Chapter 26

Victoria was at home, sorting through her notes, when her phone buzzed with a call from Nora. She tried to ignore it and kept writing, but Nora was persistent.

With a sigh, Victoria finally picked up. "Mom, what now?" she asked, not hiding her annoyance.

Nora's voice was shaky and urgent. "Victoria, you have to help Bobby! He got into a fight and hurt someone badly. They want five grand, or they'll call the cops. I don't know what else to do. Please, go check on him."

Victoria rolled her eyes. "Mom, didn't I give you all my money? Why don't you use that?"

Nora hesitated, then said, "I'm on dialysis and can't go. I'll transfer the money to you, and you can handle it, okay?"

Despite her frustration, Victoria couldn't ignore her mom's plea. "Fine, I'll go," she said.

After hanging up, she changed clothes and headed to the address Nora gave her. When she got there, it was an old, run-down factory with peeling paint and weeds everywhere.

Victoria paused at the entrance, unsure if she should go in. She tried calling Bobby, but his line was busy. Feeling uneasy, she was about to leave when the door swung open. A group of bodyguards surrounded her. One of them said, "Come with us."

Victoria's heart sank, and she felt a wave of panic. She couldn't believe Nora would put her in danger like this for money! Taking a deep breath, Victoria looked around, hoping for an escape route. But the bodyguards blocked every exit. She had no choice but to follow them inside.

Inside, Ella and Willow stood out in their fancy suits against the shabby backdrop. Ella's smile was twisted with malice as she saw Victoria being pushed in.

"You must be Victoria," Willow said, looking her up and down. "No wonder you managed to get William with that face."

Victoria ignored her, focusing on Ella, who was lounging in a chair. "Did you go through all this just to humiliate me?" she asked.

Ella smirked. "Who's humiliating you? My mom's just telling it like it is. Don't think you can climb up by clinging to William. Have you seen yourself? Just sign the settlement, or I'll make sure you regret it."

Victoria, fed up with Ella's attitude, shot back, "I don't care if William likes me or not. I won't settle even if you kill me. Do you think Luna won't find out?"

Ella's face twisted with rage. "Shut up, you bitch!" she screamed.

Victoria smirked, taunting, "The fearless Ms. Garcia, scared of something?"

"Stop trying to scare me!" Ella snapped, trying to sound tough, but her voice wavered.

Sensing Ella be at a disadvantage, Willow stepped up and slapped Victoria hard. "You're really pushing it now! You're just a whore who'd sell anything for money. How much do you want to settle? A million? Three million?"

Held back by the bodyguards, Victoria couldn't retaliate. She sneered, "Sure, I'll settle. Give me three hundred million dollars, and I might consider it."

Willow's face flushed with anger, and she slapped Victoria again. "Three hundred million? You're out of your mind!"

Wiping the blood from her mouth, Victoria said calmly, "Then there's nothing more to discuss."

"Bitch!" Willow's face turned red with rage. She wanted to strangle Victoria but feared Luna's retaliation. She had to hold back her anger and play her trump card.

She pulled some photos from her bag and shoved them at Victoria. "Let's see if you can still act tough after seeing these."

Victoria took the photos, her face gradually turning pale, her pupils dilating, and her fingers trembling.

Seeing Victoria's reaction, Ella was delighted. "Get a good look? Want me to have a few more taken for you?"

Victoria gripped the photos tightly, her knuckles turning white, unaware of her nails digging into her flesh. The photos showed Alvin, beaten and bruised in prison, his face swollen and body covered in injuries. Seeing this, Victoria felt suffocated, her eyes red and tears welling up.

Nora had always favored Bobby, but despite his busy work schedule, Alvin had always been kind and loving to Victoria. And now, because of Victoria, Alvin was suffering!

Victoria suddenly looked up, her eyes bloodshot, and screamed, "Ella! Do you have any humanity left?"

"Humanity? In this world of the strong devouring the weak, only the strong have the right to talk about humanity!" Ella laughed maniacally and continued, "He deserves it! If he wants to blame someone, blame him for his bad luck, having a daughter like you!"

Willow chimed in, "Victoria, if you remain stubborn, I'll have to let people take care of him more!"

Victoria's breath hitched, her legs gave way, and she collapsed to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably, her tears soaking her cheeks.

Seeing her like this, Ella felt a surge of satisfaction and said arrogantly, "Victoria, I'll give you one last chance. Agree to settle and never bother William again, or else..."

Victoria looked up at Ella, hatred in her eyes, "Bring the settlement agreement, I'll sign it. But if you harm my dad again, I'll fight you to the end! My life may be cheap, but I'll drag you down with me!"

"You!" Ella raised her hand to slap her again but was stopped by Willow. She said, "Ella, let her sign the agreement first."

Victoria took the settlement agreement from Ella and signed it forcefully, pressing her fingerprint beside her signature.

Seeing this, Ella nodded in satisfaction and ordered the bodyguards, "Take her phone and lock her in the basement for five days. Give her just enough water to keep her alive."