Chapter 822

No.1

“If I must go, then I will accept my punishment.

Grandfather, Father, Mother… please take care these next few days.

Don’t worry about me. This is my fault.”

She knelt and knocked her forehead hard against the floor.

A red mark immediately bloomed on her skin.

She didn’t flinch.

Tears streamed silently as the maids led her away.

Her slight frame trembled with each step.

Eleanor’s heart broke watching her leave.

Victoria had always been her favorite.

She had never disciplined her so harshly before.

But maybe it wasn’t too late to correct her.

As a mother, she had to try.

William released a heavy sigh.

“Everyone is dismissed. What happened today does not leave this room.”

No.2

The crowd had come hoping to reclaim the ten percent shares.

Now it was clear that wouldn’t happen.

They left in quiet disappointment.

As Eleanor passed Isabella near the doorway, she remembered Isabella’s words from the day before:

‘You always defend Victoria. You always take her side. But when have you ever listened to me?’

Isabella remembered Eleanor's words from yesterday.

She recalled the loneliness in Eleanor's eyes.

It made her pause and reconsider.

She turned back to face Isabella directly.

"Would you like to stay for lunch today?"

Stay for lunch...

This was the first gentle invitation since Africa.

Isabella considered her own plans.

She nodded. "I'd like that."

Eleanor called out immediately.

No.3

"Aunt Judy, prepare lunch for us."

Aunt Judy hurried off to the kitchen.

The entire household staff suddenly became active.

It was Isabella's first meal here in five years.

But not everyone seemed pleased.

People like Frederick remained distant.

Tiffany's mistake didn't erase their suspicions.

To them, Isabella was still the outsider.

The one who took twenty-five percent of the family shares.

They dispersed without acknowledging her.

Isabella didn't seem to care either.

She spent time talking with Theodore.

They spoke for quite a while before he left for business.

Then Isabella headed toward the prayer hall.

She wouldn't miss seeing Victoria's punishment.

No.4

As she walked down the hallway, a figure appeared.

It was Alexander.

Dressed in his usual black suit.

The successful, handsome businessman.

Isabella frowned.

Why was he here at the manor?

Surprise flickered in Alexander's eyes.

He thought her reputation was ruined.

But she had proven her innocence.

The netizens were now apologizing and praising her.

Her fame had only grown stronger.

This woman was nothing like the one he knew five years ago.

She was stunning.

Captivating.

Isabella didn't even look at him.

No.5

She turned to leave.

Alexander moved quickly to block her path.

"Why are you avoiding me, Isabella? You weren't like this before!"

Isabella laughed coldly.

"You weren't like this either five years ago. Need a reminder?"

She kicked a pebble at her feet.

It flew through the air.

Bam!

The pebble shattered a plant vase perfectly.

"Think about it. No one knows what happened. You're not as pure as Victoria, but having a child would ruin you completely."

"Wow. Should I thank you for that?" Isabella's laugh was sharp.

"You don't need to thank me. But consider getting back with me. Nathaniel is just playing with you."

"You act like you care, but you only want my assets," she sneered. "Besides, being with a man like Nathaniel is fine. What do you have to compete with him?"

She flipped her hair and walked away.

Furious, Alexander grabbed her wrist.

No.6

"You're testing my patience, Isabella!"

Alexander’s voice carried a clear, sharp edge of menace.

Isabella remained completely unfazed. “Testing my patience? You’re the one pushing it. I’ve held back from hitting you for a full minute. Do you really want to keep talking?” She shoved his hand away and flexed her fingers, knuckles cracking softly.

She added coldly, “Instead of wasting my time here, why don’t you go check on your precious Victoria? She’s kneeling in the prayer hall right now. Do you honestly think someone that fragile can handle it?”

Alexander narrowed his eyes. He had come because Victoria texted him. Her messages were full of pain and sorrow, so he showed up to defend her. He thought the family adored her too much to punish her harshly. He was wrong.

“I’ll visit her soon enough,” he said darkly. “But you should think twice about being with Nathaniel. It won’t end well for you.” He turned and walked away.

Isabella let out a soft, mocking laugh. A glint of calculation flashed in her eyes as she watched him leave. She had already pushed Victoria to her breaking point. Why not push a little harder? Make her suffer even more.

As Alexander strode off, he pulled out his phone and texted Victoria, concerned.

[What’s going on? Why did they make you kneel in the prayer hall? Was it because of Isadora? Tell me everything. I need to know how to help you.]

Victoria replied instantly.

[Yes. Isabella used cleverly edited photos to frame me. She convinced everyone! Alexander, my love, you have to help me. You know me better than anyone. Other than what happened five years ago, I’ve never hurt her. I’ve been trying to rebuild our relationship. I always hoped she would come back to you so we could move forward with our plans for the shares and the diamond mine. Why would I ruin everything now?]

Alexander remembered how Victoria invited Isabella to the Guci shoot. How she offered to be her prop. He believed every word she said.

He typed back, trying to soothe her. [Don’t worry. I’ll talk to Grandfather. Then I’ll come find you.]

Victoria was kneeling on the floor in the prayer hall, reading his text. A faint, smug smile touched her lips. Under Alexander’s influence, the old man would soften. Alexander was no ordinary man. She would be out of this miserable place soon. Even with a cushion, her knees ached. Every time someone passed by, she heard their whispers.

“Shh, quiet! Victoria is in there.”

No.7

“I can’t believe how cruel and evil she is. It’s shocking.”

“Never judge by appearances.”

Her fists clenched tightly. Useless maids. How dare they mock her? Once she was free, she would teach them respect.

Unexpectedly, the door creaked open. Thinking it was Alexander coming to rescue her, she turned eagerly… Only to be met with bitter disappointment. It was Isabella.

“What are you doing here, Isabella? Do you find this amusing?”

“And what if I do? You’ve done far worse to me. Am I not allowed to enjoy the show?” Isabella’s voice dripped with icy contempt as she stared down at the kneeling Victoria.

Victoria’s jaw tightened. “You vile creature, Isabella! You planned this all along, didn’t you? Spending three days in prison just to create a scandal and destroy me at the final hour. You tricked me into signing that compensation letter. This was your scheme from the start!” she shrieked.

“Surprisingly, you’re not completely stupid. But you missed one detail. I never had a recording of your conversation with Isadora. I fabricated that to frighten you. And these photos? I’ve had them for much longer than yesterday. Do you know why I held back? Because if I’d revealed them then, you wouldn’t have put on such a convincing performance for the family today. They never would’ve seen your true nature,” Isabella explained, her tone cool and dominating.

Victoria’s face flushed with rage. “You wicked witch! I’ll kill you! I swear I will!” She lunged, fingers clawing toward Isabella’s throat.

Isabella caught her wrists effortlessly, locking eyes with her. “If I’m wicked, what does that make you? If I hadn’t been cautious, I’d be behind bars right now. You tried to ruin me. I’m merely returning the favor. Haven’t you done enough damage over the past five years? Did you really think I’d just stand by and let you walk all over me again?”

“You’re right. I am vicious,” Isabella smirked. “But I’ve done worse. Take a look. Who’s at the door?”