"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.

Victoria sat quietly beside the hospital bed, eyes fixed on Bertha's face beneath the oxygen mask. The wrinkles on that familiar face stung her heart a little.

She couldn't help but think of her lost family-the ones she hadn't heard from in so long. Her eyes welled up without warning.

The man on the couch suddenly stood and walked up behind her.

"I'll stay here with Grandma. You should get some rest," Theodore said.

Victoria didn't even glance at him. "Don't bother. I'll stay. Don't you have to look after Miss Waters tomorrow? You'd better get some sleep yourself."

She couldn't do much for Bertha now, but at least she could stay close.

Something about hearing another woman's name out of her mouth made Theodore feel oddly suffocated. Like a toy he thought was his suddenly got up and decided to be someone else's.

"We're divorced. You really don't have to hang around," he said.

Especially when Victoria's not in the best shape herself-should she really be looking after other people?

She lowered her gaze, long lashes casting soft shadows over her eyes. Of course she remembered. She didn't need him to remind her.

Still staring at Bertha's worn-in face, Victoria quietly curved her lips into a faint smile. She prayed their exchange hadn't reached the old lady's ears.

If she could help it, she never wanted Bertha to feel sad about the divorce.

"This has nothing to do with you. Grandma's always treated me like her own. I just see her as real family, that's all."

Because she cared. That's why she stayed.

Theodore's hand curled inside his pocket. His chest tightened for a second.

So Bertha was family to her. But what was he now?

Without thinking, a wave of irritation surged in him. He opened the door and walked out. Standing in the hallway, he lit a cigarette.

The wind had picked up that early morning. As he tilted his head to light up, a figure darted away at the hallway's corner.

He froze, then walked toward it.

It was just an emergency stairwell. No one in sight. The motion sensor light blinked on for a second, then went dark again.

Someone's watching. He could feel it in his gut. But who sent them? The Chambers family... or someone else?

Just then, a sharp crash rang from Bertha's room. The sudden sound of shattering glass tore through the night's silence.

Victoria.

His heart jolted as he rushed back to the room and pushed the door open.

She was bent over, just about to pick up shards from a broken glass on the floor.

Startled by the door swinging open, she flinched, and a jagged edge cut into her finger.

"Ugh-"

She hissed as blood oozed out of the fresh wound.

Theodore strode over and grabbed her hand, clearly agitated.

"Seriously? Can't even hold a glass steady?"

Victoria blinked, stunned. She tried pulling her hand back, but he wouldn't let go.

She'd been sitting too long and just wanted to get some water. But as soon as she stood, the dizziness hit and before she knew it, the glass had slipped.

She hadn't expected his annoyance to show this openly.

"Leave the mess. The cleaners'll handle it in the morning. It's late. Go lie down on the spare bed. I'll drive you back in the morning."Theodore's face was still a bit stiff. He'd meant to show concern for Victoria, but somehow, the words came out all wrong.

Explaining things wasn't really his strong suit, and right now, he didn't even bother trying.

Victoria gave the bandage on her finger a squeeze, then quietly laid down on the empty bed beside her.

Morning light crept in.

When Victoria woke up, she noticed a black suit jacket over her-it was Theodore's.

She sat up gently, not making a sound. Lifting her eyes, she saw him slouched on the couch, arms crossed and head bowed slightly.

His eyes were closed. It looked like he hadn't woken up yet.

Sleeping like this, without the usual distance between them, Theodore looked almost... approachable. Calm, even.

Not wanting to disturb him, Victoria picked up the jacket carefully and stepped closer. She bent down, trying to drape it over his shoulders.

Just as the fabric touched him, Theodore's eyes snapped open.

He looked wide awake, totally alert.

Their eyes met. Her hands trembled, and she froze.

"What're you doing?"

His voice was low, rough, but surprisingly magnetic. His deep eyes were like black pools, pulling her in without trying.

When his hand wrapped around her wrist, she instantly pulled herself together.

She turned her gaze away and stood up fast.

"If you catch a cold, and grandma catches it from you, that wouldn't be good."

Her cheeks flushed-not even sure what exactly she was embarrassed about.

Theodore didn't call her out on it. He just shook out the jacket and got to his feet. At that moment, someone came to take the next shift, so he headed for the door.

"I'll drive you back."

Technically, they were divorced. But on the surface, at least, they managed to stay civil.

Still, for Victoria...

Being around someone she still had feelings for, it wasn't easy to act like they were just friends.

"I'm heading to the division. Not your direction. I'll just call a ride."

She kept her tone distant-no mistaking the refusal there.

But Theodore didn't budge.

"I've got something to do near there. I'll give you a lift."

It was true-getting a ride at this hour could be a struggle. Victoria hesitated a second, then got in his car.

There was still some time before she'd arrive at work. She leaned back and looked out the window. Before she knew it, she'd fallen asleep.

In her dream, she was taken back to their school days-before any of the heartbreak.

Back when they were basically the campus couple everyone admired. Holding hands, walking together after class...

But then-

Right after Theodore had laid out their future, she pulled away. Cold, final.

Even when he pleaded, she never once looked back.

Sweat dotted her forehead. She jolted awake to find the car stopped neatly outside the restoration center.

Just as she was about to get out, Theodore spoke.

"What were you dreaming about?"

Her hand froze on the door handle. Lips pressed tight, she didn't look at him.

Her breathing was shaky. She had no idea how to explain.

"You were calling my name. Over and over."

Victoria bit her lip. No matter what excuse she made, she knew-he'd see right through her.

He always did.

"You heard wrong. I didn't."

Her tone turned cold right away. But before anything else could be said, someone knocked on the window.

She looked up to see Henry standing right outside.