Chapter 187

Daisy noticed it too, pausing her movements and glancing up at him. "You're not fully healed yet. Why go back? To watch her cozy up to Samuel?"

William's brow furrowed, his face full of disdain and resistance. "You don't get it."

Daisy scoffed dismissively. "You're just banking on the fact that she still has feelings for you. William, you need to understand something: once you hurt someone, even if you make amends, the scars remain."

William's lips pressed into a thin line, his gaze becoming inscrutable. "Even if there are scars, over time, they fade."

Daisy gave a sigh of resignation. "Fine, do whatever you want. I'm done trying to talk sense into you."

William completed his discharge paperwork, and Harry had already booked the earliest flight.

Before they left, Louie had specially sent Paxton to see them off. Such treatment from the renowned Louie was a rare honor.

Daisy couldn't help but look over, curiosity piqued. "What did you promise him? You're not getting involved in some illegal deal, are you?"

William gave her a helpless look, half-amused, half-exasperated. "What are you thinking? I don't do illegal stuff. We just reached a business strategic partnership. He provides the funding, I provide the plans and manpower. After we take down The Iron Crocodiles, I'll help him rebrand his image positively, and we'll start a company together."

Once successful, Louie would no longer be an underground kingpin but a respected businessman.

As for William, this would expand his business empire, a win-win situation.

So, despite the ups and downs of this trip to Xandria, it was quite fruitful.

The two arrived at the airport, the waiting area bustling with people in a hurry.

As they walked, William suddenly stopped, his gaze fixed.

Not far away, a familiar figure came into view-it was Alice.

After dinner, Samuel drove Victoria and Alvin back to their neighborhood.

As soon as the car stopped, Samuel seemed to remember something and quickly said to Victoria, "Victoria, can you help your dad with his luggage? I'll grab something from the trunk."

Victoria nodded. Samuel retrieved a beautifully crafted, high-end dinnerware set from the trunk and walked over to Alvin. "Mr. Carter, it's our first meeting, and I didn't prepare much. This is a small token of my respect. I hope you like it."

Alvin initially declined but accepted it after seeing Samuel's sincerity. "Thank you, Samuel. I appreciate it. I'll head up now."

With that, Alvin dragged his luggage towards the house.

Samuel suddenly remembered something and grabbed Victoria's hand, looking slightly panicked. "Victoria, does your dad know your mom is here too?"

Victoria froze, realizing she had completely forgotten about it.

She looked out the car window in a panic, only to see Alvin already inside the villa.

Samuel looked at her, worried. "What do we do?"

He had seen Nora's temper before and knew things could get messy.

"Let them deal with it," Victoria said, feeling exhausted.

As she was about to head inside, Samuel suddenly pulled her close, his bright eyes reflecting only her.

He sighed softly and gently held her. "Why wasn't I the one by your side these past few days? When you needed me the most, I wasn't there. I'm really not a good boyfriend, am I?"

Victoria felt a warmth in her heart and quickly reassured him. "Don't say that. You couldn't control what happened. You didn't want it to be this way either."

Samuel's clear eyes narrowed slightly, a bitter smile on his face. "Just don't think I'm useless."

"Stop talking nonsense!" Victoria playfully slapped his chest, looking very affectionate. "If you keep saying that, I really won't talk to you anymore!"

"Okay, okay, I won't say it!" Samuel quickly coaxed her, pressing her head against his chest. "From now on, I'll listen to you. Whatever you say goes!"

Victoria couldn't help but laugh.

Being with him always made her feel relaxed.

"Come in and have a drink," she said.

"Sure."

Hand in hand, they walked towards the neighborhood.

At that moment, a tall figure slowly emerged from the shadows.

As he passed a trash can, he paused and casually tossed a small, exquisite velvet box into it.

Victoria and Samuel had just stepped inside when they heard Nora's sobbing.

She wasn't screaming like before but sat on the couch, looking frail and weak. Her sobs were suppressed and restrained, as if she had been deeply wronged.

"Where can I go? I have no home and I'm seriously ill," she choked out. "I gave up my only chance for a kidney transplant. I don't know how long I have left. If you make me leave now, you're just sending me to my death."

Her voice was filled with sorrow and a strong sense of pleading.

"I was wrong. I was wrong before. Please forgive me." She cried, tears streaming down her face, ruining her makeup. She looked pitiful and disheveled.

Victoria stood at the staircase corner, listening to Nora's tearful pleas, feeling nothing but a sense of disgust.

For so many years, Nora had always put on this act for her.

Out of mother-daughter affection, Victoria had always played along.

But now, she only felt annoyance.

Nora had never truly cared about her as a daughter.

Victoria listened with a cold expression, while Samuel's face changed slightly.

What did she mean by giving up her chance for a kidney transplant?

Was that because of her kindness? Definitely not.

But her words were still quite impactful.

No matter what, she was Victoria's mother and Alvin's wife of twenty years. She was seriously ill and homeless. How could they possibly ignore her and let her fend for herself?

Alvin sat on the couch, frowning, saying nothing.

"Victoria, I'll head out," Samuel said quietly. "It's your family matter, and it's not appropriate for me to stay."

Victoria nodded at him and turned to go inside, closing the door behind her.

Victoria sat down next to Alvin and looked at Nora, who was supposedly her mother. But in her heart, she felt she was less important to Nora than her old pets.

"You and my dad are already divorced. If there's no love left, why stay and make things awkward for everyone?" Victoria said coldly.

Nora wiped her tears and choked out, "Victoria, I've done many things to hurt you over the years. You have every right to hate me. But I really love your dad. I don't expect you to forgive me. I just want to spend my last days with you. Victoria, I'm begging you."

She grabbed Victoria's arm, her tone earnest.

Victoria remained unmoved. "You love my dad? You just see that he's out of prison and can support you again, so you're clinging to him."