Chapter 351

Upon closer inspection, it was unmistakably Margaret Dawson.

Eleanor Kingsley frowned. This was a tattoo parlor - what business could Victoria Lancaster and her mother Margaret have here?

Was Victoria getting inked?

Had she fallen so deeply for Alexander Blackwood that she wanted his name permanently etched on her skin?

After a moment's hesitation, Eleanor moved to enter.

But as she stepped forward, she overheard Margaret's cheerful phone conversation. "Don't worry, I had someone vet this place weeks ago. The tattoo artist here is exceptionally skilled - the Blackwoods will never notice. Besides, Victoria's just getting a touch-up. Nothing can go wrong."

Eleanor froze mid-step.

'The Blackwoods won't notice?'

'What exactly shouldn't they see?'

Her pulse quickened. Something felt off.

Thirty minutes later, Victoria and Margaret emerged.

Eleanor hid nearby, observing Victoria's radiant expression - not a trace of the heartbreak one would expect after her disastrous wedding.

Watching Victoria's retreating figure, Eleanor shook herself from her daze and entered the shop.

Pulling up Victoria's photo on her phone, Eleanor approached the staff. "What services did this woman receive today?"

The attendant's face turned stern. "Client confidentiality prevents us from disclosing such information."

Eleanor produced five crisp hundred-dollar bills. The attendant's eyes gleamed as he pocketed the cash. "Ah, that client? Just a routine touch-up for her faded tattoo."

"A tattoo? Touch-up?"

Eleanor's confusion deepened.

'Victoria has a tattoo?'

In all their years together, she'd never seen any ink on Victoria's body.

Was it in some intimate location? Was that why Victoria kept it secret - fearing judgment?

The explanation seemed plausible enough to ease Eleanor's mind. She sighed in relief, dismissing her earlier suspicions about Victoria ignoring her calls.

Later that evening, Eleanor and Victoria returned to Montgomery Manor together.

Eleanor visited Victoria's room as if nothing had happened, presenting the expensive jewelry she'd purchased earlier.

Despite living as a wealthy heiress, Victoria's greedy nature remained unchanged. Her eyes sparkled with undisguised delight.

"Mother, you're too good to me." She played the dutiful daughter perfectly.

Eleanor patted her shoulder reassuringly. "You're my only daughter. Whatever you do, I'll always stand by you and protect you."

The words carried hidden meaning - Eleanor hoped Victoria would confide about her tattoo rather than relying solely on her adoptive mother Margaret.

Of course, Victoria missed the subtext. She adorned herself with the glittering jewels and began packing several outfits.

"Mother, I've decided something. Even though my wedding to Alexander was interrupted, everyone knows we're married now. Starting today, I'm moving into Blackwood Estate."

Eleanor's expression darkened. "Victoria, do you truly love Alexander that much? He's beneath you."

"Alexander is the love of my life," Victoria declared passionately. "He's magnificent - just temporarily blinded by that Vivian Prescott. Eventually he'll realize I'm the only woman worthy of his love." She added pragmatically, "Besides, I want to give Ethan a complete family."