Chapter 663

Victoria Clarke wasn't just any ordinary friend. She was Evelyn Carter's former classmate and Sebastian Powell's betrothed.

Their wedding date had been set, mere days away, when Victoria was suddenly taken hostage.

The kidnappers demanded an astronomical ransom - 100 million dollars - with threats to execute her if unpaid.

Dominic Powell had been present when Nathaniel delivered this devastating news, which Evelyn accidentally overheard.

Witnessing the Clarke family's desperate scramble to raise the funds, Evelyn felt compelled to intervene.

Though years had passed since their last contact, she couldn't bear the thought of her once-vibrant classmate meeting such a tragic end.

Without hesitation, Evelyn wired 30 million dollars to the Clarke family.

While it didn't cover the full amount, her generous contribution was met with tearful gratitude.

Today, Victoria arrived personally to express her thanks.

Evelyn immediately welcomed her inside.

"Evelyn," Victoria began earnestly, "I can't accept this as charity. Consider it a loan. Once my family recovers, we'll repay every cent with interest."

The Clarke fortune had been decimated by the ransom demand, leaving them drowning in debts.

Evelyn nodded understandingly, though her assistance had been given freely without expectation.

Yet Evelyn couldn't ignore Victoria's transformation. Once the spoiled Clarke heiress known for her haughty demeanor, she now carried herself with unexpected humility.

"I heard about your class reunion," Victoria mentioned, eyes lowered.

"Yes, we had one. Why didn't you come?" Evelyn inquired gently.

Victoria's voice softened. "Fresh from captivity... I wasn't exactly in a celebratory mood."

Evelyn's chest tightened with sympathy. "I can't begin to imagine..."

"But you're safe now. That's what matters."

A heavy sigh escaped Victoria's lips. "Rumors are spreading... about what those men did to me. The Powells are breaking off my engagement to Sebastian."

Their match had always been more about alliances than affection, but this public rejection would devastate the already struggling Clarke family.

Evelyn's eyes widened in shock.

She realized: "This withdrawal would confirm everyone's darkest suspicions about Victoria's ordeal."

"Honestly?" Victoria shrugged with surprising composure. "This whole nightmare revealed people's true colors. Maybe this broken engagement is a blessing."

Evelyn nodded firmly. "It proves Sebastian never deserved you. You'll find someone who values you properly. Don't waste tears on him."

Victoria's sudden laughter brightened the room. "When did you become so eloquent, Evelyn? I don't remember you having this silver tongue in school. I like it!"

The comment seemed to genuinely touch Victoria.

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, revealing a warmth and authenticity Evelyn hadn't remembered from their school days.

As noon approached, Evelyn invited Victoria to stay for lunch.

Victoria accepted eagerly.

After Susan prepared the table, Evelyn went upstairs to fetch Isabella.

Isabella initially refused but reconsidered when her empty stomach protested. With slight hesitation, she descended.

Victoria's eyebrows shot up at the unfamiliar woman's appearance.

Watching Isabella navigate the stairs with Susan's help, Victoria leaned close and whispered, "Who's that?"

Evelyn's lips curved mischievously. "My husband's childhood friend."

Victoria's jaw dropped. "Wait - Alexander brought his childhood friend to live with you? And you're okay with this? Isn't this... unusual?"

Evelyn shook her head calmly. "Actually, it was my idea."

Victoria looked utterly perplexed.

"You're keeping your rival under the same roof? Isn't that inviting trouble? Doesn't it make you... uncomfortable?"

Evelyn whispered something in Victoria's ear.

As comprehension dawned, admiration lit Victoria's features.

She thought, "I wonder who's really feeling uncomfortable here?"

Noticing the whispers, Isabella interjected sharply, "I hear new voices. Do we have company?"

Spotting Victoria but pretending otherwise, Isabella's curiosity got the better of her.

Quick-witted, Victoria smiled brightly. "Hello, Ms. Morgan. I'm Evelyn's friend."

Isabella's face darkened at the mention.

"But I have another identity too," Victoria added playfully. "Care to guess?"

Isabella scoffed, dropping into a dining chair. "Not particularly interested."

She motioned for Susan to assist with her meal, using her supposed blindness as justification.

Victoria took her seat, casually lifting a water glass, her eyes glinting with purpose.

"Ms. Morgan, I can heal your eyes," she declared calmly.

Before Isabella could react—

Victoria flung the water directly into Isabella's face.

The cold splash hit like a physical blow, drenching Isabella completely.

Isabella surged up, wiping her face furiously. "Have you lost your mind?!"

Victoria smiled triumphantly. "Told you I could fix your vision. Look at you now—seeing perfectly!"

Evelyn, mindful of Alexander's surveillance, remained still. But Victoria faced no such restraints.

The instinctive flinch betrayed Isabella's deception—captured perfectly by the high-definition cameras.

Isabella had grown weary of the charade anyway.

These past days of forced blindness had been suffocating; exposure brought unexpected relief.

"So what if I faked it? None of your damn business!" Isabella snapped.

Victoria replied coolly, "I'm Victoria Clarke. Evelyn's friend. Homewrecking never ends well—I suggest you reconsider your choices."

Isabella froze mid-retort.

Recognition dawned: "Victoria? Sebastian's Victoria?"

Memories of her complicated history with Sebastian stirred unexpected guilt.

Her bravado crumbled. Appetite gone, she retreated upstairs, slamming her bedroom door.

After lunch, Victoria prepared to leave.

Evelyn walked her out, embracing her warmly.

"I can't believe she helped expose Isabella's act," Evelyn thought gratefully.

Victoria grinned. "Honestly? After everything, that splash felt amazing. Like therapy."

As Victoria entered her car, ready to depart, her gaze caught on a familiar silhouette near the property.

Her pulse spiked as she squinted in disbelief.

The man bore an uncanny resemblance to one of her kidnappers!