Isabella stepped forward just in time to support Davina, her tone soft and gentle. "Davina, I'm sure Victoria has her reasons. Please don't be too hard on her."

The rest of the Chambers family didn't bother hiding their annoyance. Aside from Old Mrs. Chambers, none of them ever truly accepted Victoria.

To them, Isabella was the only one worthy of Theodore.

Even Amelia Brooks couldn't help but sneer, "Ever since she married Elijah while she was abroad and Grace vanished, and now the moment he died, she turns around and gets with you? What kind of heartless woman..."

She stopped mid-sentence, the rest of the words dying in her throat when she caught sight of Theodore's cold, dark stare.

His gaze was sharp, his expression unreadable, and the mood in the room instantly dropped several degrees.

Just then, the weakened voice of Old Mrs. Chambers cut through the silence. "I'm still alive, aren't I? What's all this fuss about?"

Everyone turned toward the bed at once.

"How are you feeling? Should we get the doctor?" Carlos Chambers quickly asked, eyes full of concern.

But she ignored him. Her gaze went right past everyone else and landed on Victoria. Finally, a faint smile touched her wrinkled face. She slowly lifted her hand. "Victoria, come here."

Even Isabella, who was usually the center of attention, found herself overlooked. Behind her sunglasses, her expression shifted slightly-obviously displeased.

Victoria walked over. The moment she was close, Old Mrs. Chambers grasped her hand tightly, then motioned for Theodore to come closer too.

She clasped their hands together, her eyes full of warmth and hope. "I've had one foot in the grave more times than I can count lately, but I'm still here-waiting on you two to give me a great-grandbaby! You two better put in the effort, got it? "

Victoria stared at the floor, not knowing how to tell her about the divorce. That wish...wasn't going to come true. She just stayed quiet, letting the words hang in the air.

Davina clenched her fists. "She's not fit to carry a Chambers child!"

She stepped forward, clearly ready to pull Victoria away, but Carlos subtly stopped her with a press of the hand and a shake of the head-now wasn't the time.

Then came the shocker-something no one in the room saw coming.

Old Mrs. Chambers reached under her pillow and pulled out an exquisitely crafted velvet box. Her fingers trembled as she opened it.

Inside lay a gemstone brooch, its surface glimmering with rich, vibrant hues. The setting was delicate yet intricate, and the jewel itself flawless-radiant, translucent, and breathtakingly refined.

This wasn't just any bracelet. It was the Chambers family heirloom-worth a fortune now.

"This is my gift to you," Old Mrs. Chambers said firmly. "To me, you're the only granddaughter-in-law who counts."

It was a pointed message-and clearly meant for Isabella to hear.

The room fell into silence. Reactions varied.

Davina looked like she'd just witnessed betrayal. After all those years of catering to the old woman, not once was she offered the heirloom. And Victoria? In just three years, she'd managed to earn the ultimate token of favor.

Davina shot her a look filled with venom. What a calculating woman.

Isabella bit her crimson lip. Seeing Theodore remain silent, a wave of anxiety flooded her chest.

"I'm really sorry, but I should get going. There's something I need to take care of."

Without waiting for a reply, she turned and left.

Theodore didn't hesitate for a second. He pulled his hand away and strode out after her.

The sudden emptiness at her side hit Victoria hard.

Theodore noticed the smallest changes in Isabella-the fleeting tension in her gaze, the silence that lingered just a moment too long.

But her? She had to keep pretending, had to swallow every rising lump in her throat.

Old Mrs. Chambers saw her grandson bolt like that and was furious. "Theodore!"

She coughed violently, her anger barely contained.Everyone took the chance to chime in.

"Mom, have you forgotten who she really is? How could you hand over our family heirloom to her? She's not even worthy of laying a finger on it!"

"Exactly! Don't let her go out there embarrassing the Chambers name. You're just too soft-hearted and got fooled by someone like her."

The noise bubbled around her. Old Mrs. Chambers frowned, and with just one cold glance, silenced everyone. "This is my decision. If any of you got a problem with it, keep it to yourself."

The room quieted down. Victoria spoke up on her own accord.

"Grandma, this is way too valuable, I really can't accept it. Please keep it."

"Nonsense. No matter how valuable it is, what matters is that I want you to have it."

Without sparing a glance at the others, Old Mrs. Chambers took the brooch and fastened it to Victoria's dress with quiet finality.

Victoria barely had time to protest, the cool metal was already resting above her heart, its vivid shine impossible to ignore.

...

Around the corner in the hallway, two figures stood closely together.

Victoria stopped without thinking, frozen in her tracks.

Isabella trembled slightly, her voice shaky and soft as she cried, all her frustration pouring out.

"Your grandma gave the heirloom to her... But what about me? Am I just the one who came between you and her? If you've made up your mind to choose her, then you can just go back to her..."

