Isabella smiled lightly. "What about you? Do you like Victoria?"

She said it so bluntly that it actually caught Henry off guard.

Seeing the brief flicker of surprise in his eyes, Isabella still looked confident. "They're not together anymore, but there are probably still some loose ends. If you can, keep her company. She could really use the support right now."

With that, she got into her assistant's car and left.

Henry stood there, lost in thought.

Victoria and Theodore had split. But then... who exactly was Elijah?

At the villa.

The moment the car stopped, Victoria hopped out without hesitation.

Yeah, they were still under the same roof, but that didn't mean she had to talk to Theodore.

"So now that you've got a stand-in for Elijah, you won't even bother speaking to me?"

Theodore slammed the car door and stared at her back, his eyes dark.

That thought stirred up an odd frustration in his chest.

Victoria paused but didn't turn around. "Think what you want."

In a way, she didn't really want to trouble Henry with anything. Theodore barging in and dragging her away actually saved her some hassle.

But to Theodore, her indifference felt like a slap in the face-a silent protest.

He yanked off his tie in irritation and followed her into the villa.

Victoria was exhausted. The moment she made it upstairs, she flopped onto the bed, ready to crash.

But halfway through dozing off, her phone started ringing.

It was the head of her department.

"Victoria, you've been absent for days. Everything okay?"

She sat up, rubbing her temples. Her voice still had that groggy edge from sleep.

"All good. Sorry, Mr. Marson. I haven't been able to make it in lately."

Victoria rarely talked about her home life at work. She usually kept to herself, which made people think she was stuck-up. But she didn't really care as long as her work was fine.

Mr. Marson had always looked out for her. He'd been the one to give her a shot early in her career, so this unexpected call probably wasn't just a check-in.

Sure enough, he quickly got to the point.

There was a task, and he wanted her to handle it.

She changed clothes and went downstairs-only to see Theodore already in the living room.

He was turned away from the stairs, talking on the phone by the window.

Victoria stopped for a moment, just watching him. For a second, he looked like that teenager who used to win basketball games by sheer will.

How did they even end up here?

Theodore must've felt her gaze, because he glanced back slightly.

"I'll see you later then," he said, ending the call.

Only one person he spoke to in that tone-Isabella.

That name snapped Victoria out of it. She took a deep breath and started down the steps. Just as she was about to leave, his voice came from behind.

"Where're you going?"

"I think, given how things are with us now, we don't really need to check in on each other's plans anymore, do we?"

Theodore frowned slightly, like he wanted to say more, but she was already out the door without looking back.

He tightened his grip on the phone and stared at her retreating figure, deep in thought.

At the morgue.

Victoria got out of the car and walked in, spotting Mr. Marson at the office entrance talking to someone.

"Victoria, come meet someone," he said.The man turned his head at the sound, and as soon as she got a good look at his face, a flicker of surprise crossed Victoria's eyes.

Henry Carter?

She honestly thought they'd never cross paths again after that encounter at the hospital.

Henry clearly didn't expect to see her here either. His gaze shifted between her and Mr. Marson, visibly taken aback.

"You said the person who could help me with this... is Victoria?"

"You two already know each other?" Mr. Marson looked just as surprised. That actually made things much easier-he'd been a little worried their personalities might clash since both of them tended to be reserved.

"We met before, and Mr. Carter helped me out. Didn't expect to run into him again," Victoria replied calmly, skipping any mention of the hospital. Henry quirked an eyebrow but said nothing.

"Looks like fate keeps throwing us together," Henry said, chuckling.

Mr. Marson led them into the office, cutting straight to the chase.

"I normally wouldn't trouble Victoria with this, but this one's complicated. I'm asking for a personal favor."

Victoria gave a small nod, her face composed. "Just say it."

As long as it was his request, she'd do her best to help regardless.

"Here's the thing-I need you to restore a body. But because of who it is, it has to stay completely confidential. It's best if you don't involve anyone else while you're working."

Victoria immediately nodded.

That kind of discretion wasn't anything new to her.

In their line of work, keeping things private was part of the job. Families rarely wanted any details about the deceased to leak out. And professionally, they were trained to keep things separate-what happened in the lab stayed in the lab.

Yet Henry still looked like something was bothering him.

"Because of the person involved, this might bring you trouble later. That's the part I've been worried about."

Victoria's expression didn't change. "I'll be careful."

Still, Henry looked hesitant, like he wanted to say more. But Victoria didn't push.

