Chapter 791

Isabella's gaze locked onto Henry and Victoria Lancaster with uncontainable excitement. "I absolutely adore the Celestial Diadem. Put it on me now."

Her fingers trembled with anticipation as she practically vibrated on the spot.

Victoria lifted the glittering heirloom with reverence. "Tonight, we will personally crown the true heir of the Lancaster family."

Isabella's impatience spilled over. "Hurry up! What are you waiting for?"

She could barely stand still as Victoria approached.

The murmurs in the grand hall grew louder. "Lady Lancaster is about to bestow the Celestial Diadem upon Miss Isabella!"

"Naturally. Blood always comes first."

"An adopted daughter could never compare to their real child."

Preening like royalty, Isabella tilted her head forward expectantly.

But Victoria didn't move.

"Isabella," Victoria said carefully, "this diadem isn't meant for you."

A deafening silence fell.

Isabella's head snapped up. "What did you say? If not me, then who?"

Victoria's gaze never wavered. "This belongs to Harrison."

The blood drained from Isabella's face. "You can't be serious—"

"Isabella," Henry's deep voice cut through the tension, "we've tolerated your behavior long enough. You forced us to choose. Our decision is made."

A cold dread slithered down Isabella's spine. "Who did you pick?"

Victoria answered without hesitation. "We choose Harrison."

Gasps rippled through the elite crowd like wildfire.

Isabella's perfectly manicured nails dug into her palms. "I'm your flesh and blood! And you're choosing some charity case over me?"

"Harrison is our daughter in every way that matters," Henry stated firmly.

Without another glance, Victoria turned toward Harrison. "The ceremony will proceed—unless you no longer wish to be part of this family."

Harrison's breath caught. When forced to choose, she'd braced for rejection. After all, how could she possibly compete with their biological daughter?

Yet they'd chosen her.

The weight of that unconditional acceptance brought tears to her eyes. "I would be honored to remain your daughter."

Henry's stern expression softened. "This diadem was always meant for you."

Victoria lifted the masterpiece of platinum and diamonds, settling it gently upon Harrison's upswept hair.

Tonight, Harrison's raven locks were elegantly coiled, framing her delicate features. Now crowned with the legendary Celestial Diadem, she glowed with an ethereal radiance that commanded the room.

Henry and Victoria flanked their chosen heir, their voices ringing with finality:

"From this moment forward, Harrison Lancaster stands as our sole heir. Any opposition to her will be considered opposition to the entire Lancaster dynasty!"

The announcement sent shockwaves through high society. "The Lancasters actually disinherited their own daughter!"

"Harrison must have them completely enchanted."

Victoria turned her steely gaze across the stunned assembly. "Are we understood?"

A chorus of obedient replies echoed through the marble hall: "Yes, Lady Lancaster!"