Chapter 78
After receiving medical attention, Vanessa was moved to a standard hospital room. The doctor assured them her injuries weren’t severe.
Though the wound was deep, stitches weren’t necessary. She had collapsed due to extreme panic and mental strain.
“Vanessa, you’re finally awake!” Seraphina sobbed beside her bed, clutching her hand as if mourning. “I thought I’d lost you forever!”
“Enough with the theatrics,” Isabella snapped, arms crossed. “Zachary isn’t here to witness your performance. Save the dramatics for when they matter.”
She turned her sharp gaze to Vanessa. “Have you figured out how to clean up this mess?”
“What mess?” Seraphina wiped her tears, confused.
Isabella scoffed. “Don’t tell me you’ve bungled more than one plan? Honestly, I’ve been propping you up like some miracle worker, all so your daughter could secure Zachary. But with your incompetence, how do you expect her to marry into the Blackwood family?”
Vanessa seethed silently. Her mother’s shortsightedness had cost her dearly.
To cover their debts, Seraphina had sold the necklace Zachary gifted her. If it hadn’t ended up with the Whitmores, none of this would’ve happened. Now her relationship with Zachary hung by a thread.
“Isabella, we need to talk about this!” Seraphina bristled. She had endured Isabella’s scolding since childhood, but being humiliated in front of her daughter was too much.
“Today was almost a success,” she hissed. “If it weren’t for your daughter interfering, everything would’ve gone smoothly!”
“How was I supposed to know Evelyn was in the bathroom?” Isabella shot back. “Vanessa, how many times must I remind you? You leave evidence lying around like breadcrumbs!”
Vanessa bit her lip, swallowing her frustration.
“Enough,” Isabella snapped. “Right now, words won’t save us. There’s no proof Vanessa caused the injury. If Zachary questions you, play dumb. Act like you remember nothing.”
She exhaled sharply, rubbing her temples. “He still has feelings for you. We’ll get through this. And if that fails… I have another way to make him forgive you.”
Vanessa nodded, but jealousy twisted her features. “What does Evelyn have that makes the Whitmores adore her so much? Madeline treats her like her own daughter. If this continues, she’ll trample us all!”
At the mention of Madeline, Isabella’s face darkened. “That woman is nothing but a glorified mistress. I tolerated her out of respect for Reginald, yet she dares challenge me?”
“Exactly!” Vanessa flattered. “You’re the rightful wife of Alistair Blackwood, a woman of status. How could Madeline compare?”
Seraphina smirked inwardly. The hypocrisy was rich—Isabella had clawed her way into the Blackwood family the same way.
“I won’t let Evelyn marry into the Whitmores,” Isabella muttered, eyes glinting coldly. “Reginald is the real power. I’ve heard from Alistair—he’s ruthless when it comes to family reputation.”
She smirked. “Nathan is his chosen heir. Do you think he’d let his eldest son marry some nobody? Let that little fox enjoy her moment. Sooner or later, I’ll make her weep.”
Before she could finish, the door swung open. A chill swept in as Zachary’s imposing figure filled the doorway.
“Zachary!” Vanessa’s breath hitched. She immediately slipped into her fragile act.
“I need answers.” His voice was ice.
Vanessa clutched the sheets, trembling. She shot Isabella a desperate look.
“Zachary, she’s just woken up,” Isabella interjected smoothly. “Give her time to recover before interrogating her.”
