Chapter 80 A Deeper and Deeper Affection

Chapter 80 A Deeper and Deeper Affection

Nathaniel's voice was colder than the night outside. "Victoria, I'm giving you a chance to choose."

"Right now, you're just a fling to me. It's a give and take. You satisfy me, and I take care of you financially and protect you. If either of us gets tired of this, you can walk away whenever you want, no strings attached."

He paused, his tone serious, "But if you want to be part of my world, step onto my ship, then things change."

"Today's events will be your everyday reality. Death, drugs, betrayal, and fights. There won't be room for second thoughts."

Nathaniel spoke frankly and harshly, holding nothing back.

He seemed like a king, offering two paths – one to heaven and the other to hell – with no sugarcoating.

Victoria stood in the office, fear coursing through her body.

The violent scenes replayed in her mind, urging her to flee this nightmare.

But where could she run to?

Maybe she could use Nathaniel's connections to carve out her own path!

She craved strength! She refused to be at the mercy of others, to surrender her destiny.

Even if it meant entering hell.

Victoria lifted her head slowly, determination shining in her eyes.

Facing Nathaniel's intense gaze, she approached the massive desk, her body steady.

"Mr. Cross, I'm in," she declared, gathering her courage, "I want to be strong, even if it's a one-way ticket."

Nathaniel, impressed, couldn't hide his approval, "You're the one I've been looking for. Think about what business area you want to handle, and I'll show you the ropes. We'll get you acquainted with things."

"Thanks, Mr. Cross," Victoria's tension eased, a faint smile gracing her lips.

Nathaniel motioned towards Victoria, "Let's hit the hay. Sam will give you a ride back when it's light out."

"Sure thing."

Victoria agreed and approached Nathaniel.

Nathaniel naturally put his arm around her waist, guiding her towards the bedroom.

His sturdy, warm presence seeped through her clothes, offering a sense of security.

The bedroom's decor mirrored his demeanor – serene and simple, with black, white, and gray tones dominating.

They entered the bathroom one after the other.

After Victoria freshened up and slipped into the silk robe he had laid out, Nathaniel was already lounging against the headboard, engrossed in a document.

The soft glow of the bedside lamp softened his sharp features, casting a warm light on his face.

As she neared, he set aside the document and patted the space beside him.

Victoria joined him on the bed.

The mattress was plush, but it couldn't match the solidity of his arm around her.

Nathaniel held her from behind, his chest against her back, his hand resting on her waist, cocooning her.

"After trailing me for so long, feeling on edge every day, are you scared?" his voice carried a hint of huskiness, his warm breath tickling her ear.

Victoria paused before answering honestly, "I was terrified at first."

She remembered their initial encounter, the overwhelming authority that had almost crushed her spirit.

"And now?" Nathaniel probed.

Victoria turned slightly, meeting his gaze in the dim light, "I'm still scared, but not like before."

Nathaniel chuckled softly, the sound reverberating through his chest against her back.

He freed one hand and gently caressed her cheek, his fingertips rough but tender.

"Good girl."

His voice held approval tinged with a touch of indulgence.

Victoria's ears tingled slightly.

She gazed at Nathaniel. His sharp nose and tightly pressed lips gave off a hint of aloofness, but his smile exuded a charm that could enchant anyone.

His features were like a masterpiece, flawlessly arranged to create a remarkably handsome face.

Suddenly, a silver strand peeked out among his thick, dark brown hair.

Gray hair?

Victoria was momentarily captivated.

It struck her that Nathaniel, as Adrian's uncle, must be quite a bit older.

Yet, his commanding presence and well-groomed appearance often masked his true age.

With Genesis Corporation's vast empire and countless eyes watching, both openly and covertly, how much effort did he have to exert to maintain his current position?

So, this man, who always appeared invincible, could also get tired, could also grow old.

"What's caught your eye?" Nathaniel noticed her gaze and inquired.

"Mr. Cross," Victoria snapped out of her thoughts, her voice gentle, "you have a gray hair."

Almost instinctively, she plucked the silver strand and presented it to him like a precious gift.

Nathaniel examined the hair and gave a slight smile, "Silly girl, more of these will come in the future. You can't pluck all the gray hairs."

Victoria's heart squeezed inexplicably.

"But, I'm getting older, it might be time to step back," Nathaniel enclosed her hand in his, almost murmuring to himself, "It's time to prepare... for Adrian to take the reins of Genesis Corporation."

Victoria's breath hitched, her heart racing.

He was planning to retire?

Before she could fully grasp this startling revelation, Nathaniel added casually, "By then, I'll have plenty of time to travel with you, savor good food, and do things we've always wanted to do."

Victoria's mind was blown.

She gaped at Nathaniel in disbelief, while he remained cool as a cucumber.

But his words set off a whirlwind of emotions inside her.

He was actually planning a future that included her?

Victoria had thought she was just a passing fancy to him. But now, it seemed he had already factored her into his retirement plans.

How could that be?

Her heart raced again, not out of fear this time, but from a mix of complex and unsettling feelings.

Unaware of her inner turmoil, Nathaniel turned to her and switched topics, "What's your take on Adrian? Do you think that kid can handle running Genesis Corporation for real?"

Victoria snapped back to reality, quickly averting her gaze to conceal her emotions.

This was a question she couldn't navigate. Saying yes might raise suspicions about her relationship with Adrian, while saying no would be inappropriate criticism of the Cross family heir.

Neither response should come from her.

Collecting herself, she murmured softly, "Mr. Cross, I... I don't know Adrian well enough to comment."

Nathaniel gave her a penetrating look, as if seeing through her inner conflict. He didn't push further, just smiled, "You know what... never mind, I won't ask you anymore."

He pulled her closer, wrapping his arm around her, his chin resting lightly on her head, "Time to hit the hay."

That night, despite it being Victoria's first time sleeping at Nathaniel's headquarters, an entirely unfamiliar setting, she felt an unprecedented sense of peace.

Even with Nathaniel's weighty words about retirement weighing heavily on her heart, lying beside him, listening to his steady, strong heartbeat, smoothed out all the turbulence within her.

She soon drifted off into a deep slumber.