Chapter 191
He spotted Violet through the floor-to-ceiling windows. She looked a little embarrassed and quickly pulled her hand back.
“Why was Gwyn crying today?”
Ever since McNeil had brought Gwyneth to stay with Violet, she’d been doing so much better. Gwyneth was happy, and that made McNeil more than willing to let her stay. He’d often spend evenings with them, sometimes late into the night, before heading back to the office.
His office had a private suite with a bed, so most nights he’d wait until Violet and Gwyneth were both asleep, then drive back to work and crash there until morning.
Violet poured him a glass of water. “I think she tried to call Victoria, but Victoria didn’t answer.”
She spoke softly, handing him the glass. “I’ve noticed Victoria’s changed a lot lately. She doesn’t seem to care as much about Gwyn. Maybe you should talk to her; Gwyn is still so attached.”
Gwyneth wandered over and sank into the couch. “Talk about what? There’s nothing left between us-“
She couldn’t help but think of the divorce papers she’d mailed to Victoria. It had been ages, and there was still no response. Did that mean Victoria still couldn’t let go?
But then, why was she treating Gwyn like this? McNeil’s mind conjured up image after image of men hovering around Victoria, and a wave of irritation washed over him. His voice, when he finally spoke, was cold and detached.
“There’s nothing left.”
He meant that Victoria no longer had any feelings for him.
Violet’s lips curled into a slight smile, though she was careful not to let it show.
“Why don’t you stay over tonight? Tomorrow we can take Gwyn to school together.”
It was the first time she’d ever asked him to stay, and she was pretty sure he wouldn’t refuse.
McNeil glanced at his watch. It was already past midnight.
The commute from Winding Peak Lane back to the office would take at least two and a half hours round trip. Violet’s big race was coming up, and he’d promised to go with her to the test track. There really was no point in heading back tonight, only to return in the morning.
He stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray and gave a quiet nod. “Alright.”
The next morning, Victoria slept in later than usual.
Surprisingly, neither Osborn nor Lyndon had called.
She checked her phone for the time, noticing a missed call from Gwyneth-just after ten-thirty the previous night.
She figured she must’ve already been asleep by then. Now it was half past nine, and Gwyneth would be at preschool, so she didn’t bother calling back.
Heading downstairs, she found Haley had made a generous breakfast, and Yasmine was already waiting for her in the kitchen.
Yasmine placed a stack of documents in front of Victoria-the contract and non- disclosure agreement between Stein and V&S Group.
“Ms. Turner, these are from Mr. Campbell. He’s very interested in our current drone project, and he’s signed on for a three-year partnership.”
Victoria took the papers and leafed through them carefully. Every clause was slanted in favor of V&S Group. If it weren’t for Stein, there was no way a brand- new company like hers could have landed such generous terms.
“Understood. Have we rolled out the ads for our game yet?”
She asked the question casually, popping a bite of omelet into her mouth.
Yasmine replied, “Yes, we’re now an official sponsor of the F1 relay. Our game ads will be all over the event-on the jumbotrons, banners, posters, you name it. The media coverage is ready to go as well.”
Victoria listened, feeling quietly satisfied.
Tomorrow, while the rally was underway, Vivian’s racing game would launch- V&S Group’s first big payday.
She took a sip of water. “Get the car ready. I’ll pick Gwyn up from school at noon.”