Chapter 13

"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.