Chapter 17

Hearing Darryl's voice, Isabella was surprised. She couldn't understand why Xavier had suddenly relapsed. When she had treated him before, she'd given Darryl her number in case of an emergency. Immediately, she set down the pillow she was hugging and quickly got out of bed. "Alright, I'll be there right away," she said, her voice firm.

After giving a few quick instructions, she hung up and hurried from the room.

In the lavishly decorated living room of the Stout residence, beneath a grand crystal chandelier, Ivana and Molly sat on an expensive sofa, trying on dazzling jewelry.

Ivana's pretty face beamed with joy as she admired a large aquamarine ring on her slender fingers. "Mom, this aquamarine is so beautiful. Look how pure the color is…" Ivana said, extending her hand.

Molly chuckled softly and picked up a gemstone bracelet from the table, gently fastening it around Ivana's wrist. "This one suits you better."

The gemstones, gleaming under the light, looked elegant and regal. Molly had bought these pieces at extravagant auction prices; they were essential for high-society events.

Ivana smiled brightly, admiring the bracelet. Leaning her head against Molly's shoulder, she said playfully, "Mom, you treat me the best."

Molly hugged her daughter, and they laughed happily.

At that moment, the butler, Joshua, entered, clutching his phone. He glanced around to ensure no one else was present before stepping forward, bowing slightly. "Mrs. Stout," he said, "there's news from the Cox family."

Both women straightened, their expressions turning serious. Molly quickly asked, "What's the situation?"

Ivana instinctively tightened her grip on Molly's arm, anxiously awaiting Joshua's response.

Joshua pocketed his phone, stepped closer to Molly, and whispered, "Xavier's illness has flared up again!"

Molly and Ivana looked shocked, then their eyes lit up. Molly turned to Joshua, asking cautiously, "Really?"

Joshua nodded repeatedly, smiling. "Yes, and it's quite severe. He's destroyed almost everything in the house, demanding blood."

Having worked for the Stout family for a long time, Joshua knew who was in charge and how to deliver such news.

Ivana's heart pounded with excitement. She was convinced Isabella's medical skills were nothing special—Xavier had relapsed after only a day.

Molly, however, concealed her smile. Her expression darkened as she looked at Joshua, clearing her throat. "You know what should and shouldn't be said, right?"

Her fingers lightly brushed the emerald ring on the table. She pushed it toward Joshua.

Joshua's eyes lit up. He carefully took the ring, a fawning smile spreading across his face. "Mrs. Stout, you can count on me."

Molly smiled. She sat up straight, nodding meaningfully. "Good. Keep me updated. I'll make sure you're well rewarded. Now, go."

Joshua, still bowing, clutched the ring and hurried out.

Ivana crossed her arms, displeased, and glared at Molly. "Mom, why did you give him that emerald ring? How does a servant deserve something so valuable?" Ivana felt a servant didn't deserve a multi-million dollar emerald ring. Molly, however, placed other jewelry from the table into Ivana's arms and said gently, "My dear, remember—if you want the horse to run fast, you have to feed it well. Some sacrifices are necessary."

Ivana accepted the jewelry, frowning slightly but refraining from arguing. She knew Molly was right, though she felt regret over the ring.

But recalling Joshua's words, excitement lit up her eyes again. "Isabella mentioned that as long as Xavier underwent acupuncture, his urge to drink blood would be suppressed. Now that his condition has relapsed, doesn't that prove she's an imposter?" Ivana said.

The thought made Ivana excited. She'd never believed Isabella was as skilled as she claimed, thinking it was all a facade.

Molly picked up her coffee and took a sip, her mood visibly lightened. She nodded with satisfaction. "It seems we don't even need to intervene. She's already exposing herself."

Placing the cup down, she sneered, "I really thought she was Queenie. But to think she's bold enough to impersonate her, who has only been missing for a few years! Well, let's see how she plans to get herself out of this mess."

Ivana chuckled. Remembering Isabella's proud demeanor in the hospital, Ivana felt glee. In her mind, Isabella had fallen from her pedestal and become a loser. She was determined to crush Isabella.

"I thought she was impressive. But this is better—we won't even have to get our hands dirty," Ivana smirked.

Molly, smiling, tucked a stray lock of Ivana's hair behind her ear. "Isabella is no match for you."

Ivana's smile grew brighter. "Of course! She can never compare to me!"

She carefully placed the jewelry back in the box, hugging it close. Then, looking eagerly at Molly, she said, "Mom, I'm going to tell Jayden about this right away. There's no way I'm letting him go back to Isabella." Jayden could only be hers, Ivana thought. She eagerly anticipated Jayden's reaction.

Molly smiled and waved her hand. "Go ahead!"

Ivana, clutching the jewelry box, eagerly ran upstairs.

On the dark road, a limited-edition custom Ferrari sped by, cutting through the night.

In the driver's seat, Isabella gripped the steering wheel, her expression tense, her bright eyes focused on the road. The car raced forward, but her mind was consumed with Xavier's condition. His illness shouldn't have relapsed so soon or severely. Something didn't add up.

Suddenly, her phone rang. Assuming it was Darryl, she answered without checking the caller ID. "Hello?"

To her surprise, it was Ivana's mocking voice. "Isabella, I heard Xavier's condition has flared up again!"

Isabella frowned, unwilling to waste her time. Just as she was about to hang up, Ivana's voice rang out again, dripping with sarcasm. "Aren't you the famous Dr. Lovett? Looks like your medical skills aren't so great after all!"

Ivana relished mocking Isabella, playing with the ring from Molly. "Or maybe you're even faking the title of Queenie, huh?"

Isabella's lips twitched in annoyance. She couldn't understand why Ivana had become so foolish.

Unaware of Isabella's thoughts, Ivana let out an arrogant, self-satisfied laugh. "Isabella, just wait until Jayden gets tired of your…"