Chapter 143
Victoria remained as poised as ever-graceful, composed, and quietly confident.
Curtis remembered the first time Victoria had come in for her interview. She’d been a fresh-faced young woman, barely in her twenties, looking more like a college student than a professional. But he’d been immediately drawn in by her expertise and a depth of experience he couldn’t quite place. After she joined the team, her outstanding work quickly earned his respect.
It was Ailie who had first recommended Victoria to him. He’d hesitated at the time, but the deeper he dug, the more he realized there was something enigmatic about her-something he couldn’t quite put his finger on, but that fascinated him all the
same.
Then came the sudden success of that game, and Curtis couldn’t help but wonder if he’d missed something crucial about Victoria all along.
“I just closed the deal on your game,” Curtis said, breaking the silence. “The other side offered two million dollars. As the designer, you’ll get a five hundred thousand bonus. I’ll have the company wire the money to your account.”
Victoria listened quietly, offering no words of thanks or any other unnecessary response.
Curtis watched her closely, searching for any hint of emotion, but her expression remained unreadable.
She stood there, calm and unmoved, and the stillness unsettled Curtis more than any outburst could have.
Finally, he broke. “I’m sorry, Victoria. I mishandled this.”
He should have intervened when the tech department wanted to add Violet’s name to the reports before they landed on his desk.
But McNeil’s investment had blinded him-and dulled his conscience.
“Business is business, Mr. Garcia. There’s no need to apologize,” Victoria replied, her tone even and understanding.
The more understanding Victoria was, the more embarrassed Curtis felt.
He almost wished she’d just yell at him, but she remained perfectly composed, listening without a single complaint or accusation.
“I’m fine,” she said at last. “I won’t keep you from your work.”
Curtis felt deflated. He shoved his hands into his pockets and, as he left, blurted out, “Victoria, who are you really?”
**
After work, Ailie invited Victoria out for dinner.
They met at a wildly popular fondue place downtown. Ailie, sweating from the spicy broth, kept piling beef meatballs onto Victoria’s plate.
“So, did Mr. Garcia confess his feelings today or what?” Ailie teased as she reached across the table.
Victoria glanced at her, quietly nibbling on her food.
Ailie nudged Victoria’s elbow. “Come on, don’t be shy! I’m telling you, something’s off with that man.”
Victoria replied coolly, “What did he say to you this time?”
“He asked about your marriage-like, how things are between you and your husband. He even suspected you two were trying to set up Quantum Core Technologies. Honestly, Curtis is smart, but sometimes he’s just clueless. McNeil only made Violet a VP at Quantum Core Technologies so he could swallow up the company for himself. Can’t Curtis see he’s just doing all the hard work for McNeil? And now he’s paranoid about you. I have no idea how he managed to run Quantum Core Technologies this far with that level of—well, let’s call it optimism.”
Victoria just smiled faintly, saying nothing.
McNeil swallowing up Quantum Core Technologies? Not likely. He was only using the company as a stepping stone, building up Violet’s resume. Once she had that experience, McNeil could hand her whatever she wanted, and the old man would have to accept it.
He guarded himself against Victoria at every turn, but for Violet? Every door was wide open, every resource at her disposal.
People say a man can never give enough to the woman he loves, but to the one he doesn’t, even a little feels too much.
Victoria was just glad she’d gotten out fast-otherwise, who knew how much more she’d have to sacrifice for their so-called love?
“I support my husband’s ambitions, but I’ll cut ties with my rival first.” McNeil had certainly managed that much.
Ailie was about to continue venting about Curtis when Victoria’s phone rang, cutting her off.
A man’s voice, warm with affection, came through the line. “Curtis already sold me the rights to your game, but I heard the project’s already tanked. Was two million really worth it?”
Victoria’s smile turned sweet. “Don’t worry, I have backup source code and the full game files. Everything’s under control, big brother.”