Chapter 16

After a moment's thought, Molly looked up at Ivana and softened her tone. "Ivana, don't worry too much. Jayden only cares about her right now because she's Queenie Lovett."

"I know," Ivana sobbed, overwhelmed with fear. "But Isabella already has that identity, and Jayden knows about it. Mom, I'm so scared! I tried so hard to make Jayden mine!"

Molly narrowed her eyes, a cold glint flashing in them. She lowered her voice. "If she's dead, there won't be a problem."

Ivana's head snapped up. "You mean"

Molly stood and walked to the bedside table. She picked up a grape from a fruit plate, squeezed it hard, and the grape burst, its juice spilling out. She looked at the crushed grape and sneered coldly. "Like this grape—once it's crushed, is it still alive?"

Ivana's face paled. "But Mom, killing her"

Molly scoffed. "What are you afraid of? I killed her mother before, and I can kill her again."

"But" Ivana began, but Molly interrupted. "Do you really think your father dotes on you? He's always been heartless. Otherwise, why would he abandon Isabella's mother? When she died, he didn't even glance at her. He only favors you because you're better than Isabella."

Ivana froze, speechless. Molly continued, "Once your father finds out she's Queenie and how valuable she is, do you think we'll have any standing in the Stout family?"

Ivana's face turned ashen. "But I'm afraid we'll get caught"

Molly tossed the grape in the trash and wiped her fingers with a tissue. "What's there to be afraid of? I have my ways. For now, stay quiet. Don't tell your father about the hospital."

Ivana nodded frantically. Molly smiled gently and wiped Ivana's tears. "Joshua has a close relative who works for Xavier. You just stay the little princess. Let me handle this."

She tossed the tissue in the trash. Ivana frowned. "Can we trust this person?"

Molly patted her shoulder. "Of course. I'll make sure everything is airtight. Ivana, with big plans, you can't sweat the small stuff. Stay calm and analyze things carefully. Don't panic. Be ruthless, and no one can surpass you. Understand?"

Ivana nodded firmly. "I understand." She grasped Molly's hand. "Mom, my happiness depends on you."

Molly patted her hand. "Of course. I'll make sure you're the happiest person in the world!"

A slow smile spread across Ivana's face, her eyes gleaming with vicious coldness. Isabella, I will make sure you never rise again!

Two days later

The Cox residence, on the outskirts of Draxenport, was surrounded by a meticulously maintained garden. On this quiet night, only the chirping of insects could be heard. But suddenly, something shattered.

Inside, Xavier lay on his bed, writhing in pain. His jaw clenched, veins bulging, his skin flushed.

"Argh!" he roared, staggering to his feet and stumbling toward the living room. "Blood! I need blood!"

His crazed appearance was demonic. He began smashing everything, terrifying the servants who froze, too terrified to approach. They trembled, hiding in corners. The butler, Connor, shakily dialed Darryl's number. "Mr. Cox, Master Xavier's having another episode!"

Xavier's bloodshot eyes blazed. "Where's the blood?!"

Connor dropped his phone. Some servants wept. Had he known, Connor would never have taken the job.

The servants watched Xavier closely. A maid, Hannah, muttered, "Wasn't Master Xavier cured by Dr. Lovett? Why is he still like this?!"

Others whispered, "Yeah, I think that doctor was an imposter."

Connor thought, Dr. Lovett that day was Isabella Stout. Everyone knows Isabella only follows Jayden around. Could she really be Dr. Lovett? Judging by Xavier's condition, it seems unlikely.

Xavier felt his blood boiling, burning him from the inside out. His heart felt as if it were being gnawed by ants. A voice screamed for blood. Only blood could relieve the pain.

His bloodshot eyes locked onto the huddled servants. He wanted to drink their blood.

No, stop! Xavier slammed his fists into a cabinet, using the pain to control the frenzy.

The pain snapped him back, momentarily. His voice hoarse, he yelled, "Get out! All of you, get out!"

The servants hesitated. They dared not leave him alone.

Xavier's bloodshot eyes locked onto Connor. "Make them leave!!!"

Connor quickly waved at the servants. "Everyone, take two days off. Don't come back until then."

The servants fled without looking back.

In the bedroom of Riverside Villa, Isabella reclined against the headboard, scrolling through shopping apps. She was choosing a gift for the Howerton residence. For two days, she’d searched every mall in Draxenport without success. Frustrated, her phone rang. An unfamiliar number. She answered. "Hello?"

Darryl's urgent voice: "Dr. Lovett, my son's illness has relapsed! Please come quickly!"