Chapter 778

Nathaniel's hand sliced through the air in a sharp command.

Instantly, a dozen black-suited security operatives flooded the room, forming an impenetrable circle around Eleanor and Isabella.

Nathaniel's voice was steel wrapped in ice. "This ends now. Break the curse or face the consequences."

Henry Lancaster's piercing gaze locked onto Eleanor. "Your time has run out. Remove the curse immediately."

Eleanor merely smirked, her eyes flicking to Harrison. "Ah, the famous Dr. Sinclair. Surely you understand—if I die, Nathaniel's curse becomes permanent. So really, you should be begging for my survival."

Harrison's fingers curled into fists.

Rosalind Fairchild snarled, "Enough talk! Take her down!"

The operatives lunged forward.

Isabella stiffened, her breath hitching.

But Eleanor remained eerily calm. As hands reached for her, she whispered ancient words under her breath.

Nathaniel's knees buckled. A strangled cry tore from his throat as he collapsed, sweat drenching his shirt.

"Nat!" Harrison rushed to him, pressing trembling fingers to his pulse. His heartbeat was erratic, his skin clammy. The dark magic was spreading too fast—even she couldn't stop it.

Henry and Isabella dropped beside him, panic lacing their voices.

"Nat, stay with us!"

Nathaniel clawed at his temples, his voice raw. "It's like... knives... in my skull..."

"Hold on!" Harrison's silver needles flashed as she drove them into pressure points.

Nathaniel's body went limp.

She caught him, cradling his unconscious form. The needles would grant him temporary relief—but not a cure.

Henry's glare could have melted stone. "How dare you practice forbidden magic? Do you not fear the consequences?"

Eleanor's laugh was poison. "Now you see its power. Touch me again, and he dies screaming."

Harrison met Henry's eyes and gave a subtle shake of her head.

Henry raised a hand. "Stand down."

The operatives retreated.

Henry's voice was deadly quiet. "Name your price."

Eleanor's smile turned predatory. "Isabella is my daughter now. She loves Nathaniel. So here are my terms—he marries her in two weeks. Or he dies where he stands."

Rosalind exploded. "Over my dead body!"

Eleanor shrugged. "Your choice. But choose wisely." She turned to leave, Isabella trailing behind.

Isabella hesitated, glancing back at Henry.

Eleanor paused beside him, her voice dripping with triumph. "Oh, Henry... After all these years, you finally lost. And I? I get everything."

With that, she swept from the room, leaving silence and fury in her wake.