Chapter 253
She lifted the bowl, but before she could take a sip, tears slid down her cheeks before she even realized it.
Haley, startled, rushed over. “Miss, what’s wrong? Are you alright? Why are you crying?”
Victoria quickly wiped her tears away, forcing a small smile for Haley. “It’s nothing, really. Must’ve been the draft when I came in—it made my eyes water. Haley, it’s late. You should head to bed. I’ll take care of the dishes in a bit.”
But Haley shook her head. “No, Miss, I can’t let you do chores. Please, finish your meal, take a nice shower, and get some rest. I’ll wait and clean up.”
That only made Victoria’s eyes well up again. She turned her back so Haley wouldn’t see, quietly brushing away her tears. Between muffled sobs, she finished her noodles as quickly as she could, set down her fork, and gave Haley a quick goodnight before heading upstairs.
Haley watched Victoria’s thin figure disappear up the stairs, her heart aching. “What a pity,” she muttered under her breath.
Ever since Mrs. Morgan passed away, Miss Victoria had become so lonely. No one cared for her, no one cherished her, and now she was saddled with that kind of husband.
Haley sighed. To be honest, she thought, these grand old houses weren’t nearly as happy as ordinary homes. If only, someday, Miss Victoria could meet a man who truly understood her, loved her, and protected her for the rest of her life.
The next morning, Victoria returned to Quantum Core Technologies and formally rejected Violet’s attempt to transfer her to the Engineering Division.
Violet’s reaction was swift and sour. She sent her assistant straight to the Investment Department to fetch Victoria in person. Ailie, sitting in her office, overheard Victoria’s blunt refusal on the phone and felt a rare sense of satisfaction.
“You finally stood up to her. I thought you’d cave again.”
Ailie handed Victoria a massive mug of coffee, matching her own.
Victoria’s expression was icy. “I’ve already told Vertex Dynamics my terms. Unless they meet my number, I’m not leaving the Investment Department.”
Apparently, Violet didn’t think Victoria was worth it. But Victoria knew her own value—and she wasn’t about to budge on her cut: three percent of revenue from the three gaming projects, once they launched. No more, no less.
“I’m with you. Whatever you need,” Ailie said firmly.
Ailie honestly felt a huge wave of relief for Victoria. Sometimes she regretted recruiting her into Quantum Core Technologies in the first place. She’d wanted Victoria to thrive here, not to be pushed around and disrespected.
Just then, Georgia appeared at the threshold of the Investment Department, knocking sharply-her impatience obvious in every tap.
“Victoria, Ms. Marchand wants to see you in her office.”
She could’ve called, but no, she had to make a show of coming in person, as if Victoria-barely even a deputy manager-were some VIP the whole company revolved around.
Without waiting for a response, Georgia turned on her heel and left, chin raised, not even sparing Victoria a glance.
Ailie grabbed Victoria’s wrist. “Don’t go.”
Victoria shook her head. “It’s fine. My mind’s made up. She’s the deputy director, and I still work here. If things get ugly, it’ll only be trouble for Mr. Garcia.”
Ailie let out a long sigh. “McNeil and Curtis must’ve saved a whole nation in a past life to deserve someone like you.”
Victoria didn’t respond. She straightened her clothes, composed herself, and walked toward Violet’s office with unhurried poise.
There were two other executives lingering in the reception area when she arrived. Georgia shot her a quick, indifferent glance.
“Wait here. Ms. Marchand will see you when she’s free.”
With that, Georgia buried herself in paperwork, making no move to announce Victoria’s arrival-certainly not about to interrupt Violet for her sake.
Victoria sat on the long bench outside, idly flipping through a magazine. Every so often, she glanced up at the clock on the wall. After two hours had dragged by, she finally stood up.
“If Ms. Marchand is really too busy, then she can call for me when she has time.”