Smart people know how to pull back just enough to push harder.

Theodore gently ruffled her hair, his eyes shadowed with something deep, though the emotion quickly faded.

He said calmly, "Victoria and I are divorced. After things settle down with Grandma, I'll go public with our relationship."

Hearing that, the tension in Isabella's shoulders eased a little.

So he did care-only about her.

With joy lighting up her face, she threw her arms around Theodore and leaned her chin on his shoulder. She glanced at Victoria from afar, the faintest smirk playing on her lips.

Victoria held her head high as she walked away, teeth clenched. Every step echoed with the weight of words she refused to say, her fury pulsing just beneath her skin.

This time, she was done with Theodore.

The moment she reached the ground floor, her phone rang. A familiar number flashed on the screen.

She gripped her phone tightly, hesitating before finally picking up.

She didn't speak first, just waited for the voice on the other end.

"Gina's funeral is coming up. Bring Theodore with you."

The voice was low, hoarse, carrying the weight of sorrow-it hurt just to hear it.

Victoria didn't want to go. But now, she hesitated.

There was silence, then William Ellis sighed. "I know you've already heard what happened to Gina. Your mother... she's barely holding on. You're all she has left now. Come see her, okay?"

Victoria wanted to say something comforting, but the words stuck, and all she could manage was a stiff, "Take care."

"The funeral will be the day after tomorrow, nine in the morning. I'll text you the location."

"Okay."

In the end, she just couldn't say no.

But now another problem-how was she supposed to bring Theodore to the funeral?

After a minute of quiet frustration, she sighed and headed to Theodore's place.

She figured he was having some romantic dinner with Isabella. He wouldn't let her feel neglected, right? Probably brought her here just to spite Victoria.

So, she grabbed the divorce papers and came to drop them off-then she'd be gone.

With that thought, she pushed open the door.

The sight stunned her.

The living room lights were dim, the warm glow casting a soft, ambiguous mood.

She froze in place, immediately sensing something was off. Just as she turned to leave-

"Victoria."

A voice stopped her, and she had no choice but to look back.

Under the soft light, Isabella stood there, stunning as always. She'd just come out from a shower, wearing nothing but a black silk cami dress that hugged her figure-every curve visible under the sheen, seductive without trying.

"You and Theodore are done. You seriously think you still have a place here?"

With no one else around, Isabella didn't bother keeping up appearances. Her tone was sharp and cutting.

Victoria reached out and grabbed something off the table. Lifting up the document, she replied coolly, "Relax. Once I take this, you won't see me around again."

"I meant, stay away from Theodore-period." Isabella's eyes narrowed. "She must've been confused-giving you that brooch. It was never meant for you. It's mine, and deep down, you know that. You're just the ex-wife clinging to what's no longer hers. Try not to embarrass yourself."

She looked at Victoria from above, the disdain in her gaze impossible to miss.

Her lips parted slightly, disbelief flashing across her face before turning to steel. She'd never sought conflict, but something inside her cracked..

A mocking smile slowly tugged at her lips. "For someone who acts so confident, you're awfully quiet about the truth. So tell me, Miss Waters-how long do you think your secrets will stay hidden? Sooner or later, they always crawl into the light."

Victoria continued, "Maybe one of these days, if I'm in a bad mood, I'll be the one to dig it all up. Let's see if you still get to keep that Best Actress crown then."

Isabella's face paled, panic flashing across her eyes. Without warning, she slapped Victoria across the face. "How dare you!"

Victoria didn't hesitate-she slapped her right back.

Isabella froze, clearly not expecting the hit.

The tension in the room was electric when Theodore came downstairs.

Isabella instantly shifted gears, stuffing down all her anger like it never existed. Sweet, gentle, doting mode: activated.

She walked over, cuddling up to him like she owned the place. "Theo, Victoria just came to pick up her stuff. She was just leaving."

Victoria wasn't planning to interfere, but hearing that made her roll her eyes. Why let Isabella have the upper hand? She looked Theodore straight in the eye. "I need to talk to you."

He didn't even blink. "Isabella, I'll have the driver take you home."

Her smile stiffened. Was he seriously kicking her out for Victoria?

She quietly let go of his arm. "Fine."

She didn't even bother changing, just threw on a coat and walked out, clearly trying to hold back her temper but not quite pulling it off.

And for once, Theodore didn't go chasing after her.

That surprised Victoria. She wasn't expecting him to pick sides.

Once Isabella was gone, she didn't waste time. "Gina passed away. The funeral's the day after tomorrow. My dad wants you to come with me."

Theodore didn't react much. He leaned back lazily on the couch, uninterested.

Instead of answering, he tossed out a condition.

"Grandma's health isn't stable. Any bad news could hurt her. I need you to keep pretending-for three months. After that, I'll tell her we're divorced."

So that's why he sent Isabella away.

