Chapter 245
Victoria gently pulled her arm away. "I liked it better the way it was before. The way you are now, it kind of freaks me out."
"Oh, come on," Marcella teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I used to think you were such a pain, but now that I know you better, you're not so bad."
"Gee, thanks." Victoria didn't think that was much of a compliment.
It was probably because she'd been helping Marcella in her pursuit of Alton.
Marcella's playful expression faded as she spoke more seriously. "Actually, I've been thinking about something..."
Victoria was surprised by what she heard next. "You want to stay here?"
Marcella shrugged. "I was never really into the gallery. Staring at paintings and sculptures all day gives me a headache. I told my dad to transfer me to the branch here."
Victoria knew Alton was popular with the ladies, but she hadn't realized he had this much charm.
Even though Marcella was just an illegitimate child with little inheritance rights, Alton had managed to captivate her so quickly. He must have some serious skills.
It seemed like he had gone through a lot during the years his family had fallen on hard times.
"Well, if you want to stay, that's your decision."
"Of course not!" Marcella linked her arm with Victoria's again. "We're a dream team! I can't do this without you! You're so upright, I can't just leave you behind!"
Victoria didn't believe a word of her grandiose speech.
"What's with that look?" Marcella avoided Victoria's gaze, feeling a bit guilty. "Okay, okay, I admit it. You did help me out a little."
Victoria raised an eyebrow. Just a little?
"Fine, fine! I owe my success to you, happy now?" Marcella said.
Victoria looked away. To be honest, it was true.
Getting Marcella's approval wasn't easy.
"So, Victoria, will you stay here with me?" Marcella batted her eyes in a rare display of cuteness, which only gave Victoria goosebumps. "I heard Mr. Scott wants you to work at Infinity Unity Group. I'll get the gallery to let you go and give you a hefty severance package. How about that?"
"Can you just talk normally, Marcella?"
"I don't care. You have to agree! Otherwise, I'll keep talking like this!"
Victoria frowned, feeling like she didn't know her anymore. But the offer of several times her severance pay from Starry Studio Gallery was tempting.
"Honestly, I preferred the old you. This sudden friendliness is a bit unsettling."
"Oh, come on! I've always been this sweet and simple! I just listened to Hannah before and thought you were scheming. Naturally, I was cautious around you. But now, I genuinely consider you a friend!"
Victoria didn't know how to respond to her sudden sincerity.
Marcella then spent the entire afternoon listing the benefits of staying in Harborview City, pestering her until Victoria finally agreed to discuss it with her family.
As soon as she left Victoria's room, Marcella called Alton.
"I did what you said and appealed to her emotions. She said she'd think about it!"
Alton chuckled softly on the other end. "I knew you could do it, babe!"
"Of course." She smiled as she returned to her room, clutching her phone.
Just then, the door of Victoria's room slowly opened.
Victoria lowered her eyes, a slight smile playing on her lips.
No wonder Marcella was so eager to convince her to stay in Harborview City.
Victoria closed the door and immediately booked a flight.
She'd been in Harborview City long enough.
As for William's offer to join Infinity Unity Group, it was tempting, but she preferred to move at her own pace.
Besides, she still had an instinctive desire to keep her distance from William.
Her flight was in the evening, and as she packed, she received a call from Daisy.
"Victoria?"
Daisy wanted to meet, and since there was still time, they arranged to meet at a café near the hotel.
Victoria spotted Daisy as soon as she walked in. Daisy looked fantastic, exuding both youthful energy and mature charm, the kind that could captivate people of all ages.
"You came to Harborview City and didn't even visit me. That's not very nice!" As soon as they sat down, Daisy took the initiative.
"My bad, really, Daisy. I know I was wrong!"
Victoria was always sincere when admitting her mistakes to Daisy.
Daisy couldn't help but laugh, not really holding it against her.
"Let's cut to the chase," Daisy said directly. "I'm here to ask for your help. William should have mentioned that I'm in a bit of trouble."
Victoria was taken aback. She had thought William was just making excuses.
It turned out Daisy's situation was much more serious.
"That's the situation. My dad's been a bit muddled lately, making poor decisions, and it's put me in a tough spot at the company. I'm not looking to fight for anything, but if Wayne's involved, there's no room for compromise!"
"But what can I do? I don't know anything about this," Victoria asked.
Daisy raised a hand to stop her, frowning. "When did you become so hesitant? Where's the girl who braved Xandria with William?"
Victoria sighed. "Is it possible you guys have too much faith in me?"
"Don't flatter yourself. Did I say I valued your skills?" Daisy said.
Victoria fell silent. That was harsh.
"We need to build our own team within the company, but there aren't many trustworthy people around."
Victoria blinked. Was that the reason?
Daisy leaned forward, her gaze intense. "I'll ask you straight. I'm in trouble. Will you help me or not?"
Could Victoria say no?
She realized she had no resistance against Daisy.
The father-daughter duo was really going to lose to Daisy!
As they left the café, Daisy patted her shoulder approvingly. "Do well. I have high hopes for you."
Victoria smiled wryly. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Daisy."
After dropping Victoria off at the hotel, Daisy waved. "I'll pick you up tomorrow."
Before Victoria could respond, Daisy had already driven off.
As soon as she hit the road, Daisy's phone rang.
She glanced at the caller ID, pursed her lips, and looked away, planning to ignore it.
The call ended after a while.
Soon after, it rang again.
Daisy's expression turned amused, but she still didn't answer.
The call ended again.
Finally, it was quiet.
But just as she pulled into the garage, her phone rang again.
This time, she answered it leisurely. "I'm starting to think you put a tracker on me."
The man's voice on the other end sounded slightly annoyed. "Why didn't you answer sooner?"
"I did it on purpose," she replied.
She could hear the deep breath on the other end before he slowly asked, "Did she agree?"
"I knew you'd be anxious about her. Don't worry. With me on the case, what can't be done? She'll start next week."