Elise stared at Victoria with icy composure. Her muscles tightened almost imperceptibly. An involuntary shiver traced its way down her spine.

She suppressed the fear constricting her chest. Her outward calm remained absolute.

Even without visible tells, Victoria knew Elise was terrified. No one could remain unmoved in such a dire situation.

"Didn't expect I'd go this far, did you?" Victoria's laugh was savage. "Any regrets about dying by my hand like this? I'll admit my past attempts on your life failed. But you delivered yourself right to me. You really shouldn't have gotten so arrogant."

"Do you think William would ever forgive you for killing me?" Elise countered.

"Would he forgive me if I didn't?" Victoria shot back. "His treatment of me wouldn't change. Eliminating a threat is simply practical. With you gone, perhaps he'd finally surrender when nothing remains for him."

Elise pressed her lips together. Her gaze turned frigid.

Victoria's patience had evaporated. She rose, looking down at Elise from across the room. Triumph glittered openly in her eyes.

"Make it clean," she ordered the bodyguards as she moved past them.

"Yes, ma'am," they responded in unison.

Victoria signaled another guard to open the door. "My apologies, Elise, but I won't stay for the mess. You've overstayed your welcome in this world. Don't waste time on regrets—you were meant to die long ago!"

The door swung open.

Victoria froze.

A black gun barrel was aimed directly between her eyes.

She narrowed her gaze. The two bodyguards behind her instantly drew their weapons, targeting the man outside.

They found over a dozen men in black stationed in the corridor. All had their guns drawn, trained on the doorway.

The formation parted deliberately.

Patrick Montgomery sat in his wheelchair behind them, his view clear.

His eyes held no emotion. His expression was lethally cold.

The two guards Victoria had posted outside lay unconscious on the floor.

Victoria's scowl deepened. "What is the meaning of this, dear cousin?" she snarled through clenched teeth.

"Exactly what it appears to be," Patrick replied flatly.

"You'd turn against me over this woman?"

"Is she truly the cause of our conflict?" Patrick's tone was derisive. "We can discuss misunderstandings later. Our grandfathers can settle any disputes."

Despite Victoria's deliberate invocation of Montgomery Stuart and Charles Stuart, Patrick remained unmoved. "You're skilled at twisting words. I'm done playing games. Release Elise. Now."

"And if I refuse?" Victoria challenged bluntly.

"Then you will die with her."

"How dare you?!" Victoria shrieked, fury blazing in her eyes. "Kill me openly? Do you believe my grandfather would let you live?"

"He wouldn't let me live even if you survived!" Patrick's retort was sharp and direct.

His icy tone stunned Victoria into momentary silence.

He continued, "We know who was responsible for my accident. I'd be dead if Elise hadn't insisted William save me too. I've been considering how to return the favor."

"What proof do you have that I was involved?" Victoria demanded.

"None," Patrick stated coldly. "I don't require any."