always won out in the end.

"But I'm your daughter," Isabella whispered, voice trembling with wounded pride. "Why do you never defend me?"

Victoria's patience snapped. "I know you're my daughter, but I care about Harrison too. Is basic decency really so difficult?"

Isabella fell silent, fists clenched at her sides.

Harrison smirked, delighting in Isabella's visible frustration. Her eyes darted around the room. "Where's Mr. Lancaster?"

Isabella's stomach lurched.

Victoria frowned. "Yes, Isabella. Your father should be home. Where is he?"

A slow, calculated smile spread across Isabella's face. "He's resting in his room. Did you need him for something? I can take you to him."

Victoria nodded. "Very well. Lead the way."

Isabella gestured sweetly. "Right this way."

The three women ascended the stairs, stopping outside Henry's bedroom door.

Isabella lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "He might be sleeping. Let's be quiet—we'll give him a lovely surprise."

Victoria agreed.

Isabella turned the knob and pushed the door open, then gasped theatrically. "Mother, Father is...!"

Victoria tensed. "What's wrong?"

Harrison craned her neck. "Is Mr. Lancaster alright?"

Isabella stepped aside, her face a masterpiece of feigned shock. "I-I can't explain. You need to see for yourselves."

Victoria and Harrison peered inside—and froze.

There, on the bed, Henry had Eleanor pinned beneath him. Both wore sleepwear, their movements intimate and heated. The air practically crackled with tension.

Henry moved in a drugged haze, but Eleanor was fully aware. She sensed the intrusion immediately. Turning her head, she locked eyes with Victoria in the doorway.

Perfect timing!

After flashing Victoria a triumphant smile, Eleanor arched into Henry, her voice dropping to a sultry purr. "I know you want me. Don't hold back. I'm yours."

She pressed a kiss to his cheek.

Henry groaned, his fingers tangling in the delicate fabric of her nightgown. With a rough tug, the fragile straps snapped, revealing smooth skin and the lace trim of her lingerie.

Eleanor let out a breathy moan. "Easy, darling..."

Victoria stood rigid, all color draining from her face.

Then, without a word, she turned on her heel and walked away.