Chapter 275

Chapter 275

Victoria's original intention was to tell Amelia how arrogant and vindictive Sophia had become, hoping Amelia would continue to despise Sophia—maybe even strike first to deal with her.

But she didn't understand Amelia at all.

After a moment of silence, Amelia continued, "What exactly is she settling accounts with you for?"

Victoria froze. Was Amelia asking her to confess everything about the scheme five years ago? Shouldn't this sort of thing go unspoken?

Seeing Victoria hesitate, Amelia didn't rush her this time. Instead, she asked patiently, "Does she know you tried to send her to her death?"

Victoria never expected Amelia to put it so bluntly. For a moment, she didn't know how to respond.

A calculating gleam flashed in Amelia's eyes.

She used to look down on Sophia because the Windsor family couldn't compare to the Howard family. What's more, in that kind of household, Sophia was an unloved daughter. How could Robert marry such a useless wife?

But now things were different. Sophia's backing had changed from the modestly wealthy Windsor family to the Stuart family, which held a significant position in overseas markets. Her value was now comparable to Victoria's.

Of course, Amelia wasn't thinking about replacing her daughter-in-law yet. Setting aside the fact that Robert was missing—alive or dead—even if he were still around, she wouldn't go that far. But she could certainly improve relations with Sophia.

So Amelia said to Victoria, "Even if you're not sure, it's fine. She probably only has suspicions, no proof. We'll just explain things to her."

Hearing the first part, Victoria thought Amelia was trying to comfort her. But the last sentence shattered that pleasant illusion, making her wonder if her ears were playing tricks on her.

"Mom, what do you mean 'we'll explain things to her'? We—what exactly are we explaining?"

Victoria asked through gritted teeth.

If reason hadn't told her she couldn't afford to anger Amelia right now, she might have started cursing out loud. Was this asking her to bow down and submit to Sophia?

Amelia's patience had improved. Knowing Victoria was proud, she switched into coaxing mode. "Explain that there's been a misunderstanding between you two. Let the past blow away with the wind. Going forward, she can cooperate with us."

Victoria let out a shriek. She couldn't hold it in anymore.

Amelia jumped, startled. She couldn't help but slap the table. "If you have something to say, say it! Don't scream like that. Do you think I'm still a young person with a healthy heart?"

Victoria stared at Amelia expressionlessly. In that moment, a vicious thought flashed through her mind: she wished Amelia would die.

Though her daughter-in-law looked frightening, Amelia would never imagine Victoria wishing for her death. She assumed Victoria was just too proud to back down, so she calmed herself and continued persuading. "Cooperation is just an excuse, Victoria. But remember this: 'There are no permanent friends in this world, only permanent interests.' Think about the Stuart Group behind her. What grudge can't you let go of?"

Victoria bit down hard on the inside of her cheek. She had to calm down before speaking, or she'd inevitably end up cursing this woman who was supposed to be her elder.

Seeing Victoria's expression still dark, Amelia felt irritated too.

When she'd chosen a daughter-in-law, her first priority was family background—they had to be well-matched. Second was sufficient loyalty to the Howard family. Third was fertility. As for intelligence and emotional intelligence, Amelia hadn't placed much weight on those initially. After all, these were all daughters raised by wealthy families—how low could their IQ and EQ really be? Even if they were worse than average people, Amelia believed she could hold up the family herself.

But now, Amelia regretted it. Victoria wouldn't listen to reason, and she couldn't raise her child properly. Orion had been such a smart, thoughtful boy. Now all he knew was how to hurt others.

For a moment, both mother-in-law and daughter-in-law felt mutually disgusted.

But at this point, they were grasshoppers tied to the same string. No matter how much they disliked each other, they had to endure it.

"Victoria, our two families have practically reached the ceiling in the domestic market. Plus, with your second uncle around, it's not appropriate for us to keep expanding here. The best way forward is developing overseas markets. The Stuart family can serve as an excellent stepping stone. For the future of both our families, for Ori to inherit an even greater business empire, you need to think bigger. Once we've taken over the Stuart family's market, you can vent however you want. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Amelia's words were half truth, half lie, but she figured it was enough to manipulate Victoria.

As it turned out, Victoria was indeed tempted.

She still wanted to deal with Sophia, but it definitely wouldn't be as easy as before—after all, that bitch had backing now. If Amelia was willing to make swallowing the Stuart family part of the plan, that suited Victoria perfectly.

But she couldn't bring herself to shake hands and make peace with Sophia. Otherwise, she wouldn't have fought with Zephyr.

In front of her mother-in-law, Victoria didn't show her true intentions. She wracked her brain for an excuse. "But even if we're willing to make peace with Sophia, she might not accept it, right? Mom, I think that woman hates us deeply."

Amelia knew perfectly well what Victoria really wanted. She smiled. "As long as you're willing to lower your head a little, I'll definitely find a way. Victoria, the key to this whole thing rests with you now."

Victoria could throw tantrums with Zephyr because he'd secretly loved her for over a decade. But she didn't dare make a scene in front of Amelia—this woman was too formidable and could even take her son away to punish her. In the end, Victoria reluctantly nodded. "I'll... I'll do my best."

Amelia moved quickly to arrange things. Victoria trudged back to her room, dejected.

The handprint on her face had swollen considerably. A maid carefully applied medicine, not daring to press too hard, terrified of hurting this ill-tempered mistress and earning a scolding or even a beating.

But Victoria's mind wasn't on her face right now. Women who'd given birth could endure pain—after all, she'd already experienced the worst pain in the world.

She was replaying today's events, calculating whether she'd gained anything from them.

Things with Zephyr were beyond discussion—they'd practically broken off completely. As for Amelia...

The more Victoria thought about it, the more suffocated she felt. Even though Amelia hadn't suspected Sophia's child was Robert's, and had promised to deal with Sophia, the conditions were unacceptable. She still felt she'd lost more than she'd gained.

Sophia. Sophia.

Victoria repeated the name bitterly in her mind, wracking her brain. How could she get rid of that bitch? Ideally, along with those annoying little bastards she'd given birth to—wipe them all out, root and branch.