Victoria paused for a second, then nodded. "Alright."

The brooch at her collar glinted as she turned, and something shifted in Theodore's expression-darker, unreadable. Victoria noticed. Wordlessly, she reached for it, ready to take it off and give it back.

"I did refuse it, but Grandma insisted. Still, I think it should go back to its rightful owner."

Hearing that, Theodore grew a bit annoyed. Did she really hate having anything to do with the Chambers family that much?

His eyes, cold and sharp, landed on the necklace around her neck. Three years, and he's never seen her take it off. She clearly cherished it. Probably a gift from Elijah.

His face turned darker. Voice low and a little stiff, he said, "Keep it. Since we're still putting on the act, let's do it properly. Otherwise Grandma might get suspicious."

His mood kept shifting in weird ways, but Victoria didn't bother figuring him out. When love's gone, there's nothing left to care about.

As she was about to go, he spoke again. "Sooner or later, someone'll catch on if you move out. If the media gets hold of it and Grandma sees, it'll hit her even harder. For now, just stay here."

Divorced, yet she still had to face all the ghosts of their past in this house?

The couch. The balcony. The bedroom.

Every inch of this place whispered of their once-crazy intimacy.

Funny, really. He never loved her, yet in those three years, he played the role of a decent husband.

Everything but love-she'd had all of it.

"Problem?"

Victoria shook her head. "Just make sure Isabella is taken care of. Don't need more drama."

That night, she quietly carried her comforter to the guest room, leaving the master bedroom to Theodore.

Sleep didn't come easy. The night felt long and messy. She lay wide awake.

By the time she opened her eyes, it was already nine. Normally, Theodore would be at the office by now, so she didn't bother changing-just padded downstairs in her pajamas to grab a glass of milk from the kitchen.

Then, she heard the faint creak of the front door. Someone was coming in.

"Theodore," came Isabella' voice.

Startled, Victoria's brain short-circuited, and she instinctively ducked into the kitchen.

The man strolled lazily downstairs. From where he was, he easily spotted her trying to hide.

The corner of his mouth tugged up in amusement, but he didn't say anything.

Beaming, Isabella walked up with a lovingly packed breakfast in hand. Her voice sugary sweet, she said, "Someone didn't bother sweet-talking me, so I had to do it myself. Even made some smoked salmon bagel this morning to win your heart."

It was the kind of teasing intimacy between lovers-something Victoria had never even dared to hope for.

"Aren't you worried about the paparazzi? Could mess up your career, Miss Waters."

She giggled. "What, you can't afford to take care of me, Chambers?"

As she spoke, she leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his waist, even playfully nibbling on his chin.

Theodore's gaze flicked toward the kitchen, his brow creasing a little.

Victoria leaned against the fridge, hearing every mushy word from the living room. Her chest felt suffocating. She took another sip of milk, lips twitching.

Straight-up self-inflicted misery.

A while later, Theodore made up some excuse and had someone escort Isabella out.

"She's gone. You can come out now."

Victoria stepped out from the kitchen, looking up to find him staring at her with a slightly smug expression.

"Why were you hiding?"

"Didn't feel like dealing with your darling sweetheart. Figured I'd give you two lovebirds your moment."

He said nothing, but his gaze dropped to the milk on her lips. His throat tightened suddenly, remembering the heat of that one wild night.

That mental image came way too fast, and this time, logic didn't stop it.

They weren't standing that far apart. The moment he spaced out, he pulled her straight into his arms and pressed his lips to hers.

"Theo-"

Her shocked gasp got swallowed up in the kiss.

Theodore placed one hand under her, laying her gently on the sofa, his other hand gripping her waist firmly to keep her still.

Victoria, already teetering on the edge, suddenly remembered how close Theodore and Isabella had become. That thought felt like a thorn under her skin.

Her lashes lowered slightly, dulling the light in her eyes. A soft word slipped out from her lips-just one word, but it stopped him cold.

"Disgusting."

Reality snapped back like a slap. Theodore quickly let go. He looked down at her pale face and let out a cold, bitter laugh.

"Did you feel disgusting with Elijah too?" he scoffed. "Or is it just with me?"

Victoria's breath caught in her throat at the jab. Her expression dimmed even more. She looked up and stared at him without saying a word.

Theodore raised an eyebrow and stepped back, face turning distant and cold.

"Gina's funeral is tomorrow morning at nine. Don't forget." That was all she said before turning and walking away.

Just like that, the whole incident passed without much of a ripple.

Rain drizzled nonstop. Gina's funeral had only a handful of close friends and family. Everyone stood quietly under umbrellas.

Hannah was sobbing uncontrollably in William's arms.

Victoria and Theodore stood off in a quiet corner. As she looked at the people who once felt like home, at these so-called parents and relatives, all she saw now were strangers.

