Chapter 52
William's eyes narrowed, a cold glint flashing in them.
Victoria sensed something was off and glanced toward the noise.
William walked in with a few people, dressed in a black suit. His face was stern, and he had a frosty vibe.
He gave off a gloomy, intimidating aura.
Since the day she begged him for mercy, Victoria hadn't seen William for over two weeks.
Her palms clenched involuntarily, her heart pounding at his sudden appearance.
Samuel noticed Victoria's stiffness and looked up to see William.
He caught Victoria's reaction, his brow furrowing slightly. His gaze flickered to William before he casually looked away, shifting in his seat just enough to break William's intense stare.
His casual demeanor hid a sharp edge.
Seeing Samuel's protective stance, William felt a surge of anger.
He strode past their table and sat down at a seat in front.
However, Samuel ignored William, turned to Victoria, and asked, "What's wrong?"
Hearing this, Victoria quickly gathered her thoughts and forced a faint smile. "Nothing."
Samuel smiled, put on disposable gloves, and began peeling shrimp for her.
His fingers were long and slender, with distinct bones and smooth, rounded nails. His actions were skillful and elegant.
Victoria stared blankly at his movements, unsure of what expression to make.
Samuel then finished peeling the shrimp and placed it on Victoria's plate.
Seeing this, Victoria felt a bit overwhelmed and said self-deprecatingly, "It's okay. I can do it myself. Since I was a child, only my dad has peeled shrimp for me. At home, I always peeled shrimp for my mom and brother."
"From now on, I'll take over the job of peeling shrimp for you," Samuel joked, his gaze soft and warm, like the gentle sunlight of spring.
Victoria was amused by him and couldn't help but laugh.
The two chatted and laughed, creating a very pleasant atmosphere.
Meanwhile, William's gaze remained on them, deep and chilling.
Victoria looked much better now. She used to be pale and haggard, but now her face was rosy, and she smiled brightly at Samuel across from her.
Samuel looked several years older than her. Time had given him a calm and restrained charm, elegant manners, and an excellent upbringing, clearly indicating a distinguished background.
The more William thought about it, the more his inner fire burned.
Was Victoria so happy after leaving him?
Did she find a man much older than her? Was she blind?
A menacing aura radiated from William as his eyes narrowed dangerously, reducing Harry to a trembling, breathless mess beside him.
William had been in a bad mood lately, and now he had encountered a trigger.
Harry silently prayed that he wouldn't get involved, or he would be in big trouble!
"Mr. Scott, how about we go to another place?" he asked bravely.
"No need," William replied slowly, then stood up and walked straight to Samuel's table.
Victoria's face blanched in an instant as she saw him approach.
Samuel looked up, noticing William walking towards them, but maintained a gentle and humble smile. "Sir, can I help you?" he asked.
Yet William didn't even glance at Samuel, staring directly at Victoria.
Victoria was so scared that she could hardly breathe. She gritted her teeth and glared at him, her eyes full of warning.
William casually placed a hand on the back of her chair, leaned in slightly, and whispered near her ear, "What a coincidence, Ms. Carter!"
He dragged out the last part of her name, making it sound like a threat.
Victoria clenched her fists and took a deep breath, trying to stay calm.
They were no longer involved. What was there to be afraid of?
With that thought, Victoria regained her composure and responded calmly, "Yes, quite a coincidence, Mr. Scott."
William sneered, his gaze shifting to Samuel. "Ms. Carter, aren't you going to introduce your new friend?" He emphasized the word 'friend.'
Victoria was about to refuse when Samuel's deep, magnetic voice cut in.
Samuel nodded slightly, extended his right hand to William, and said politely, "Samuel Brown, Victoria's male friend."
William's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze locking with Samuel's before he slowly extended his hand.
"Hello. William Scott, Victoria's former boss," William responded.
As their hands clasped, the atmosphere grew tense.
Though William tightened his grip, Samuel met the pressure with a calm, unwavering smile.
But to William, that smile was infuriating!
He increased the pressure, trying to crush Samuel's hand.
However, Samuel maintained his composure, his smile never wavering, appearing refined and courteous.
Victoria watched their confrontation nervously but had no reason to intervene.
Their handshake lasted for a while, until both their palms were sweaty, before they finally let go.
William then withdrew his hand, put it in his pocket, and looked down at Samuel, his tone icy. "Mr. Brown, quite impressive!"
Samuel smiled warmly and said, "Likewise."
William sneered, gave Victoria a deep look, then turned and walked out.
Harry quickly followed, anxiously saying, "Mr. Scott, wait for me."
After William left, Samuel turned his attention back to Victoria. "Are you okay?" he asked.
Victoria nodded, still anxious, and said worriedly, "I'm sorry for causing you this trouble."
Samuel shrugged indifferently and said, "Just a kid who hasn't grown up. Don't worry, I don't take him seriously."
Not even understanding his own feelings, what else could William be but a child?
He acted like a schoolboy who bullied the girl he liked.
But it was just as well; it gave Samuel an opportunity.
After William left, Victoria lost her appetite and couldn't muster any interest. She only drank two glasses of juice to fill her stomach.
Noticing her in a bad state, Samuel considerately stood up and said, "Victoria, let me take you home."
Victoria nodded.
They got into Samuel's car in the parking garage, and Samuel pulled the seatbelt over to buckle it for Victoria.
His actions were natural, his demeanor easy, not feeling anything inappropriate.
When his fingers lightly touched Victoria's skin, she instinctively shrank her neck.
Victoria awkwardly laughed and said, "Thank you."
"Do we have to be so formal with each other?" Samuel asked.
His deep, rich voice, filled with a charming huskiness, made Victoria's cheeks flush.
She lowered her eyes, avoiding Samuel's gaze, a reaction he didn't miss.
Victoria's ears were red, like a ripe cherry, particularly enticing.
Samuel suddenly felt his throat dry. He swallowed as heat surged within him, urgently needing to be quenched.
He couldn't help but lean closer to Victoria, his hot breath brushing against her face.