Chapter 342
Victoria returned to the conference room with Ailie after being sick, and even before they stepped inside, they could hear the commotion—a low buzz, like the place had erupted.
But as soon as they entered, it became clear the executives weren’t actually discussing anything earth-shattering. Their faces were relaxed, their voices casual, just chatting away.
Only Violet and Curtis looked remotely serious, lost in their own thoughts.
The moment Victoria walked in, the room fell silent.
She felt a little bewildered. Was there some secret she wasn’t supposed to hear?
Curtis glanced at her, his expression complicated.
“There’s some news, Ms. Marchand. Why don’t you share it yourself?”
He turned the floor over to Violet.
Violet’s eyes lingered on Victoria for a moment, her voice cool and measured. “Victoria, are you feeling unwell?”
Victoria managed a faint smile. “Caught a bit of a chill, but I’ll survive. What was it you wanted to ask me, Ms. Marchand?”
Violet’s jaw tightened-Victoria hadn’t even heard her question. But of course, Violet wasn’t about to repeat herself. Instead, she straightened in her chair, projecting authority as she addressed the room.
“Mr. Langford has officially acquired V&S Group. So, my resignation is to take up the CEO position at V&S Group. There’s no need for any wild speculation.”
She glanced at Victoria, gauging her reaction.
When McNeil first told Violet that Victoria was somehow involved in V&S Group, she’d been stunned.
But then she reasoned that someone was probably infatuated with Victoria’s looks —and since she’d developed a popular game project, maybe that was enough to lure her in as a partner.
But Victoria had no money, no resources, no real skills-just a pretty face and that so-called game. Violet knew better than anyone that games, like celebrity trends, burn bright and fade fast. Once something newer and shinier hit the market, people would forget all about the last craze, no matter how obsessed they were a minute ago.
She didn’t take it seriously. After all, McNeil respected her abilities.
She’d considered it: if Victoria really had what it took, she could just run V&S Group herself. Why would she bother hanging around at Quantum Core Technologies, taking orders?
So, she figured Victoria was probably just a figurehead.
Victoria sipped her water, trying to steady herself.
“From now on, V&S Group and Quantum Core Technologies will be sister companies,” Violet continued. “I’ve cleared this with Mr. Garcia, and I plan to bring
a few people with me. If anyone’s interested in transferring to V&S Group, you can come talk to me after.”
She expected at least a ripple of enthusiasm. Instead, the room was dead quiet. She hadn’t seen that coming.
Curtis’s lips twitched into a faint, unreadable smile. He offered no encouragement, didn’t try to rally support for Violet.
The executives, for their part, were no fools.
Many of them had spent years at Quantum Core Technologies clawing their way up. V&S Group was a small company, recently acquired by The Langford Group, with its future uncertain.
Violet had worked hard at Quantum Core Technologies, delivering solid results, but she’d driven everyone relentlessly. When she first arrived, no one could keep up; it took ages for the team to adjust to her breakneck pace. Sure, the money was good, but after a while, people started questioning what they were sacrificing. The more they earned, the less time they had for their families-their kids, their partners. It was hard not to wonder if the tradeoff was really worth it.
So when Violet said she was leaving, reactions were mixed-part regret, part relief.
With Ms. Marchand gone, at least they wouldn’t have to make the office their second home, running like machines day and night.
People offered polite congratulations, but no one actually volunteered to follow her.
Violet felt a stab of awkwardness, clearly not expecting this kind of response.
Curtis broke the silence. “Why don’t you all take some time to think it over? If there aren’t enough volunteers, Ms. Marchand, maybe you could set up a little competition-pick the top performer to go with you.”
He was giving Violet a way to save face.
If she missed the cue, she’d only embarrass herself further.
Violet nodded. “That makes sense.”
Then she turned to Victoria. “Victoria, I really admire your programming skills. However—”
She was about to say that, as a woman, Victoria would be more of a hassle than an asset, so she wouldn’t be taking her along to the new company.
But just mentioning Victoria’s name was enough. Everyone would see she wasn’t playing favorites-even if it was no secret that the two of them didn’t get along. Sometimes, you just had to keep up appearances.
Victoria took another long sip of water, steadying herself again.
“Thank you for the offer, Ms. Marchand, but I’m not interested.”
She’d have to be crazy to walk right into that lion’s den.
Violet’s face froze in a tight, brittle smile.
“Excuse me?”
“Ms. Marchand, you’re incredibly dedicated and hard-working. I just don’t have the same drive—and I’ve got a daughter at home who needs me. I can’t throw myself into work the way you do. I’m going to have to pass.”
Let them play their own games.
Whatever Violet wanted to do with V&S Group was her business.
If she did a good job, every penny of profit would still flow right into The Langford Group’s coffers. In other words, as long as Victoria remained Mrs. Langford, V&S Group would always be half hers.
If she wasn’t Mrs. Langford anymore, she’d still own half.
Whether she wanted to keep it would depend on how well Violet and McNeil managed to run the place.
If they ran it into the ground, that would be their problem.
The baby in her belly was getting more restless. Nine months was a long haul,
and she’d need to make sure there was enough for diapers and formula when the time came.