2026-11-09 22:16:34
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Chapter 85
Emily Whitfield stood in front of the large mirror in her bedroom, carefully examining her reflection.Everything about her appearance had been selected with one purpose in mind, and she wanted to make sure there was nothing out of place.Her makeup was light, her hair was perfectly styled, and her expression carried the tired look of a woman who had spent too many nights crying.She’d spent the previous evening planning every detail of the interview, and now she was determined to make sure the public saw exactly what she wanted them to see.On the bed behind her lay the outfit she had chosen for the occasion. It was a soft cream dress with long sleeves and a modest neckline. The material was simple, and the waist was slightly loose. She had paired it with low nude heels, a small handbag, and a thin gold necklace that had belonged to her mother.She deliberately avoided wearing anything too expensive or flashy.She wanted people to look at her and see a woman who had lost everything,
Chapter 84
He read the date and venue before looking back at Victoria. The event was scheduled to take place in a few days, and from the design of the invitation, it was clear that it was not an ordinary social gathering. The card mentioned the annual celebration of the Golden Crest organization and the attendance of prominent business leaders, investors, and other influential guests.Jake turned it over, examining the details."The Golden Crest Founders' Gala?" he asked.Victoria nodded. "It's one of the major events on the business calendar. The founders and their families host it every year, and it attracts some of the most influential people in the country.""That sounds like a very formal event.""It is."Jake looked at the invitation again. "And you want me to attend?""I do."He raised his eyes. "Why?"Victoria rested one hand on her knee. "Because you're becoming someone people need to know. Your investments, your position at the hospital, and the attention surrounding your family's hist
Chapter 83
"Emily made me feel as though everything I wanted was unreasonable. If I wanted to try something new, she made me feel foolish. If I wanted to spend money on something, I had to explain why I deserved it. Even when I wanted her support, I felt like I was asking for too much."Victoria's expression changed. She did not interrupt him or rush to offer an answer. Instead, she placed her glass down and gave him her full attention."I know you went through a difficult marriage," she said gently. "But you shouldn't have to spend the rest of your life paying for the way someone else treated you."Jake gave a humourless smile. "I know that.""Do you?"He looked at her.Victoria leaned forward slightly. "Because sometimes, Jake, you behave as though you're still waiting for someone to tell you that you're allowed to enjoy your own life. You question everything you receive, you apologize when people help you, and you seem uncomfortable whenever someone treats you with respect."He looked away, u
Chapter 82
Victoria’s smile disappeared, replaced by a look of surprise. She slowly lifted her eyes from their hands and met his gaze. Jake could see the same confusion in her expression that he felt inside himself. Neither of them moved away immediately, and the quiet between them suddenly seemed much louder than the city beyond the terrace.He stared into her eyes, unable to find the words he needed.Victoria's lips parted slightly.A soft gasp escaped her as she looked directly into his eyes.For several seconds, neither Jake nor Victoria moved.Their hands were still close together, and the small space between them seemed to have disappeared. Jake looked into her eyes, trying to understand the strange feeling that had suddenly taken hold of him. He had experienced attraction before, but this was different from anything he could remember. It was not simply that he found Victoria beautiful or that he enjoyed spending time with her. There was something about the way she was looking at him that
Chapter 81
THIRD PERSON’S POVJake called for Alden and asked him to have dinner prepared.When the butler appeared, Victoria explained that they would prefer something simple that could be served outside. Alden nodded and assured them that the kitchen would take care of everything.Jake then helped Victoria carry the wine and a few other items toward the terrace.The terrace was spacious, with a comfortable outdoor carpet and a low seating arrangement. There were a few chairs and a small table near the railing, but Victoria seemed more interested in the carpet than the furniture. She placed the bag down and looked at the open space with approval."This is lovely," she said with a small smile.Jake smiled. "I like it out here. It's quieter than the living room."Victoria walked toward the railing and looked at the city below. She took in a deep breath as she looked at the scenery.The buildings stood tall against the darkening sky with their windows shining with hundreds of lights. Cars moved a
Chapter 80
THIRD PERSON’S POVJake was surprised when he heard Victoria was here to see him.He glanced at the clock on the wall, wondering whether he had somehow lost track of time.He had spoken to her earlier, but she hadn’t mentioned that she planned to visit.The thought of Victoria in his house suddenly made his heart beat faster."Did she say anything?" he asked."She said she was here to see you, sir."Jake nodded, placing the book on the desk. "Alright. I'll be right down."Alden stepped out and closed the door behind him.Jake stood up, adjusted his shirt, and ran a hand through his hair.His heart was beating faster than usual. It felt like his heart was in his throat.He wondered why Victoria had come without warning, although he wasn’t unhappy about it. In fact, the thought of seeing her brought a smile to his face. There was something about her presence that made him feel more at ease than he expected.He left the study and made his way downstairs.As he approached the living room,
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