Chapter 105
Victoria shot William a fierce glare and grabbed a few napkins to clean herself up.
William wrapped his arms around her from behind, pressing her head against his chest.
His chin rested on Victoria's thick, luscious hair, greedily inhaling her scent.
"Victoria, when I get back from this business trip, I'm moving in with you for the month."
Victoria's body stiffened at his words, and she instinctively turned her head. "Why?"
"Didn't I tell you? For this month, you have to treat me like your 'husband.' Did you forget?"
Victoria was stunned for a moment. "But, I..."
"Or you could quit your job and be my secretary again, like before. Then I wouldn't have to move in with you."
"No way! I will never quit my job." Victoria blurted out without thinking.
She had put so much effort into her job at Starry Studio Gallery, and she wasn't about to lose it because of William.
William let out a satisfied grunt. "Since you're not quitting, you have to follow my orders. Got it?"
Reluctantly, Victoria nodded, feeling utterly trapped.
The next day, as soon as Victoria returned to Starry Studio Gallery, Diana handed her a task.
"I'm going to Harborview City to prepare for an exhibition?" Victoria was surprised.
Diana flipped through a thick folder of documents. "Yes, this home design exhibition features the top designers in the industry. Your interior design for the Bridges family's home goods building last time was exactly what they wanted. So, Mr. Bridges specifically requested you to go to Harborview City to set up their exhibition."
Victoria bit her lip, hesitated for a moment, and then asked tentatively, "Ms. Simpson, am I going alone?"
It was her first time organizing an exhibition by herself, and she was understandably nervous about messing it up.
Diana glanced at Victoria and said nonchalantly, "What, are you scared?"
Victoria shook her head. "No, I'm just worried."
Diana put down the folder, walked to the table, took a sip of coffee, and said slowly, "I believe you can handle this job. Be confident!"
"Thank you." Victoria smiled gratefully. "I know what to do now. I'll start packing and get ready to leave."
"Good." Diana nodded. "Go ahead!"
Victoria packed her bags and sent William a message explaining the situation.
Since he was going on a business trip too, her being away for a few days wouldn't affect their arrangement.
After checking in, Victoria sat in the waiting area, bored, waiting for her flight to take off.
Suddenly, someone tapped her on the shoulder.
"Ms. Carter, what are you doing here?" A man exclaimed in surprise. "Are you going to Harborview City too?"
Victoria turned around to see Alton's beaming face.
Since they last met at Sofia's apology dinner, they hadn't been in touch. Running into him here felt surreal.
Victoria nodded and smiled. "Yes, I am."
Alton's eyes sparkled with excitement. "That's great! What class are you flying?"
"I'm just a regular worker, so it's economy class for me," Victoria laughed.
"Come on, let me upgrade you to first class. It's over two hours, and economy is so uncomfortable!" Alton grabbed Victoria's arm and led her to the VIP lounge without giving her a chance to refuse.
"No, Alton, I really can't let you spend money on me," Victoria quickly tried to stop him.
"It's no trouble. I have points, so the upgrade is free," Alton grinned. "You relax here, and I'll take care of everything."
Victoria couldn't argue with Alton and let him have his way.
In the VIP lounge, Alton eagerly brought Victoria tea, snacks, and pastries.
Victoria couldn't help but laugh. "Alton, you're being too kind. You're making me feel embarrassed."
Alton chuckled. "There's nothing to be embarrassed about. You're my dream girl."
Dream girl? Victoria coughed awkwardly.
Just as Victoria was wondering how to respond, a deep, magnetic voice with a hint of sarcasm interrupted, "Ms. Carter, you sure have a way of attracting admirers wherever you go."
Victoria froze at the sound and looked up, meeting a pair of deep, intense eyes.
William stood at the door, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a cigarette, the grayish-blue flame flickering.
Alton's expression turned serious, like a kid caught red-handed. "Mr. Scott."
William let out a cold snort, his gaze dark and stormy.
Victoria was about to explain when a petite, charming girl suddenly appeared behind William.
She wore a cream-colored cropped knit sweater and light purple skinny jeans. Her short hair was neat, her features delicate, and she had a sweet, girl-next-door look.
Harry followed her, carrying her luggage.
The girl tugged on William's sleeve and asked in a coquettish tone, "Mr. Scott, who is this lady?"
Victoria felt a shiver run down her spine, feeling utterly repulsed.
Before William could answer, Victoria quickly said, "Hello, I'm Mr. Scott's former secretary-Victoria."
"So, you're William's former secretary." The girl blinked and then smiled. "Nice to meet you, Victoria. I'm William's current secretary, Lyanna Patel."
Current secretary?
Victoria smiled lightly. "Nice to meet you."
"Ms. Carter, where are you and your friend headed?" William asked casually, his gaze sweeping over Alton.
There was a threatening and warning look in his eyes, making Alton step back silently, wishing he could disappear.
"Mr. Bridges and I just happened to run into each other here," Victoria emphasized the 'Mr. Bridges' part. "The company sent me to Harborview City to set up an exhibition."
"Really?" William raised an eyebrow. "What a coincidence. You and Mr. Bridges must have a deep connection."
Victoria could tell from his expression that William was angry again. She had sent him a message, but when she checked her phone, she realized it was still in the draft. She had forgotten to hit send.