Chapter 200

Isabella Jackson gently patted Victoria Farley's trembling shoulder, her voice soft but firm. "Mom, don't worry. I won't let Dad divorce you. I'll talk to him right now."

Victoria lifted her tear-filled eyes, her voice choked with emotion. "Isabella, it's all up to you now..."

"This family won't fall apart. I promise."

The sharp click of Isabella's heels echoed through the hallway as she left. She headed straight for Jackson Group and pushed open the door to the chairman's office.

William Jackson was yanking at his tie in frustration, his desk buried under stacks of documents. He frowned when he saw his daughter. "What are you doing here?"

"Dad, I'm here to ask you not to divorce Mom."

William slammed his hands on the desk and stood. "This is between adults. Stay out of it!"

"I'm part of this family too!" Isabella held her ground. "I won't accept this divorce!"

"Do you know she cost us the Sullivan Group project?" William sneered. "The shareholders have been hounding me nonstop. Unless she can salvage that deal, this conversation is over!"

Isabella clenched her fists. "Evelyn hates Mom now. She’d never agree. You're just making impossible demands!"

"Then we have nothing more to discuss." William turned to face the window.

Isabella took a deep breath. "If I can secure a better project for Jackson Group, will you call off the divorce?"

William spun around, his eyes gleaming. "Can you do that?"

"I guarantee it'll be on par with the Sullivan deal."

"Fine. It's a deal."

As Isabella left, William immediately dialed a number.

A shrill female voice answered. "William! You promised the divorce would be finalized this month! Our son is eight years old—how much longer must he live as a bastard?"

"Sweetheart, let me explain—"

"Save it! Are you still clinging to that old hag?"

William lowered his voice. "You and our son are all that matter to me. I swear, Jackson Group will be his someday."

"You'd better mean it!"

The line went dead. Rubbing his temples, William sent a text: [I’ll see you and our son tonight.]

That evening, Evelyn Sullivan received a message from Bianca Quinn.

[Ms. Sullivan, may I treat you to dinner? I’d like to thank you in person.]

Evelyn replied without hesitation: [Sure.]

She took Bianca to an affordable hot pot restaurant. As Bianca scanned the menu, the tension in her shoulders visibly eased.

"Ms. Sullivan, I truly can’t thank you enough," Bianca said, cradling her teacup. "Without you, I might’ve remained a ghostwriter forever."

Evelyn stirred the meat slices in the pot. "No need for thanks. You’ll repay every penny."

"I know you’re paying me triple the market rate..." Bianca's eyes reddened. "I’ll work twice as hard!"

"I believe in you." Evelyn placed a slice of beef in Bianca’s bowl. "Stay true to yourself, and you’ll go far."

After dinner, Evelyn dropped Bianca off at the hospital before heading home.

When she arrived at the villa, the entire house was dark. She paused at the doorway, frowning.