Staring at the photo on the gravestone, memories surged-her painstaking effort to piece together that crushed skull. Her brows tightened.

Five years ago, she was the princess of the Ellis family, adored by all. Then they found their real daughter, Gina, and just like that, everything changed.

Too many things happened since. Gina wasn't the sweet innocent girl she pretended to be. She killed Victoria's cat, twisted the truth, made herself the victim.

That was all it took for William and Hannah to believe that Victoria had faked it all just to get rid of Gina-that she was jealous and cruel.

And things like that happened over and over. Within a year, Victoria was thrown out, ties completely severed.

"Aren't you going to go comfort your parents?"

The low voice behind her pulled her thoughts back.

Victoria's lips pressed into a thin line. She looked at Hannah, barely staying upright from grief. A flicker of hesitation crossed her eyes. She took one step forward... then stopped. In the end, she didn't move closer.

Just as Hannah was about to faint from all the crying, her phone buzzed again and again.

She unlocked it-an unfamiliar email. Inside was a video.

She and William exchanged a glance, then tapped play.

The clip showed Gina arguing with a skinny woman. From Gina's face, she was clearly upset.

Hannah's voice was hoarse, her hands trembling, "This... this was before Gina went missing... Who's that woman?"

William's brows drew together, a terrible feeling creeping in. That figure... looked too much like Victoria.

But he didn't say it.

Not until the woman turned-and her face became clear on the screen.

The shock hit hard. Hannah's phone slipped from her hand and hit the ground with a loud thud.

It was Victoria.

"She killed Gina..." Hannah mumbled, face pale as a ghost, struggling to believe what she just saw. She turned her head and saw Victoria standing a short distance away with an umbrella. Something inside her snapped. Like a tight string suddenly breaking. She lost it-rushed over and slammed into her, both hands wrapped around Victoria's neck.

"You took my daughter! You killed my Gina!"

The chaos drew every pair of eyes their way.

Victoria gasped for air. Hannah's nails dug deep into her skin, leaving harsh indents, as if she really meant to strangle her.

Her arm dropped limply, the umbrella clattered onto the ground.

Theodore's eyes turned cold in an instant. He yanked Hannah's hands off Victoria with force and shielded her with his body. The moment he caught sight of the fresh red marks down her pale neck, his expression darkened.

"Why didn't you dodge?"

His tone was harsh. He turned to her-she just stood there, stunned out of her mind, not reacting at all.

Hannah was still spiraling, her bloodshot eyes locked onto Victoria. "We took care of you for over twenty years! This is how you pay us back?!"

She lunged at her again-never once giving Victoria a chance to explain.

In the scuffle, Hannah yanked the necklace off Victoria's neck and threw it to the ground.

"Elijah!"

The name slipped from her lips before she could stop it. Ignoring the rain and the crowd's stares, she darted over and scooped the necklace into her hands, cradling it close like it was the most precious thing in the world.

Her fragile expression made something in Theodore's chest twist unpleasantly. He clenched his jaw and walked over quietly, holding the umbrella over her head.

"Hannah, calm down!"

William tried to soothe her, casting Victoria a conflicted look. He didn't say a word, but his eyes-those eyes were full of disappointment.

Victoria had no idea what was going on. All she felt was a sharp, aching hollowness in her chest, like someone had carved it open and just left it bleeding. Her knees hit the ground, weak and unsteady.

She did nothing wrong. She hadn't hurt anyone. After all these years-her supposed parents didn't believe in her either?

"Hannah!"

Gasps rippled through the crowd as Hannah suddenly collapsed.

The funeral turned into a mess after that, ending earlier than planned.

Just beneath the trees at the edge of the cemetery, a slim figure disappeared into the rain. Isabella closed the car door with a smirk after watching the show.

But the memory of Theodore shielding Victoria made her grip her phone so tight her knuckles went white. Then she shoved it at the man next to her.

"Get someone dependable. Wipe out any trace of this."

Aaron Mills didn't know why she was so involved in the Ellis family's mess, but he backed her without question. "Don't worry. I've got it."

Isabella turned her head, watching through the window as Theodore held the umbrella over Victoria.

She thought the what Victoria had suffered-far from enough. Not a single look from Theodore should land on anyone else.

Back at the villa, Isabella filled the bathtub with cold water, shed her clothes, and slowly sank into it.

...

In the heavy downpour, Victoria tucked the necklace away, her eyes suddenly sharp with resolve. She wasn't going to take the blame for something she didn't do. She needed to go back and get real answers from the Ellis family.

As she stood, her legs gave out for a second, and she stumbled. A hand caught her wrist just in time-Theodore's.

Her skin was ice cold.

He'd seen that look in her earlier-blank, hollow. He figured she must've been thinking of Elijah. A sour feeling bubbled up in him, annoyance-but also, strangely, something like heartbreak.