Chapter 162
Victoria heard the question, lifted her gaze, and paused for a moment before slowly shaking her head.
The man, undeterred, continued with a friendly smile, "You heading to Xandria alone?"
Seeing her tear-streaked face, he wondered if she had just broken up with her boyfriend and was traveling to heal her broken heart.
Victoria shook her head lightly, her tone distant and detached, "No, I'm here on business."
She had no interest in chatting with a stranger; her only focus was to get to Xandria quickly and find the missing Daisy and Alvin.
The man noticed her cold demeanor but wasn't offended. He continued to smile warmly, "Xandria can be a bit unstable. I'm Louie Hopper, kind of known around here. When we're away from home, we're all friends. If you need any help, just ask. It's fate that we're sitting together."
As he spoke, he extended his hand, seemingly wanting to shake hands with Victoria.
Victoria's internal alarm bells rang. She subtly pulled her hand back, just about to refuse when William appeared beside her.
He crouched down in front of Victoria, looking into her eyes with a mock scolding tone, "How long are you gonna stay mad? Come on, don't be like this."
His tone was like that of a boyfriend trying to make up after a small argument, affectionate yet slightly helpless.
Victoria was about to retort, but when she met William's slightly warning gaze, the words caught in her throat.
Louie observed the interaction with a faint smile, then casually played with his phone on the table.
William wrapped his arm around Victoria's waist, gently coaxing, "Okay, I was wrong. When we land, I'll buy you a gift to make up for it, alright?"
Louie watched them with a dark, unreadable expression for a few seconds before returning to his lazy demeanor.
Victoria responded stiffly, then turned away, ignoring him.
William didn't get angry and smoothly returned to his seat.
The plane flew steadily through the clouds. Victoria sat by the window, her gaze lost in the distance, her thoughts far away.
Suddenly, the plane jolted violently without warning. Trays, magazines, and other items scattered, and passengers screamed in panic.
Victoria was thrown forward, but Louie quickly grabbed her, preventing her from hitting the seat in front.
She gasped for breath and thanked him gratefully.
William frowned, glancing over but said nothing.
Victoria took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.
Louie, sitting next to her, looked surprised.
This seemingly delicate girl had quite the courage!
Soon, the turbulence subsided, and the plane gradually stabilized.
After a long flight, the plane finally landed at Xandria's airport.
As the cabin door opened, a wave of humid heat greeted them.
Victoria stood up, straightened her slightly disheveled clothes, and prepared to disembark.
Louie also stood up, taking out his phone and smiling at Victoria, "Miss, can I get your contact info? If you run into any trouble in Xandria, feel free to reach out."
William pulled Victoria into his arms, protectively holding her.
He glared at Louie with a cold expression, "Hitting on someone else's girlfriend isn't very polite, is it?"
Louie shrugged, "Just making friends, no need to be so tense."
William was about to say more, but Victoria tugged at him, politely declining, "Thanks for the offer, but I'll manage on my own."
She didn't want to get involved with strangers in this unfamiliar and complex place.
Louie wasn't offended. He shrugged and smiled even brighter, "Alright, see you around."
With that, he turned and blended into the crowd.
Victoria and William dragged their luggage out of the airport.
A black luxury car was already waiting outside. The driver saw them and immediately approached, respectfully taking their luggage and opening the car door, "Mr. Scott, Ms. Carter, welcome."
Victoria was surprised to learn that the Scott family had a branch here, their influence far greater than she had imagined.
Once in the car, it smoothly headed towards their destination.
Through the window, Victoria saw the unfamiliar yet exotic scenery, her emotions mixed.
They remained silent until the car stopped in front of a well-known local resort.
William led Victoria into the resort, where the rich Xandria ambiance hit them instantly.
The lobby's high ceiling, with its intricate wooden beams and hanging wicker lamps, cast a warm, soft glow on the polished teak floor, creating a play of light and shadow.
William walked confidently to the front desk, conversed with the staff, and soon received a room key.
Victoria noticed he had only booked one room and frowned, about to protest.
William, anticipating her reaction, quickly stepped forward and gently pulled her into his arms.
Victoria instinctively struggled but stopped when he whispered in her ear, his warm breath tickling her, "Not here. We'll talk in the room."
Reluctantly, she stayed quiet, letting William hold her as they entered the elevator.
The elevator stopped on the eighth floor with a soft ding, and the doors opened.
William carried Victoria straight into the room.
The spacious presidential suite was a blend of luxury and local charm.
A vibrant handwoven rug covered the floor, soft to the touch. In the center stood a large carved teak bed, draped with airy, flowing curtains.
There was also a large indoor hot spring bath, its edges inlaid with colorful glass tiles, steam rising invitingly.
A set of exquisite pewter tea ware and a plate of fresh, sliced fruit sat on the coffee table.
As soon as they entered, Victoria pushed William away, her eyes cold, "Why only one room?"
He raised an eyebrow, nonchalantly asking, "What, afraid I'll eat you up?"
Victoria gritted her teeth, "Regardless, I have a boyfriend. It's inappropriate for us to stay together."
William felt a pang in his heart but quickly composed himself.
He didn't respond, instead taking a small, sophisticated device from his luggage and began scanning the room.
Victoria sat silently, watching his actions.
Soon, the device emitted a few soft beeps, and William's expression darkened.
He pointed to a potted plant in the corner, the TV frame, and the lampshade by the bed, speaking quietly to Victoria, "Look, here, and here, there are hidden cameras."