Chapter 177

The afternoon sun made her eyelids heavy.

Isabella decided to rest after the film crew departed.

She had checked into The Ritz-Carlton with a purpose—to uncover the truth about that night.

Five years ago, her plan was straightforward.

She intended to have Victoria imprisoned for poisoning them, letting the authorities handle it.

She believed Victoria would confess to avoid public disgrace and total ruin.

But things spiraled out of control.

Gabriella’s unexpected loyalty shocked her.

Gabriella took full responsibility for Victoria’s crimes.

Now, Victoria would never confess to save Gabriella.

Isabella knew only one man could prove her innocence.

Victoria must have hidden him well.

She needed to find him through her own means.

Someone at this hotel five years ago must know his identity.

“Sister…” a soft voice called from behind.

Isabella turned to see Victoria in a white dress.

She ignored her, but Victoria approached anyway.

“It was all my fault back then,” Victoria said, feigning remorse. “I must have been insane. Or truly evil. I’m here to apologize. Look, I brought your childhood favorite—matcha cake.”

A cold shiver ran down Isabella’s spine.

Her favorite had always been strawberry cake.

Not matcha.

When they were children, their birthdays featured two cakes.

One was always matcha-flavored.

Made from expensive, finely ground green tea leaves.

Each slice cost a fortune.

Victoria, the wolf in sheep’s clothing, always shared it with Isabella.

She did it to earn praise for her generosity.

If Isabella refused, she was called ungrateful.

As the adopted daughter, she had no voice.

She learned to accept it.

So everyone believed she loved matcha cake.

Victoria had stolen her voice since childhood.

“You think this cake makes up for everything?” Isabella’s voice was icy.

“It’s from Yukkuri. Their matcha cake is famous. Please, try it…” Victoria said sweetly.

Isabella laughed, a sharp, mocking sound.

“Really, Victoria? You apologize with a cake? Is that all you’re worth?”

Victoria stiffened, caught off guard.

She wanted to scream, but she held back.

She glanced subtly toward Penelope, who was hiding nearby.

“I’m sorry, sister. I just want to make things right. It’s not about the price. Please accept my apology. You must be tired. Here, have some.”

As she offered the cake, Victoria tried to flick pollen from her hand onto Isabella.