Chapter 193
Victoria's eyes widened, and her heart clenched.
"Because of this mess, he got banned from leaving the country, all his bank accounts were frozen, and he almost got kicked out of school. If his parents hadn't stepped in and if he wasn't innocent, who knows what would've happened," Ryan said, taking a deep breath.
"His parents only asked him to agree to go on a date with the person they set him up with, or else they'd bring the matter to your attention," he added.
Victoria stood there, stunned, unable to speak.
Seeing her reaction, Ryan tried to comfort her. "Even if I didn't tell you, you probably could've guessed who was behind this. Samuel didn't want me to tell you, so just act like you don't know."
"I get it. Thanks, Ryan," Victoria said, forcing a bitter smile.
She understood Ryan's intentions, but the more she did, the more guilt and self-blame she felt towards Samuel.
Ryan looked at her, hesitating to say more.
As the workday was winding down, the light in the gallery softened. Victoria and Wendy were still busy wrapping things up.
Just then, Diana walked in, dressed simply yet elegantly, her face beautiful and features delicate.
Seeing the two still working, she smiled lightly. "All done? Dinner's on me tonight."
Joshua's artwork had been a hit with buyers, earning the gallery a good profit. Diana was in a great mood and wanted to treat Victoria.
"This restaurant's food is amazing!" Diana said with a slight smile. "I often come here for business meetings and to entertain artist friends. The reputation is impeccable."
Wendy, curious, her eyes sparkling, said, "You run this gallery so effortlessly, with such a wide network and always discovering great food."
Diana glanced at her, a faint smile on her lips. "Running a business is all about creating the right atmosphere and building relationships. For the gallery to thrive, you need to maintain good relations with everyone. Over time, business becomes easier."
The three of them sat down and were about to order when a group of people walked in.
William and Alice were at the back.
As soon as he entered, William's eyes immediately scanned the room and landed on Victoria, who was sitting in a corner.
Alice noticed too and asked considerately, "Do you want to go say hi?"
Her demeanor was gracious and understanding.
"No need," William replied, looking away as if he hadn't seen her.
Eugene, who had come along, sat next to William and quietly probed, "Having a fight?"
He was, of course, referring to William and Victoria.
William took a sip of his tea, not responding.
"That's odd. When you guys came back from Xandria, it seemed like there was hope for you two. Guess I was wrong," Eugene said, half-joking, with a hint of schadenfreude.
If he had to choose between Victoria and Alice, he would lean towards Alice. They had grown up together, and the bond was deep. Victoria seemed like an unexpected intruder.
Plus, with all the complicated issues involving Alvin and the Scott family, the road ahead for those two was bound to be bumpy.
Eugene glanced at Alice, who was chatting and laughing with the investors, and said, "Compared to Victoria, I think Alice suits you better. Look at her, despite everything, she still cares for you and helps you out. She used her connections to help you with X-STAR Solutions Inc. Without her, your new project wouldn't have progressed so smoothly. She supports you in both life and career. She's your best partner."
He glanced at Victoria and shook his head. "She can't compare to Alice. Besides, I heard she has a boyfriend now. Don't dwell on it too much. Appreciate the one in front of you."
If William didn't know Eugene's playful nature, he might have thought he was bribed.
After a long silence, William spoke slowly, "Maybe without her, I would marry Alice, but it would never be the same."
Eugene understood the depth of his words.
Marrying out of gratitude and marrying out of love are two different things.
He might marry Alice, but the feelings of love and attachment had never been there for her.
There could be responsibility and care, but that wasn't love.
Across the room, Wendy noticed William too and was surprised to see him here.
She quickly looked at Victoria.
"Stop staring and eat," Victoria said quietly, continuing to enjoy her meal as if William was just a stranger.
Eugene and the others were having a lively conversation. Alice, no longer the aloof and noble figure she once was, was enthusiastically toasting the investors.
Though it wasn't a formal business meeting, just a private dinner, she was doing everything to support William.
When Jerald McClellan, the head of the investors, suggested a drink with William, Alice quickly raised her glass, smiling, "Mr. McClellan, I'll drink on his behalf. You see, he recently got injured in Xandria and should be resting, but he came here to meet you."
Jerald's impression of William improved significantly.
"To be honest, I've heard a lot about Mr. Scott in Harborview City," Jerald said, his words carefully chosen, but William knew they were likely negative rumors.
He had been developing in Silvermist City for the past two years, not Harborview City, but the rumors had spread widely. Now, he knew who was behind them.
William sincerely said, "Mr. McClellan, I'm looking forward to working with X-STAR Solutions Inc."
Alice raised her glass again, smiling, "Mr. McClellan, another toast to you on William's behalf."
"Ms. Garcia, you are truly devoted to Mr. Scott. It's admirable! Mr. Scott, you should cherish Ms. Garcia," Jerald said.
William glanced at Alice, her cheeks flushed. She had already had quite a bit to drink at lunch and was now just holding on.
Jerald loved to drink, and to discuss business with him, one had to drink a lot. Alice knew this and was drinking for William.
Seeing her determination, even Eugene was moved and wanted to help, but she politely declined.
"Mr. McClellan and I are enjoying our drinks. Don't interrupt."
Jerald laughed heartily, "That's right, it's rare to find such a spirited drinking partner!"
William frowned, placing his hand over hers as she reached for another glass. "That's enough. Stop drinking."
"Don't worry about it," she whispered, pouring another glass and toasting Jerald.
In no time, the bottle of red wine was empty.
If Jerald's secretary hadn't come to remind him about his flight, they might have continued drinking.
William and Alice escorted Jerald out, who said cheerfully, "Send the contract over tomorrow."
As soon as Jerald left, Alice lost all her strength, her body leaning softly against William.
Feeling him support her, she struggled slightly, her voice slurred, "I'm fine, just a bit dizzy. I'll be okay after some water. Let go, Ms. Carter is watching. Don't let her misunderstand. I can walk on my own."