Since they were done discussing the job, she figured she'd head out.

Back at the lab, Chloe Rogers dashed over as soon as she walked in.

"Finally! You're here, Victoria. Mr. Marson's been asking about you all morning."

"I know."

Mr. Marson typically wouldn't reach out unless it was something serious. And from what she could see, his relationship with Henry was clearly more than just acquaintance-level.

After a few quick words with Chloe, Victoria grabbed her things to go home.

She had just stepped outside when she spotted Henry by his car, head down, scrolling on his phone. Noticing her, he looked up and started walking over.

"Got time for dinner? I'd like to go over some things from earlier with you, just the two of us."

Victoria's eyes lingered on his face-it reminded her so much of Elijah's. She hesitated for a beat, then nodded.

Henry took her to a trendy fusion restaurant.

The place was cozy, with a faint scent in the air and soft piano music playing in the background. It felt surprisingly calming.

"You still look a bit pale. You probably shouldn't have been discharged so soon," he said.

"I'm fine now. But thanks," she replied while sipping her tea.

Henry gave a relaxed smile. "We're friends, you don't need to be so formal."

Victoria didn't say anything right away. That word-"friends"-left her slightly unsure how to respond.

Just then, a server came in with their food.

From the half-open door, Victoria heard a voice outside. A voice she recognized.

"Theo, you really didn't have to go out of your way just to have dinner with me."

Isabella clung to Theodore's arm, eyes scanning the room like radar, clearly looking for someone-Victoria.

Ever since that incident at the hospital, she'd had someone tail Victoria. Just before arriving, her informant tipped her off-Victoria was having a private meeting with Henry.

So naturally, she found an excuse to drag Theodore here. She wanted him to see it with his own eyes, so he could finally let go of whatever lingering feelings he still had.

"Victoria?"

Spotting the two sitting together, Isabella's lips curved almost imperceptibly before she turned back to Theo.

"If I knew Victoria was here, we could've just joined them straight away."

Theodore's eyes flicked from Victoria to Henry, brow tightening a little. So she'd rushed out earlier just to meet him?

No wonder she kept saying they shouldn't meddle in each other's personal lives.

Theodore stepped into the private room, shooting a glance at the few freshly served dishes.

"Since it's such a coincidence, how about we sit together?"

"I'm afraid that's not ideal. Victoria and I still have some personal things to discuss."

Before Victoria could open her mouth, Henry was already standing, voice polite, face calm but clearly keeping a distance.

Theodore's eyes shifted to him, and for a moment their gazes locked-a spark of tension quietly crackling between them.

"What kind of private talks? Something that can't see the light of day?"

A perfectly normal line, but coming out of Theodore's mouth, it sounded anything but.

Victoria frowned slightly and looked straight at him.

"Just work stuff. No need to ruin your good mood with Miss Waters."

Everyone here knew what she did for a living. But Theodore? He obviously didn't buy it. He didn't believe they met alone just to talk shop.

"Work? Mr. Carter's in the same field too? Wow, what a small world. You two must have endless things to talk about," Isabella chimed in with a sweet smile.

But Victoria saw right through her. That smile was sugar-coated poison.

From the hospital incident on, Isabella had been picking fights left and right-Victoria had noticed.

"Looks like Miss Waters is feeling much better?"

Isabella's smile froze. Cancer-that word stabbed at her pride like a thorn.

No matter how light-hearted she tried to appear in front of Theo, crying alone in bed had become her nightly routine.

Why her? Why not that damn Victoria?

Lowering her gaze, she put on a faintly melancholic look.

The four of them just stood there in awkward silence. Even the server who came in with dishes looked a bit unsure what to do.

Then, a couple of fans walking by recognized Isabella.

"I'm such a big fan! Can I grab a photo with you?"

Two girls stared up at her with sparkling eyes, sneaking peeks at the others in the room while they spoke.

Isabella kept her perfect public image on point and didn't turn them down.

Snap done, she gently reminded her fans not to post anything about what they'd just seen.

She didn't care if rumors spread about her and Theodore. But if people dug too deep into the past between Theodore and Victoria? That would be a mess.

After the fans left, she shut the door behind them.

Theodore had already taken his seat, eyes fixed directly on Henry across the table.

Two men locked in unspoken rivalry, making the whole room feel like it dropped a few degrees.

This wasn't a friendly dinner anymore. Not even close.In the end, Victoria barely touched her food before putting down her fork.

