Chapter 74 Announcing the Marriage News
Chapter 74 Announcing the Marriage News
Nathaniel paid no further attention to Adrian, merely letting out a short, cold chuckle.
The wound had been taken care of. The maid brought in fresh clothes, and Victoria assisted Nathaniel in changing.
Nathaniel raised his hand, allowing the two to help him change, and told Adrian in a flat tone, "I'm calling the shots for now. Just do as I say."
"Sure thing, Uncle Nathaniel," Adrian mumbled, covering his face and bowing his head.
Nathaniel's tone reverted to its usual coldness. "How's the prep going for the bid on the eastern land?"
Adrian took a deep breath, holding back his anger and composing himself.
He knew displaying emotions in front of Nathaniel was a big no-no.
"The paperwork's all set. ApexForge Builders are our main competition this time. They've got a ton of experience in development and strong ties with the government."
"Our advantage is our solid financial backing, but the downsides are clear... no real estate projects under our belt, and our background..."
He didn't bring up the "tainted" evaluation, but everyone there understood.
This was the major hurdle for Genesis Corporation to break into the mainstream.
Nathaniel impatiently rubbed his forehead, his furrowed brow betraying his deep exhaustion.
He turned and settled onto the plush leather sofa, lost in thought.
Victoria quickly caught on, moving behind him to give him a head massage with just the right pressure, as if she could pinpoint every tense nerve in his body.
Nathaniel's taut nerves noticeably relaxed, and he sank back in the chair, shutting his eyes. Almost sounding approving, he remarked, "You've got a good touch."
"My dad used to host a lot of parties and often got headaches from drinking, so I picked this up," Victoria explained softly.
Adrian stood by, observing the easy closeness between the two, a touch of envy flickering in his eyes behind his wire-rimmed glasses.
Relishing Victoria's massage, Nathaniel casually inquired, "What's your take on this issue?"
He directed the question at Victoria.
Adrian's expression darkened slightly once more.
Victoria's hands continued their work as she responded to his query.
"If we can't go head-to-head, why not switch up our strategy? Sometimes, foes can turn into allies."
After studying ApexForge Builders' details, she understood that companies with decades of experience often seemed successful but usually had many hidden flaws.
"Are you suggesting... infiltrating them? Finding their financial weak spots or other leverage points, using them to compel cooperation, or even absorbing them outright?"
Adrian glanced at Victoria with a smirk, teasing, "Victoria, you're too optimistic. Do you think ApexForge Builders can be easily intimidated? We've exhausted all our options, and it's been futile."
Victoria quickly responded, "I was just brainstorming. Don't hold it against me if I'm off base. Besides, maybe it's just that your approach to seeking cooperation is off?"
"Well, then, what approach should we take?" Adrian inquired.
Victoria smiled but stayed quiet, looking a bit sheepish.
She had already begun devising a plan, but she couldn't disclose her tactics to Adrian directly.
Her ultimate aim was for Genesis Corporation to thrive, but the path to "victory" had to be guided by her, in her own style.
"Alright, just shooting the breeze. No need to get all serious," Nathaniel interjected impatiently.
He took hold of Victoria's hand, rose to his feet, and instructed, "Adrian, by any means necessary, whether legal or not, secure that eastern plot of land."
Just then, the door to the meeting room swung open, and light footsteps accompanied by a melodious voice entered.
"Uncle Nathaniel, Adrian! Is the meeting over?"
Emma strolled in with Xavier, her face adorned with an innocent grin.
Victoria felt a surge of revulsion; she could sense the malice lurking behind Emma's raised-eyebrow smile.
And the sight of the person beside Emma only intensified her disgust.
Memories of imprisonment and abuse at the hands of Xavier flooded back, hitting Victoria like a tidal wave, causing her body to momentarily stiffen, her blood turning to ice in an instant. It was almost sickening.
"Emma, why are you here so late?"
"I missed you! You've been gone a lot lately," Emma chirped, hurrying over and latching onto Nathaniel's arm, playing the flirt.
Nathaniel unconsciously furrowed his brow.
"Uncle Nathaniel, are you okay?"
"It's nothing, just a minor injury."
Nathaniel's focus shifted to Emma, a rare touch of warmth creeping into his voice, completely unaware of Victoria's suddenly pallid face.
A sharp, long-buried ache pulsed from her chest, as if the nipple pierced by Xavier's silver needle was faintly throbbing.
Victoria's eyes couldn't conceal her loathing.
One day, she would repay every ounce of suffering, twofold.
"Mr. Cross, long time no see. Miss Chase, long time no see," Xavier greeted, as if erasing all past events from memory, smiling and addressing them.
"Long time no see," Victoria managed a strained smile.
Nathaniel scanned the group and suggested, "Now that everyone's here, let's head downstairs for dinner."
"Awesome! I love the lamb chops at Uncle Nathaniel's place," Emma remarked, eyeing the handprint on Adrian's face and whispering, "Did you scold Adrian again, Uncle Nathaniel?"
"Adrian needs a reality check; he's not thinking straight."
"But you shouldn't hit him; after all, he's the CEO of Genesis Corporation."
Emma walked ahead with Nathaniel.
Out of Nathaniel's view, Xavier's gaze towards Victoria shifted immediately, a touch of madness and a playful glint appearing in his eyes.
Adrian noticed Victoria's discomfort keenly. He stepped in, positioning himself to block Xavier's line of sight.
In a hushed tone meant for only the two of them, he reassured her, "It's all in the past, no need to be scared."
Victoria hesitated briefly, raising her pale face to meet his gaze.
"I'm okay," she managed to say.
Despite his mostly despicable nature, this man always seemed to reveal a caring side at the most crucial moments.
Xavier smirked, his lips curling mischievously. "Well, I'll join you for dinner too."
With that, he turned and followed them downstairs.
Victoria glanced at Adrian and gestured to her face. "Are you alright? Do you need some ointment?"
"I'm good. It'll go down soon," Adrian shook his head.
In that moment, Victoria felt a connection with Adrian, both struggling under Nathaniel's dominance.
"Does Nathaniel always lay a hand on you?" Victoria whispered.
"Take a guess," Adrian grinned mischievously. "Showing concern for my past, Victoria, can be risky!"
Victoria's expression darkened instantly.
She rarely displayed genuine care, and he had to be so casual about it.
Without another word to Adrian, she turned and headed downstairs.
In the dining room, the maid had already prepared dinner.
Lobster tails with avocado tart, tender and smooth shrimp topped with orange-red caviar.
The seared filet mignon, pink and juicy, oozing with savory juices.
Chilled champagne with delicate bubbles and water droplets on the glass.
Victoria was already quite full from the gathering, so she went through the motions.
Fortunately, Emma's arrival lightened the mood at the table.
As they ate and drank, Emma suddenly raised her glass, exclaiming, "I have some exciting news to share!"
"Oh? What's the news?"
"I'm getting married to Xavier!"