Chapter 105

"What method?" Benjamin asked Elizabeth.

Elizabeth's eyes sparkled with triumph. "This time, we've truly won. The baby in Isabella's womb has turned the tables, making Sophia look like a fool in front of Ethan. But if we want Ethan to eliminate Sophia completely, we need to stoke the flames further."

"Do we... really have to kill her?" Benjamin hesitated, his voice uneasy.

Elizabeth glared at him venomously. "You still care for Sophia, don't you? After everything she's done—trying to destroy you, ruin our family! She's just as vile as her mother! Have you forgotten how her mother deceived you? How she framed you? Why are you so weak-willed?"

"That witch is every bit as ruthless as her mother!"

"If our plan hadn't been flawless yesterday, if Ethan hadn't arrived just in time to witness Sophia's cruelty, she would have stolen him from Isabella soon enough. And then, our family would be next."

"Benjamin, think about it—if Ethan ever learns the truth, do you think he’d let us live?"

Benjamin fell silent.

His wife was right.

If Ethan discovered the truth, the Thornton family would be annihilated.

Swallowing his hesitation, Benjamin demanded, "Then tell me, what’s your plan?"

"Feeling guilty now?" Elizabeth mocked, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Benjamin clenched his fists. "That wretched girl never should have been born! I raised her for eight years, and this is how she repays me—trying to destroy us all, even stealing Isabella’s fiancé! Just tell me how to get rid of her!"

Elizabeth smirked. "Yesterday’s scheme worked perfectly. Ethan already despises Sophia. Now, we need to fuel his hatred until it consumes him. Until the mere sight of her makes him want to kill her. Even if Victoria interferes, it won’t matter."

She leaned in, whispering her plan into Benjamin’s ear.

After a brief pause, Benjamin growled, "Do it."

Satisfaction gleamed in Elizabeth’s eyes.

"Where’s Isabella?" Benjamin asked.

"Upstairs. She’s only two months pregnant and feeling unwell. She should rest."

Benjamin sighed heavily.

The phone rang. Elizabeth picked up. "Hello, who is this?"

Ethan’s cold voice came through. "Where’s Isabella?" His tone held no respect.

Despite the Thorntons' help—despite Isabella saving his life and carrying his child—Ethan felt no warmth toward them. Perhaps because they had once sided with his uncles?

Elizabeth straightened immediately. "Oh, Mr. Blackwood! Isabella is resting upstairs. She’s been feeling ill. I’ll fetch her right away—"

"I’ll call back later."

He hung up.

Ethan tried Isabella’s cell, but it was off. He dialed the landline again. Since learning of her pregnancy, he had called her every morning and evening.

This was the first time she hadn’t answered.

Upstairs, Elizabeth found Isabella, who had deliberately turned off her phone.

"Distance makes the heart grow fonder," Elizabeth had advised. "Don’t let him reach you every time. Make him worry. Make him miss you."

Isabella had obeyed, keeping her phone off all afternoon.

"Isabella, come downstairs. Ethan will call again soon," Elizabeth said, smiling.

"Mother, your plan really works," Isabella replied, grinning.

They descended to find Benjamin scowling.

"Father, what’s wrong?" Isabella pouted.

Benjamin snapped, "What’s wrong? You’re celebrating while we’re drowning in lies! Ethan may care for you now, but what about the baby? Who’s the real father? You’ve been pregnant for two months, and we still don’t know!"

Isabella shrank back, tears welling. Her father had never shouted at her like this.

Elizabeth scolded, "You foolish girl! We raised you to be proper, yet you go and get pregnant by some man without telling us! Do you realize how dangerous this is?"

Isabella sobbed but defended herself. "If not for this baby, would Ethan even look at me? This child came at the perfect time!"

"Whose child is it?" Benjamin roared.

Isabella trembled. "M-my ex-boyfriend’s. He’s a wealthy heir. His family moved abroad after he left me..."

"I should beat you senseless!" Benjamin fumed.

The phone rang again.

Isabella rushed to answer, her voice tearful. "Hello?"

"What’s wrong?" Ethan’s voice softened slightly.

"I... I’ve been feeling unwell since yesterday..." she whimpered.

"Take care of yourself. I’ll visit when I can. Tell me what you’d like to eat—I’ll have it delivered."

"I’m fine, Ethan. I know your mother’s condition is worsening. Focus on her. I’ll manage." She sounded selfless.

"Alright." He hung up.

Victoria’s condition was indeed dire.

Since yesterday, when his grandparents and aunts acknowledged her, her health had plummeted. The doctors administered the most expensive treatments, but they only provided temporary relief.

Between feverish delirium, Victoria kept calling, "Sophia... Sophia..."

Sophia rushed into the ward, dropping to her knees beside the bed. "Mother... I’m here."