This kind of messed-up dinner vibe? Forget talking business-just saying a word felt awkward.

She got up and headed to the restroom.

Isabella followed her and stopped her by the sink.

"Freshly divorced and already got yourself a new man? That was fast."

Victoria paused mid-step, looked at Isabella with a blank expression. She really didn't owe her any explanation, but her words slipped out anyway. "Isn't that what you wanted?"

"Victoria, if I'm not mistaken, you've lost everything-your family doesn't even want you anymore. What's the point of you still hanging around?"

Isabella couldn't change Theodore's mind, but pushing Victoria out of the picture? That she could try.

As long as Victoria vanished from Theodore's life completely, time would eventually erase everything.

The mention of the Ellis family made something flicker cold and sharp in Victoria's eyes.

That's exactly why she had to stay.

She had to find out the truth about Gina's death and clear her own name.

"You're in no place to tell me what to do."

Victoria stood straight in front of her. Even though she wore flats and Isabella had on heels, the difference in height didn't dim her presence.

Isabella opened her mouth to throw another jab-but suddenly doubled over, a grimace twisting her face, hand clutching the sink as a wave of pain hit her stomach.

Victoria's gut reaction? She thought Isabella was faking it.

But her expression didn't seem fake at all. Just as Victoria was about to ask, Isabella collapsed right to the floor.

"Isabella!"

The restroom was empty, which wasn't surprising-considering Isabella's status, no one wanted to risk fan chaos.

Victoria had no choice but to call Theodore.

Soon after, two figures rushed in. Theodore walked past without a word, scooped Isabella up, a deep frown etched on his face.

"What happened?"

Victoria didn't know how to answer.

There were no cameras in the women's restroom, no other witnesses. Even if she tried to explain, it would sound like an excuse.

Instead, Henry moved by her side first.

"You okay?" he asked, voice low.

Theodore paused briefly, looked like he wanted to say something but swallowed it. Then, without another glance, he carried Isabella out in a hurry.

In the hospital hallway, the three stood in silence.

Victoria walked over to Henry and spoke quietly. "Sorry. I wanted to talk more about that thing tonight, but clearly now's not the time. Maybe we can reschedule?"

He didn't owe Isabella or Theodore anything. He didn't need to stay.

Henry's eyes lifted past her, landing on Theodore who stood not far behind.

There was still concern in his gaze. "Sure you don't need me to stick around?"

He might not know the full story between her and those two, but anyone could see it was tense.

And after that scene Isabella pulled... who even knew if it was legit?

Victoria shook her head. "I'm fine. Go on."

Right then his phone buzzed. Someone was calling. He glanced at it, then gave her a final look before turning to leave-reluctantly, taking a few steps then looking back.

Victoria watched his figure disappear down the corridor, something thoughtful in her expression.

She still had no clue what kind of danger Henry had meant.

She turned-and nearly jumped out of her skin.

Theodore was already behind her, standing way closer than she expected.

She almost bumped into his chest.

"You-"

She lost her footing and staggered backward.

Just when Victoria thought she was going to hit the floor headfirst, Theodore suddenly stepped forward and caught her by the waist.

They froze, eyes locking for a second.

In the quiet corridor, Victoria could hear her own rapid heartbeat loud and clear.

At that moment, the ER door swung open. Isabella was standing at the doorway, supported by a nurse.

The second she saw the two of them in that position, her eyes widened in disbelief.

"Theodore!"

She couldn't hold it in. If she hadn't walked in just now, would the two of them have gone full-on rekindled-lovers mode?

Isabella clenched her fists so tight her nails dug into her palm.

Snapping out of it, Victoria quickly pushed Theodore away and looked to the side, pretending nothing had happened.

"How are you feeling now? Any better?"

Theodore strode over to Isabella, his face full of concern, as if he hadn't been staring at Victoria like that just a second ago.

The nurse said Isabella needed to stay in the hospital a while longer. Turns out, her sudden collapse might be due to a potential cancer relapse-more tests were needed.

Cancer?

Victoria was stunned, looking at Isabella in disbelief.

When did that happen? And how come no one ever mentioned it?

If it was really cancer... then what about Theodore?

The news hit her like a truck. Even after leaving the hospital, she still couldn't fully process it.

Back at the villa, she received a call from William just as she stepped in.

Strong wind buzzed through the phone-he must've been out on a terrace or rooftop. His voice was low, almost careful: "Hey... you doing okay lately?"

