Chapter 226

Nora cried until she was completely drained, her face going blank and empty.

Victoria looked down and said softly, "Bobby turned down the surgery, so you're still on the waiting list for a kidney."

Nora didn't say a word.

"With your condition, you probably can't wait too long," Victoria paused before continuing, "If you want to live, go find Bobby."

"No way, forget it!" Nora snapped, glaring at Victoria. "Why can't you do it? Why should I go to him?"

Victoria slowly raised her eyes, her voice steady, "I won't do it."

Nora laughed bitterly, like she'd heard the most ridiculous joke, "This is my wonderful daughter! You'd rather watch me die than give me a kidney!"

Victoria didn't flinch, nodding, "Yes, I would."

Nora narrowed her eyes, mocking, "What if it was your father lying here?"

"I wouldn't think twice."

Even though she expected it, Nora was still furious, "Don't forget who gave birth to you!"

Victoria stayed calm, "I don't want to hurt the people who love me for someone who doesn't. Even now, you have a choice. Between Bobby and me, you chose him without a second thought. I'm not heartless; I get disappointed, sad, and even blame myself for not being good enough. It wasn't until I almost ended up on the operating table last time that I realized the problem was never me. To you, I'm nothing."

Victoria's face remained composed as she spoke her truth.

"You're just making excuses! You're heartless and cold-blooded! Even if I die, I won't let you off! I'll haunt you as a ghost!"

Victoria had said all she needed to and got up to leave.

As she walked out of the hospital room, the cursing inside turned into low sobs, then heart-wrenching wails.

Victoria left without looking back.

The entrance exam for the University of Aesthetics Shine had arrived.

Although Victoria was confident she could pass, she didn't dare to be complacent.

It wasn't until she finished all the exams that she finally breathed a sigh of relief.

As she was about to leave the University of Aesthetics Shine to return to work at Starry Studio Gallery, she saw Samuel near the office of the university's president, Albert.

He looked very different. If he used to be calm and elegant, now he seemed mature and gloomy.

He was talking to Albert, who had a regretful expression on his face.

Sensing someone looking at him, Samuel glanced over.

When their eyes met, he froze for a moment.

Victoria gave him a slight smile and nodded, intending to leave.

Unexpectedly, he quickly said goodbye to Albert and chased after her, "Wait."

Victoria didn't stop.

Samuel hurriedly ran a few steps to block her path.

"Running away as soon as you see me? Am I that scary? No matter what, even if we're not a couple, we're still friends, right?" Samuel said with a bitter smile, looking at her delicate profile, feeling a sudden warmth in his eyes.

Victoria was amused by him, her initial awkwardness easing, "How have you been?"

He forced a smile, "Honestly? Not great."

He was always honest with her.

"But there's some good news. My dad's surgery was quite successful."

"Really? That's wonderful!" Victoria was genuinely happy for him.

"Thanks," he said, then chuckled, "When did we get so formal?"

Victoria's smile faded, her expression sincere, "Samuel, I've always wanted you to be happy."

"Happy? Yeah, happy. I don't even know what that feels like anymore."

His words were a mix of truth and sarcasm, making it hard to read him.

Even after they parted, Victoria felt uneasy.

Though their time together wasn't long, she knew him well enough. His eyes were full of exhaustion and pain.

"You're here for the exam, right?" Samuel suddenly changed the topic.

Victoria nodded.

He smiled, "Congrats, you'll definitely pass."

Victoria smiled back, "Thank you."

Samuel smiled again, "Too bad I can't teach you anymore."

Victoria was momentarily stunned, "Why?"

A hint of sadness flashed in Samuel's eyes, "I resigned. My dad's health can't handle managing the company anymore. The company is my dad and grandpa's legacy. I can't let it fall apart because of my selfish interests."

Victoria was silent for a while before slowly speaking, "That's a real shame."

He was an excellent artist and a great teacher.

Samuel took a deep breath and smiled again, "Don't worry, I'll still deliver the two paintings a month to your gallery as promised. You can always ask me for help if you need it."

His words made Victoria's heart ache even more.

Samuel was the best artist she had ever met and the teacher she admired most.

If possible, she wished he could stay at the University of Aesthetics Shine, doing what he loved.

But life is unpredictable.

Suppressing her thoughts, she forced a smile, "Thank you. But don't push yourself. You've already done so much for me. I'll handle the rest."

Samuel's expression turned bitter, "Are you cutting off our last connection too?"

Victoria shook her head, speaking earnestly, "Samuel, it's not me cutting off the connection. You're engaged now. I hope we can both move on."

Her attitude was firm and harsh.

Samuel stared at her for a long moment, then forced a bleak smile, "Alright, I understand. You're right."

With that, he gave her one last deep look, turned, and walked away resolutely.

His figure looked desolate, his steps unsteady, as if he had aged years in an instant.

Victoria stood still, watching him disappear around the corner, tears glistening in her eyes.

Leaving the school, Victoria returned to the gallery to continue working. She had only taken a half-day off, and the accumulated work kept her busy for a long time.

With Alvin's business gradually stabilizing and her artwork royalties coming in, life had become much more comfortable without Nora's burden.

Even so, she continued working at Starry Studio Gallery.

Not only because she had worked hard to get this job, but also because she could learn a lot here. She truly loved this job.

In the afternoon, when she finally had a moment to drink some water, she habitually checked her phone and found several missed calls.

Startled, she quickly checked and saw they were all from Wendy, who had taken a long leave and hadn't been at work for a while.

Victoria's heart tightened. Wendy wouldn't call so many times unless it was urgent!