Chapter 177
Victoria stared at Daisy, her eyes wide with shock and emotion.
"I'm not like you young folks, always tangled in those love triangles. I've made up my mind about him, but he keeps dodging me," Daisy said, taking another drag from her cigarette, the smoke swirling around her. "If he really dies, at least I'll have done my part. After that, I'll look after you, see you get married, help you with your kids."
As she spoke, Daisy chuckled, "Thinking about it, it's kind of funny."
Victoria felt a pang in her heart. How had she never noticed Daisy's deep feelings for Alvin?
She reached out and snatched the cigarette from Daisy's hand, extinguishing it in the ashtray. "Stop talking like that. My dad will come back safe and sound. When he does, I'll make sure he gives you an explanation! If he tries to dodge it, I'll be the first to hold him accountable!"
Daisy's face softened into a smile. "Alright, that's sweet of you. I knew I didn't spoil you for nothing."
As night fell, enveloping the world in darkness, neither Victoria nor Daisy wanted to sit idly in the room.
They sat side by side on the wicker chairs at the resort, quietly waiting. Despite their anxiety, they maintained a calm exterior.
Daisy's hand unconsciously reached for her cigarette pack again, but Victoria quickly snatched it away, saying firmly, "In the Carter family, new members aren't allowed to smoke."
Daisy widened her eyes, pretending to be angry. "You're pulling my leg! I've never heard your dad say that."
"There is, because I say so," Victoria replied seriously.
Daisy shook her head, half amused, half exasperated. "You always know how to get to me."
Just then, the sound of a car engine roared closer. A familiar car sped into the resort.
Before the car even stopped, Victoria's face changed, and she jumped up, running towards it. "Quinton!"
"Ms. Carter, get in the car!" Quinton shouted urgently, not wasting any time.
Victoria climbed in without hesitation, and Daisy quickly followed.
As the car sped off, Quinton explained, "Mr. Carter is back, but he's injured and at the hospital."
Victoria's mind went blank, a buzzing sound filling her ears. Daisy's face turned as white as a sheet. "Where is he hurt? Is it serious?"
"I don't know the details. I came straight to get you as soon as I heard."
Quinton, familiar with the roads, quickly got them to the only decent hospital in Xandria.
Victoria jumped out of the car and immediately spotted Paxton.
"Louie sent me to bring you up," Paxton said briefly, turning to lead the way.
Victoria, frantic with worry, ran so fast her hairband fell off, her long hair streaming behind her as she followed Paxton.
Her usually beautiful face was now full of anxiety, her eyes red and puffy, like a delicate vase on the verge of breaking.
When she reached Louie, he looked at her quietly for a long moment before finally looking away.
"Where's my dad?" she asked, her voice trembling with urgency.
Louie tilted his head towards a nearby direction.
At that moment, Alvin, bandaged up, slowly walked out.
"Dad!" Victoria cried, rushing to his side, supporting him. "Are you okay? Where are you hurt?"
Alvin patted her hand gently. "I'm fine."
Victoria's eyes filled with tears. "How can you be fine? You're bleeding."
"I'm not lying," Alvin said, caressing her cheek tenderly. "It's just a scratch, nothing serious."
"Thank goodness," Victoria sobbed, tears streaming down her face.
Daisy hurried over, concern etched on her face. "Alvin, are you alright? Is it bad?"
Victoria wiped her tears and stepped aside to give them some space.
Seeing Daisy's worried expression, Alvin smiled faintly. "I'm okay."
Daisy finally relaxed, tears flowing freely as she hugged Alvin tightly. "You scared me. I was so afraid of losing you."
"I'm sorry, it's all my fault for making you worry," Alvin said, his voice full of guilt.
Daisy clung to him, her nails digging into his back. "You idiot! Do you think playing hero is cool?"
Despite her well-maintained appearance, Daisy was in her forties, and the stress of recent days had taken its toll, fine lines appearing at the corners of her eyes.
Seeing this vulnerable side of her, Alvin felt a strange pang in his heart. They were both getting older.
Alvin glanced nervously at Victoria, afraid she might be angry.
But Victoria wasn't looking at them. She was searching for William.
After scanning the area, she finally saw Harry entering the room.
He had arrived before the action started, but Victoria hadn't noticed him in the rush.
Seeing him, Victoria rushed over, asking anxiously, "Harry, where's William?"
Harry's face was somber as he pointed to the operating room. "Mr. Scott is still in surgery."
Victoria felt her legs go weak, almost collapsing.
Luckily, Louie was quick to catch her.
"Surgery?" Victoria's tears flowed uncontrollably. She grabbed Harry's arm, her voice shaking. "Is he hurt? Where? How bad is it?"
Louie frowned, speaking softly, "Victoria, calm down."
"I can't calm down!" Victoria shouted at Harry. "Is William seriously hurt? Tell me the truth!"
Harry sighed. "A bullet went through his left abdomen. He needs surgery to remove it."
Victoria felt the world spin, nearly fainting.
Daisy, overhearing, felt like she had been struck by lightning. "It's all my fault. If something happens to William, how will I face my late brother and sister-in-law?"
She broke down, sobbing in Alvin's arms.
Alvin, his brow furrowed, struggled to find the right words to comfort her. After a long pause, he gently pressed her shoulder and sighed. "He took that bullet for me."