Chapter 175

"No way!" Victoria's eyes widened in disbelief. She couldn't believe anyone else in Xandria would be bold enough to kidnap a foreigner.

"A gang called 'The Iron Crocodiles' has been getting gutsier lately, causing trouble all over Xandria and targeting wealthy foreigners," Louie explained calmly, a thin trail of smoke rising from his cigarette, obscuring his face.

"And what about them saying my dad hurt some of your guys?" Victoria's voice rose involuntarily.

"That idiot," Louie sneered, narrowing his eyes with disdain. "He's been trying to climb the ranks and take my place. He secretly joined The Iron Crocodiles, causing trouble and using my name to show off, trying to play both sides for his own gain."

Victoria was stunned by the complexity of the situation. Did William know about this?

"How could it be like this?" Victoria frowned deeply.

Louie stared at her intently, his gaze direct and intense. "You mentioned fairness before, didn't you? I don't like forcing people. I'll help you save your dad, and you stay by my side. Fair enough, right?"

He glanced at his watch nonchalantly. "You don't have much time to think. Two minutes left."

Victoria was about to speak when the restaurant door was suddenly thrown open.

Paxton and his men quickly moved to block the intruder. "This place is cleared out. Who let you in?"

The newcomer ignored them, swiftly throwing Paxton aside with a shoulder throw.

Victoria turned in shock, her eyes welling up with tears when she recognized the person.

Louie remained seated, watching the intruder calmly.

William strode forward, his long legs quickly bringing him to the table. He pulled out a chair and sat next to Victoria, draping an arm over the back of her chair, half-protecting her.

He tilted his chin up slightly, looking at Louie with a careless, confident smile. "Didn't I tell you to wait for me at the hotel? How could you just run off with another man? Aren't you afraid he'll sell you off?"

Victoria was anxious, wanting to ask about Alvin, but the words stuck in her throat.

William's fingers lightly brushed her shoulder. The gesture seemed casual, yet it carried a hint of reassurance.

Victoria understood and obediently kept quiet.

Louie chuckled, the sound echoing in the silent restaurant with a hint of mockery. "Speaking of which, Mr. Scott, aren't you the other man too?"

Victoria, who had just picked up her water glass to calm herself, nearly choked at his words.

She turned her head awkwardly, her cheeks flushing, not daring to look at either of them.

William, however, seemed unfazed, even admitting openly, "Yeah. But she's completely smitten with me; that's why she can't leave me."

Victoria's eyebrows twitched. Hearing him say that made her feel like a fickle woman, so she decided to just accept the situation and not bother explaining.

As they spoke, William took her hand, bringing it to his lips for a light kiss.

Victoria instinctively tried to pull her hand back but noticed the blood and bruises on his knuckles, evidence of a recent fight.

Her heart tightened, and she immediately took his hand in both of hers, examining it closely.

She opened her mouth but said nothing, simply looking up at William.

In that moment, William's gaze softened immensely.

He smiled gently, pulling his hand back to ruffle her hair affectionately. "It's all okay now."

"Really?" Victoria's voice trembled, filled with hope.

"Yes," William confirmed, his fingers gently smoothing her slightly messy hair.

Victoria lowered her eyes, finally relaxing her tense nerves.

She clung to William's hand, refusing to let go.

William looked down at their intertwined hands, then wrapped her cold hand in his, gently rubbing it.

"All okay?" Louie raised an eyebrow, chuckling softly, breaking the brief moment of warmth. "If everything's fine, Mr. Scott, why did you come looking for me?"

Victoria's unease returned, and she looked at William, her voice low. "Is something wrong?"

William ignored her question, turning to her instead. "Are you full?"

Victoria was taken aback, then nodded instinctively. "Yes, I'm full."

"Good." William smiled, patting her back gently like comforting a child. "There's a drink shop across the street. Go check it out."

Victoria frowned, thinking to herself: Is he trying to get rid of me? That's pretty blunt!

William seemed to read her mind, squeezing her hand affectionately. "Go on, wait for me there."

Though reluctant, Victoria stood up. Just as she was about to leave, William handed her his wallet. "Get whatever you want. Don't hold back."

Victoria pouted. If it weren't for the situation, she would have rolled her eyes at him.

William really treated her like a child!

Thankfully, Louie's men didn't stop her. Victoria obediently left and saw the charming drink shop across the street.

She picked a flavor at random and sat inside, watching the restaurant through the large window.

She saw William and Louie sitting across from each other, the tension palpable.

Her brows furrowed, and her heart ached.

William was strong; he should be fine, right?

She wanted to call Daisy to check if Alvin was back, but her phone was dead.

How did William find her?

Just then, Paxton exited the restaurant, followed by Louie.

Louie glanced in her direction, a meaningful smile on his lips, before getting into his car.

Soon after, William emerged.

He walked straight to the drink shop, and Victoria quickly got up to meet him.

"What did you say to him? Are you making a deal?" Victoria blurted out, her anxiety evident.

William looked around cautiously, taking her hand and leading her away. "We reached a small agreement."

Victoria stopped abruptly, staring at him. "William! He's Louie! The head of an illegal organization!"