Chapter 167
Even if you slept with McNeil, that doesn’t mean he’ll come back to you. Victoria, whatever you two had is over now. You’d better look after yourself.
Victoria kept walking, not slowing her pace.
But behind her, Violet suddenly turned back. Victoria heard the scrape of shoes on the gravel and, right after, Violet’s startled scream. McNeil caught her just in time, steadying her before she could fall.
Victoria turned slightly, catching the scene out of the corner of her eye.
“Sorry, McNeil,” Violet said, a little breathless. “I didn’t sleep well last night. Must be a bit lightheaded.”
He helped her to her feet, his voice cool and distant. “Watch your step. Be careful.”
Curtis trailed after Victoria, close behind.
By the time all four of them arrived at the hot springs resort, it was nearly noon.
Inside the lobby, Ailie paced like a caged cat, anxiety etched on her face. Relief washed over her as soon as she spotted Victoria.
“Victoria, where on earth did you go all night?”
Ailie had been terrified they’d never find her. If anything had happened-she couldn’t imagine living with that guilt.
“Ms. Turner, you certainly know how to enjoy yourself,” Maisie chimed in, unable to hide her irritation. “Off on your little solo hike, leaving the rest of us behind. Did it occur to you we were all worried sick?”
Maisie was clearly upset. Ms. Marchand had arranged a whole day of fun activities, but everything had been scrapped because Victoria disappeared. The much-anticipated overnight hike had turned into a morning spent waiting around for her.
Jack and George had already driven the cars from the campsite down Winding Peak Lane to the hotel. After lunch, everyone would be heading back to the office. For Maisie, Nelly, and the rest of the senior team, this was probably the most anticlimactic and yet, weirdly memorable-company retreat they’d ever had. It was as if the main act had ended before it even began, leaving everyone with a bad taste in their mouths and more gossip than entertainment.
Ailie still hadn’t let go of Victoria’s hand, holding on as if she was afraid she’d vanish again.
“Sorry,” Victoria said quietly.
Her gaze, however, found Violet’s photographer, who had his camera pointed her way. Catching Victoria’s icy look, he shrank back and quickly moved to the sidelines.
“Wow-waste everyone’s precious time, and all we get is a simple apology?” Nelly muttered, her annoyance clear.
Sandra cast a sidelong glance at Victoria. That little minx, always stirring up trouble.
“The hotel’s been booked out for us by Ms. Marchand,” she announced. “Anyone who wants to stay another night is welcome. And since the hiking trip was cut short, we’ve extended the group retreat-you can all head back to work tomorrow afternoon.”
At that moment, Curtis stepped forward, holding up a thick stack of gift cards. “To make it up to everyone, I’ve prepared a little something for you all. Everyone gets a share.”
Just like that, the complaints and resentment toward Victoria evaporated. Faces brightened, and the mood shifted instantly.
Ailie had been gearing up for a confrontation, ready to argue with everyone, but Curtis’ move changed everything. She couldn’t help but give him a mental thumbs-up. No one knew how to handle people quite like Mr. Garcia.
McNeil, however, didn’t look the least bit pleased. His handsome face was set in a stony expression.
“I’m going back to my room,” he said curtly.
Violet glanced at Curtis and Victoria, nodded in their direction. “Mr. Garcia, take good care of Ms. Turner.”
Ailie shot Violet a glare. “Not your business,” she muttered under her breath.
Violet followed McNeil into his suite. They’d spent the night in that cave, and his silver windbreaker was still streaked with dust.
“McNeil, let me take your jacket to the laundry for you,” Violet offered.
From the bathroom came the sound of running water and McNeil’s muffled, distracted “Yeah.”
Violet picked up his pants. Something fell from the pocket and clattered onto the floor. She bent to retrieve it and froze—it was three torn-open, empty condom wrappers.