Chapter 773

Rosalind's brow furrowed in confusion. "Where exactly are we headed?" Her voice carried a note of bewilderment.

Nathaniel and Harrison stood simultaneously, their movements synchronized.

Harrison's lips curved into a mysterious smile. "Just follow us. Everything will become clear soon enough."

Nathaniel's fingers intertwined with Harrison's as they moved toward the exit. Rosalind scrambled after them, her heels clicking against the marble floor. "Hold on! Don't leave me behind!"

Meanwhile, Isabella was racing toward Rosewood Manor - Eleanor's new residence since departing the Lancaster family estate. The luxurious property, gifted by Henry, occupied prime real estate in the exclusive Willow Heights neighborhood where property values were astronomical.

Isabella jabbed at the doorbell repeatedly, the incessant chime echoing through the grand foyer.

A flustered maid rushed to answer. "Coming! Goodness, such impatience... Ms. Lancaster!" Her expression shifted to deference upon recognizing the visitor.

Isabella brushed past without ceremony. "Where's Ms. Eleanor?" Her sharp gaze swept the empty living room. "Upstairs? I'll find her myself."

The maid intercepted her path nervously. "Ms. Eleanor is currently enjoying her afternoon beauty regimen - a jasmine milk bath followed by caviar facial. She's left strict instructions not to be disturbed."

Isabella's eyes flashed with irritation. "And? Since when do I need permission to visit?"

The maid lowered her eyes, at a loss for words.

Isabella's frustration mounted. Here she was, consumed by urgency, while Eleanor lounged upstairs pampering herself. Henry certainly provided Eleanor with every material comfort - this palatial estate, an army of servants, a life of leisure.

"I have urgent business with her," Isabella declared. "I'm going up!"

Without waiting for approval, she ascended the grand staircase, stopping before Eleanor's bedroom door. The anxious maids trailed behind, wringing their hands.

"Ms. Eleanor becomes quite cross when her treatments are interrupted," one ventured timidly. "Perhaps if you'd allow me to announce you first?"

"Absolutely not!" Isabella snapped. "This can't wait."

The injustice burned - she'd just been humiliated by Nathaniel, Harrison, and Rosalind, while Eleanor lived like royalty in this gilded cage. How amusing that Eleanor actually believed herself important simply because she resided in an expensive house.

Isabella's hand closed around the crystal doorknob. She pushed the door open decisively.

Inside, Eleanor had just emerged from her bath, clad in a silk chemise, meticulously massaging argan oil into her skin. At her age, such rigorous beauty rituals were essential - she couldn't risk losing Henry to younger women, especially not to that upstart Brittany.

The abrupt intrusion made Eleanor's head snap up, displeasure darkening her features. "Who dares... Isabella?!" Her gaze locked onto the figure in the doorway.

Isabella wasn't ready for outright confrontation yet. "Ms. Eleanor."

The maid trembled as she spoke. "My deepest apologies, Ms. Eleanor. Ms. Lancaster insisted it was urgent. I couldn't deter her."

Isabella stepped fully into the room. "We need to talk."

Eleanor draped a satin robe over her shoulders, regarding Isabella with icy detachment. "I'm in the middle of my treatments. Next time, you will wait for permission to enter. Consider this your only warning."

Isabella suppressed a bitter smile. All this pampering for Henry's benefit, yet she was about to lose Nathaniel.

She advanced another step. "That Heartchain Curse of yours - has it failed?"

Eleanor froze, confusion flickering across her face. "Explain yourself."

Isabella pressed forward. "I mean exactly what I said. You claimed once Nathaniel was cursed, he couldn't physically approach Harrison. Yet today I saw them together again. He shows no interest in me. Your precious curse doesn't work on Nathaniel!"