It didn't sound like actual concern, more like he was checking if she was still alive.

Because honestly, if she'd actually died at Gina's grave, they'd probably just think it was bad luck.

Victoria's face was blank, a heavy feeling pressing on her chest.

"Mm."

And just like that, the conversation hit a dead end. They had nothing more to say to each other.

Silence dragged on, only the howling wind coming through the line. Even with the heater on, Victoria felt like she was trapped in the middle of winter.

"How's she doing?"

After a long pause, Victoria finally asked, her voice calm but edged with hesitation.

She wasn't planning on going back to the Ellis house anytime soon.

"Victoria, you know Gina was our only daughter. With this happening now... it's been hard-for both me and your mother."

"Then what am I to you?"

He claimed Hannah was her mother, but now he was saying Gina was their only daughter.

So basically, they never really saw her as family.

Victoria tilted her head back slightly to keep the tears from falling. Inside, it felt like something was slowly eating away at her.

William hesitated. "It's getting late... try to get some rest."

The line went dead. Victoria tossed her phone aside and hugged her knees, sitting curled up in the corner of her room.

The lights were off. Only a sliver of moonlight filtered in through the window, casting a soft glow that lit up her pale toes.

She had no idea how long she sat there like that before the bedroom door opened and light spilled in from the hallway.

Theodore spotted the huddled figure on the floor and frowned slightly, walking in. "What, dinner with the stand-in didn't go so well? Now you're hiding in here all upset?"He didn't know Henry's name, and frankly didn't care to-just called him the stand-in.

But the moment she heard that, Victoria felt her temper spike.

"Exactly. So I'm in a crap mood right now. Do me a favor and get out."

Theodore could believe whatever he liked-she was done explaining.

But just as she said that, his face darkened. He leaned in and yanked her up by the wrist in one swift motion.

"Victoria, don't forget whose house you're crashing in right now."

And? What, was that supposed to scare her?

He was still hung up on Isabella anyway, wasn't he?

Before she could even throw that back at him, his phone rang.

His grandma was in critical condition.

"Come with me. We're going to the hospital."

He threw the line out casually after hanging up and headed straight for the door.

Victoria scrambled to change her shoes and rushed after him, the whole way silently praying-please, let nothing happen to Old Mrs. Chambers.

Outside the ER, a whole crowd from the Chambers family had already gathered. Everyone wore different expressions; some worried, some... not so much.

Victoria stared at the red emergency light above, hands clenched tight, anxiety written all over her face.

"What are you even pretending for? Out of all of us, you're probably the one hoping she doesn't make it, right?"

The biting words came from Theodore's aunt.

That day when Old Mrs. Chambers gifted the brooch to Victoria in front of everyone, they'd all held their tongues even if they didn't like it.

And now that the old lady wasn't around to back her up, the claws came out without hesitation.

Victoria closed her eyes briefly, not in the mood to argue. All she cared about was whether the old lady would be okay.

Seeing her standing there silently like a statue, Davina stepped forward. Her eyes were bloodshot as she glared.

"Get out. You're not wanted here."

As she reached out to shove Victoria, a firm arm intercepted her.

"Don't you think that's enough?"

Theodore's tone was ice cold, and the air around him felt like it dropped ten degrees.

"This is a hospital. Grandma's still in surgery, and you're all out here playing the blame game? If you don't care about the Chambers family, feel free to leave right now."

Everyone knew why they showed up in such a hurry-it wasn't out of love. Even though the company was run by Theodore, the real power within the family still belonged to his grandma.

For a moment, his voice echoed through the hallway. No one dared speak up again. Davina shot Victoria another death glare, like she might just try something worse.

At this point, their future in-law situation was beyond saving.

Not long after, the attending doctor walked out, pulling off his mask and letting out a breath.

"She's stable for now, but she has to be monitored closely in the ICU. Only two relatives can stay to watch over her. Too many people might disturb her rest."

As soon as they heard she was out of danger, suddenly everyone had somewhere else to be-nobody wanted to stick around.

"I'll stay."

Victoria spoke up, pale as a ghost, looking like she could use a hospital bed herself.

"No way."

Davina immediately snapped, "Who knows what you're planning? Trying to pull something on Bertha while no one's watching?"

What Theodore said to Davina afterward, Victoria didn't know-just that it worked.

Davina finally left the hospital.

Theodore stayed.