Chapter 775

Isabella whirled around to find Henry, Victoria, Nathaniel, Harrison, and Rosalind standing at the threshold. Her pupils contracted then dilated in shock, rooting her to the spot.

Her breath hitched. "How did you all—"

Nathaniel strode forward, his lips curling into an arctic smile. "We've been tracking you."

A maid scurried in, trembling. "Forgive me, Ms. Lancaster and Ms. Eleanor. Mr. Lancaster and Mr. Falcon arrived. I couldn't stop them."

This was Lancaster property after all. Every servant answered to Henry, the true master of the house.

Isabella's face contorted with rage as she glared at Nathaniel. "You set me up!"

Eleanor paled, astonished by Isabella's lack of subtlety. The trap had been obvious—Nathaniel had orchestrated everything to catch them in the act.

Harrison stepped forward, crimson lips twisting. "Still don't understand?"

Isabella's throat worked before realization dawned. "The Frostholm Binding...it was never broken!"

Nathaniel inclined his head. "Correct."

"You still feel agony with Harrison."

"Indeed."

"You suspected me from the start. That dinner invitation—false hope. Making me watch you with Harrison to drive me to despair, knowing I'd seek out the curse caster. And you brought my parents to witness our disgrace!"

Nathaniel arched a brow. "Not entirely hopeless, I see."

Isabella stumbled backward, the truth crashing over her. She and Eleanor had woven the Frostholm Binding around Nathaniel, believing it would shackle him eternally.

Instead, he'd turned their dark magic against them.

Harrison's piercing gaze pinned Isabella as she spat, "You're monstrous. Using forbidden witchcraft to enslave someone's heart. Do you possess any humanity? Creatures like you are the stuff of nightmares."

Rosalind added venomously, "I knew you were manipulative, but this is pure evil!"

Isabella's mouth opened and closed soundlessly. Her last hope lay with Henry and Victoria. "Father! Mother!"

Henry's voice cracked like thunder. "Silence! We disown you!"

Isabella recoiled, turning desperately to Victoria.

Victoria's glacial stare froze her in place. "So you knew Eleanor cursed me years ago?"

Isabella shook her head wildly. "I didn't—"

Harrison cut in sharply, "Liar! We heard your confession! You betrayed your own mother to side with her poisoner!"

"Every damning word!" Rosalind hissed. "Stop lying!"

Now five pairs of merciless eyes—Henry, Victoria, Nathaniel, Harrison, Rosalind—bore into Isabella with identical condemnation.

Cornered, Isabella felt the abyss yawn beneath her feet.