Chapter 314
After Victoria left, Violet’s face was a kaleidoscope of emotions—a sight that Ailie found absolutely hilarious. She burst out laughing, while Victoria’s cheeks turned bright red.
“So, who told you to say that just now?” Ailie teased, acting as if she knew all about the messy situation between Victoria and McNeil.
The moment Ailie brought it up, Victoria wished she could disappear into a hole. But Ailie just shrugged it off and continued to tease her, grinning mischievously.
“By the way, what really happened that night in the shower? How many times did McNeil keep you up?” she asked, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “But look at Violet, she’s practically losing her mind. Don’t tell me she and McNeil still haven’t slept together?”
Victoria’s heart skipped a beat.
Was that even possible?
McNeil and Violet had been together since they were teenagers-it seemed impossible that they hadn’t crossed that line by now.
Victoria knew McNeil well. His appetite in that department was, to put it mildly, relentless. In all their six years of marriage, the only time he left her alone was during her period. Otherwise, his energy was… overwhelming.
The only time things slowed down between them was during this recent rough patch.
The thought of McNeil being with Violet and then coming back to her made Victoria’s skin crawl.
“Don’t you think it’s weird?” Ailie pressed on. “He spends all his time with that woman, yet he still finds time to harass you. I heard from people at work that you went to see that weirdo K. So, you haven’t been with McNeil these days, right? Then he must be with Violet. But Violet’s always making snide comments about you and McNeil in bed. Could it be that nothing’s actually happened between them? Victoria, I think you need to look into this.”
Ailie’s reasoning was sharp and clear, but Victoria didn’t want to think about McNeil and Violet any longer.
“Whatever they do has nothing to do with me,” she said flatly.
Yeah, right. Like any man would pass up a woman who’s practically throwing herself at him. She’d sooner believe in ghosts than believe in a man’s self- restraint or fidelity.
The only reason Victoria put up with McNeil was to keep him from going after Stein. As for whether he and Violet were sleeping together, that was none of her business.
“Fine, have it your way. But honestly, a guy like McNeil isn’t worth the trouble. Why cling to one tree when the whole forest is waiting? Mr. Garcia’s been into you for ages. He’s practically waiting for your divorce papers to hit the table…”
Ailie and Victoria went their separate ways, each heading back to her own department.
That evening, Victoria was exhausted. She had no intention of going to see K; instead, she called herself a cab and went home to the Turner family estate.
She barely had time to lie down before K texted, asking when she’d come over. But Victoria was so tired that she fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.
***
Winding Peak Lane
McNeil had dinner with Gwyneth at Winding Peak Lane. As eight o’clock approached, he got up to leave.
Violet couldn’t hold herself back any longer and stepped in front of them.
“Are you taking Gwyn home? Is Victoria waiting for you there?” she asked, her voice dripping with jealousy.
McNeil frowned. Violet had never asked about him and Victoria before. They were still married, after all, and he certainly didn’t intend to discuss their relationship with anyone.
“Did you need something?”
Violet hesitated, biting her lip.
“There’s been some gossip at work,” she said at last. “Last time, during the meeting, Victoria dialed in by video, and your conversation got around.”
She’d clearly thought long and hard before bringing it up.
McNeil looked at her coolly, waiting for her to continue.
“These days, Victoria keeps nodding off at her desk. So… are you two…?”
The question hung heavy in the air-awkward, intrusive, but Violet couldn’t help herself.
“Are we what?” His frown deepened.
“Up late… together,” Violet said, her voice barely above a whisper.
As soon as the words left her mouth, McNeil’s expression darkened.
“She said that?” he demanded.
“No, it’s just… she’s always so tired at work, so everyone assumes-“
McNeil’s hand clenched at his side, then relaxed.
“Ridiculous,” he muttered.
Without another word, he took Gwyneth’s hand and led her away. Gwyneth waved goodbye to Violet.
“Daddy, are we going to Grandpa’s again tonight?”
She’d been having a blast there lately-a few cousins were visiting, and the house was full of laughter and games. Gwyneth was loving every minute.
“If you want to go, I’ll take you,” McNeil replied, sinking into the back seat, his mood decidedly sour.
He and Victoria had only been together that once; after that, they’d both gone their separate ways.
From what he knew, Quantum Core Technologies’ game development was in a slump, so everyone’s workload had eased up. If Victoria was so tired that she was falling asleep at work, what was she really up to?
The V&S Group project was also on hold. She couldn’t possibly be that busy. Besides, she was in Starfall City, while Stein was all the way in Evermore City- they weren’t in contact, and it’s not like they could spend all day chatting on the phone.
He’d been too soft with them, he realized.
After dropping Gwyneth off at the family estate, McNeil called Victoria. It was still early-barely nine o’clock.
But after more than a dozen calls, she hadn’t picked up once.
Great. Apparently, she was so busy she didn’t even have time for his calls.
McNeil turned to the driver. “Take me to the Turner estate.”