Chapter 735

Henry Lancaster's brows knitted sharply as he faced Eleanor. "You need to abandon this notion. I've only ever considered you a sister."

"You're in love with Isabella, aren't you?"

Henry's nod was firm. "Yes, I love her."

Eleanor staggered back, her voice thick with bitterness. "Don't blame Isabella for what happened. I begged her to drug you. I was desperate—willing to burn myself just for a chance with you. If you must punish someone, punish me."

Harrison smirked.

Eleanor had truly earned her reputation as the victor in the love triangle between her, Henry, and Isabella. By taking the blame, she'd shielded Isabella, knowing Henry wouldn't retaliate against her.

Exhaustion lined Henry's face as he regarded Eleanor. "Forget it. Just leave. Move out of the estate."

Her disappointment was palpable. "Fine. I'll go."

Without another word, she turned on her heel and walked away.

Isabella called after her, voice trembling. "No, wait! Dad, how can you be so cruel to Eleanor?"

Henry's tone turned icy. "You should be more concerned about your own actions. Isabella is your mother. Have you considered how devastated she'd be if she discovered you drugged me?"

Isabella paled. "I—"

"Enough. I don't want to hear another word. Go to your room and reflect on what you've done."

Isabella shot Harrison a venomous glare before trudging upstairs.

Harrison smiled, satisfied. Both Isabella and Eleanor had lost this round.

As Eleanor stepped outside the Lancaster estate, a sleek black car pulled up, and Isabella emerged.

Eleanor studied her rival—the silk gown clinging to her curves, the radiant glow of a woman cherished by her man.

Isabella spotted Eleanor immediately. She'd come precisely to stir the pot, curious about the chaos Eleanor had caused.

With a mocking smile, she called out, "Leaving so soon? I expected tears, screams, maybe even threats of self-harm."

Eleanor clenched her jaw. She'd done all three, but Harrison had ruined her performance.

Bitterly, she fired back, "Was Henry with you last night?"

Isabella's lips curled triumphantly. "All night long."

She stepped closer, sneering. "Pathetic. You crawled into his bed, yet he still came to me."

Eleanor's nails dug into her palms. "You think you've won?"

Isabella laughed lightly. "The war isn't over, but last night? You lost. Thanks for the aphrodisiac, by the way. Henry and I had an unforgettable time. Oh, and he told me he's never wanted anyone else—just me."

Eleanor bit her lip until it bled, but the physical pain was nothing compared to the truth: she hadn't lost to Isabella, but to Henry's unwavering love for her.

What did Isabella have that she didn't?

Isabella stood tall. "Henry and I are married. You're trying to steal a husband. You were doomed from the start."

Eleanor closed the distance between them, a cold smile playing on her lips. "This isn't over. We'll see who wins in the end."

She walked away, leaving Isabella watching her retreating figure before turning back to the mansion.

Inside, Isabella spotted Harrison and forced a smile more painful than tears. "Mom, you're here."

Henry, though furious with Isabella, kept silent about the drugging to spare Harrison's feelings.

Harrison, ever the peacekeeper, greeted Isabella warmly. "Hello, Ms. Lancaster."

Isabella eyed Henry curiously. "I just saw Eleanor outside. Why did she leave?"

Harrison answered smoothly, "Mr. Lancaster asked her to."

Isabella blinked in disbelief. "You kicked Eleanor out? Impossible! You've always let her stay. You'd sooner banish me than her!"

Harrison chuckled. "Mr. Lancaster finally recognized his mistake. He realized her presence upset you, so he made her leave. Isn't that right, Mr. Lancaster?"

She guided Henry toward Isabella. Both were stubborn, their love masked by pride.

Henry met Isabella's gaze. "It's true. I told Eleanor to leave. I neglected your feelings before, but not anymore. I'll keep my distance from her."

Isabella stared, stunned. "You'd better mean that. Don't let one phone call from her change your mind again."

"I won't," Henry snapped. "What about you?"

Confused, Isabella frowned. "What about me?"

Henry's lips thinned. "Your male assistant, your receptionist, all those men around you."

Isabella rolled her eyes. "You're being ridiculous. There's nothing between us!"

"I don't like them. Replace them with women."

"No!"

Henry scowled.

Harrison interjected, amused. "Mr. Lancaster, Ms. Lancaster runs Lancaster Enterprises. She can hire whoever she pleases. If you want her to replace them, give her a reason. Are you... jealous?"

Isabella's eyes widened. Could the proud, unyielding Henry Lancaster actually be jealous?

Henry held her gaze and, after a beat, admitted, "Yes. I'm jealous. Is that reason enough?"

Isabella's lips curved into a sly smile.

Henry pulled her close, cupping her jaw. "What are you smiling about?"

She tilted her face up, eyes sparkling. "You? Jealous? Are we in high school?"

He scoffed. "You're enjoying this. Proud that I'm jealous over you, aren't you?"

Isabella didn't deny it. "Of course I am."

"Don't push it. Replace those men soon, or my jealousy will turn to anger," he warned.

Warmth flooded Isabella's chest. "Fine, I'll replace them."

Henry smirked. "Good."

Harrison fanned herself dramatically. "Should I leave? The love in here is suffocating!"