Chapter 246
Hearing this, William felt a pang of discomfort. "I've talked with her about it so many times, but she never gives me a straight answer."
"Guess that means I'm more important to Victoria than you are!" Daisy teased.
William forced a smile, unable to argue.
"I'm taking her to see some apartments tomorrow. She can't keep staying at a hotel, right?" Daisy said.
After a moment of silence, William said slowly, "I remember you have an important appointment tomorrow."
Daisy laughed, "Oh, right! But what should I do? I've already promised Victoria. I can't just break my promise, can I? This is Harborview City, and Victoria doesn't know anyone here. If something happens, how would I explain it to her family?"
"Yeah, it's a tough situation," William remarked.
"I remember you seem to be free tomorrow."
"Not necessarily, I need to check with my assistant."
Daisy rolled her eyes, "Oh, come on! If you want to keep Victoria here, show some sincerity! I'll help you this time, but next time, you're on your own!"
When Victoria returned to the hotel, she saw Marcella standing in the lobby with her hands on her hips, completely disregarding her image. She marched up and demanded, "Are you leaving? Did you book a flight?"
Victoria looked at her in surprise. "How did you know?"
"Never mind how I know. Are you planning to abandon me?"
Her outburst drew curious glances from the people around them.
Especially with her indignant expression, it was hard not to speculate about their relationship.
Victoria helplessly pulled her into the elevator. "It's a misunderstanding. I'm not planning to leave. In fact, I've decided to stay."
"Really? You're not lying to me?"
Marcella immediately switched to a smile and affectionately linked arms with her. "That's more like it! Good friends should stick together!"
Victoria looked at her with amusement. "So, can you report back to Alton now?"
Marcella paused for a moment but then said nonchalantly, "I'm not just doing this for him. Staying here is good for our careers. Why not take the opportunity?"
"Then, can you tell me what opportunity Alton gave you? Or should I ask, what special arrangements did he make for you?"
Marcella pretended not to understand. "I'm so hungry! How about I treat you to dinner? Let's go for Mexican food!"
Victoria didn't bother arguing further and let Marcella drag her out of the hotel.
"Victoria, if you make a name for yourself here, you have to thank me! Without me, you wouldn't have this opportunity."
"Yes, yes, Marcella, you're my lucky charm!"
"I love your quick wit. Out of everyone in the gallery, I have the highest hopes for you."
"Alright, that's enough," Victoria said helplessly.
"Got it!"
"I have something urgent to attend to. I've sent someone to pick you up."
"Okay, Ms. Scott." Victoria answered the call as she walked out of the elevator.
When she reached the entrance, a black BMW honked. She turned around, thinking it must be the person Daisy mentioned.
She walked over, opened the door, and got in. "Hi, I'm..."
Seeing William in the driver's seat, she froze, then quickly realized what was going on.
"Did Ms. Scott send you?"
William glanced at her in the rearview mirror and replied slowly, "Yeah."
Victoria felt a bit helpless.
Daisy's matchmaking intentions were way too obvious!
She didn't mind, but what would William think?
Rejecting his invitation on one hand and letting Daisy play matchmaker on the other?
Victoria quickly explained, "I didn't know she would send you."
William drove steadily, lying without a hint of guilt, "She told me last minute. Said she wouldn't trust anyone else to pick you up."
Victoria believed him. That did sound like Daisy.
The atmosphere in the car was awkward.
Victoria broke the silence first. "If you have something to do, just give me the address. I can go by myself."
William's eyes met hers in the rearview mirror, his deep gaze seemingly calm. "Since she asked me to come, do you think she'd let me have anything else to do?"
With that, what else could she say?
Soon, the car stopped.
Victoria looked up at the upscale apartment complex. She knew Harborview City had expensive real estate, and the rent here wouldn't be cheap.
"Let's go." William got out of the car and looked back, seeing her still sitting there with a frown. He raised an eyebrow.
Victoria thought for a moment and said, "I can't afford the rent here."
"You're Aunt Daisy's favored subordinate. She'll cover everything."
"That's not right! I can't take advantage of Ms. Scott like that!"
William suddenly leaned down, one hand on the car door, looking at her with lowered eyes. "I notice you're kind to everyone else."
Victoria didn't like that. "Are you saying I'm not kind to you?"
He responded with a light snort.
He tapped the car roof lazily. "Not just you. The company always treats external hires well. During the contract period, they'll cover half the rent, plus transportation and communication allowances."
Hearing this, Victoria finally got out of the car.
They walked into the complex, one after the other. The environment was excellent, not overly luxurious but very quiet.
Seeing the apartment, Victoria was extremely satisfied. It was exactly her ideal solo living space!
The apartment was on the ground floor, with a minimalist design and mostly wooden furniture. There was a small garden in front, with clusters of blooming irises.
In the corner was a white swing, next to a delicate wooden gazebo with an unfinished chess game on the table.
William leaned against the door, watching her explore like a curious little fairy in a dream garden.
He couldn't help but smile. How long had it been since he'd seen such a relaxed and joyful expression on her face?
"This place is beautiful!" She stood among the blue and purple irises, smiling at him with eyes full of joy.
He spoke slowly, "Do you like it?"
"I love it!"
She really did!
Daisy knew her tastes so well!
Even if she had to pay the full rent, it would be worth it!
William said immediately, "I'll help you get your luggage from the hotel."
"No need to trouble yourself. I can manage."
Her eagerness to push him away made William's face darken. "I've already said, if you don't want to, I won't force you. Do you really need to be so defensive?"