~ Isabella’s POV

The next morning, feeling slightly stronger, I made my way out of my room, determined not to let Victoria chase me into hiding. I wouldn’t let her poison Lucian’s space with her presence and make me feel like an outsider in my own life. As I stepped into the hallway, I heard her laughter echoing, her voice drifting down toward me, chatting with a maid as if she were already the lady of the house.

I gritted my teeth, feeling the anger simmer again, but I kept my steps calm ...