Chapter 182

"Mom, it's not what you think..."

Victoria Farley shook off Isabella Jackson's reaching hand and slipped into the car without looking back.

William Jackson glared at his daughter. "You ruin everything! If this deal falls through, you'll pay for it!"

The black Mercedes sped away, leaving Isabella standing alone. Her fists clenched so tightly her nails dug into her palms.

Back at the Jackson mansion, Victoria sat silent in the backseat. The scenery blurred past the window, but her heart sank like a stone.

William suddenly sneered. "Aren't you the one who's always fawning over Ethan Sullivan? Can't even control your own daughter now?"

"What do you mean?" Victoria whipped her head around.

"Exactly what I said." His eyes darkened. "If we lose this project, we're getting divorced."

Victoria froze as if struck by lightning, her face draining of color.

"William! I've given you twenty years and two children! This is how you repay me?"

"Children?" His lips curled mockingly. "What else have you done besides playing mahjong and shopping?"

The car fell dead silent. Victoria trembled, her nails leaving scratches on the leather seats.

It hit her then—the man she'd shared a bed with for two decades was no longer the doting husband from years ago.

When the Mercedes stopped at the Jackson estate, Victoria stumbled out. She missed the disgust flashing in William's eyes—like she was outdated furniture.

Isabella returned to find her mother weeping alone.

"Mom, it's all my fault..." She threw herself at Victoria's knees. "I thought Ethan only..."

Victoria lifted tear-filled eyes to meet her daughter's guilty gaze. Her trembling fingers brushed Isabella's cheek.

This was the precious girl she'd cradled since infancy.

"Not your fault," Victoria whispered. "Blame that homewrecker..."

Isabella nestled into her mother's arms, the ghost of a smirk playing on her lips.