Chapter 163

The blade came at him without warning.

Isabella and Nathaniel were about to depart when it happened.

Isabella's breath caught in her throat as realization struck. "Alexander, move!"

She was too far to intervene, but Victoria acted with lightning reflexes. She pushed him aside just as the knife found its mark - burying deep in her chest instead.

The coppery tang of blood filled the air instantly.

Security subdued the attacker within seconds.

Alexander's face drained of color as he gathered the bleeding Victoria into his arms. Tires screeched as the car vanished down the driveway before Isabella could blink.

Nathaniel pulled at her sleeve. "We should go."

Isabella nodded numbly. "Right."

Two nights passed at Whitmore Manor without Alexander's return. Sophia had clearly heard about Victoria's injury too - the girl had slipped out unnoticed.

Isabella's herbal medicine supply dwindled to its final batch.

On Friday, she planned to take her dose and leave immediately after.

But fate had other plans. Alexander was home.

She hesitated briefly, then remembered their pending divorce and headed upstairs.

Alexander waited in the second-floor lounge with Oliver Westbrook present.

"You're back," Alexander spoke first.

Isabella acknowledged with a hum. She had no interest in Victoria's condition.

"I was saying the other day-" she began.

Alexander cut her off, sliding a document across the table. "Review this. Sign if you agree."