Chapter 26 Deception and desire
Chapter 26
Victoria's POV
"Alex is here, ma'am," Jaxon said, his tone neutral.
"Send him in," I instructed, knowing that Alex doesn't have a choice than to come back to me.
Alex entered shortly after, glancing around the sitting room before taking a seat opposite me. "Erhm..." he began, but I cut him off.
"What were you thinking when you decided to go to Sophie's house? Do you honestly believe she would take you back? You are such a fool!" My words were sharp, a reflection of the frustration boiling inside me.
Jenkins had informed me earlier that Alex had gone to Sophie, begging for her forgiveness, only to be sent away.
"What!...how did you know?" His shock was palpable, eyes wide as if I had just revealed a deep secret.
"You don't..." Before I could continue, Jaxon walked in again.
"Julian is here, ma'am," he stated, a hint of urgency in his voice.
"What! He's here? Why? What does he want?" Panic surged through me.
"I don't know, ma'am. He will barge in if I stay longer," Jaxon replied, glancing nervously toward the door.
"Lead Alex to my room and then go tell Julian to come inside," I ordered, trying to maintain my composure.
Why the hell was Julian here? Could it be that he wanted me back? Countless questions raced through my mind as Jaxon led Alex into my room and left to fetch Julian.
When Julian finally entered, he looked angrier than I had ever seen him.
"What the fuck did you tell my grandfather?" he demanded, his gaze piercing through me like a dagger.
Now I understood the reason for his visit.
"I only told him the truth," I replied nonchalantly, attempting to project an air of calm.
"Between you and me, we both know it's a lie. Have you forgotten I was friends with Ethan for many years? Anyway, I don't have much to talk about. Here... take this," he said, thrusting an envelope toward me.
I dropped the envelope on the table, feigning curiosity. "You had me curious. It's a small price for the great love I have for you. And it's boring if you think I'll just disappear with it."
"You were never interested in me. You were only after my money, so take the money you so badly want and get lost," he shot back, his voice low and filled with contempt.
I stood up, moving closer to him, defiance coursing through my veins. "No, I wasn't. I love you, Julian."
Just then, a loud crash echoed from my bedroom, breaking the tense moment. What the hell was Alex doing?
Julian's gaze flicked toward the noise and then back to me. Without hesitation, he headed toward the bedroom.
Oh no! Julian must not see Alex; if he does, everything I've been planning will fall apart.
I followed him, my heart racing as he opened the bedroom door and scanned the room.
He moved to enter the bathroom, but I quickly intervened with my voice, hoping it will work. "This is nice... you're acting like a jealous man afraid his fiancée has another man," I teased, enjoying the way his expression shifted.
He stepped closer, and I instinctively backed away until I hit a wall. A small smile crept onto his face. "You wanna try it?"
"Try what?" I asked, genuinely confused.
"Finding each other's weaknesses and tormenting one another?" His smile faded, and a serious look replaced it.
What was he implying?
"Don't forget that I can do whatever you can do. No... wouldn't I be better at it?" he said with a smirk, leaving me in a state of confusion as he exited the room.
I quickly followed him, heart pounding. He picked up the envelope from the table and turned to me. "Take this and stop whatever you're trying to do."
I feigned innocence, collecting the envelope with a pout. "I don't know why you think I would do anything. You just say things, and it hurts."
I could see his tension easing slightly, so I pressed on. "Even without this..." I gestured toward the envelope, "...I won't do anything. I've realized breaking off the engagement and aborting the baby was a mistake. I just want to take it back."
I stepped closer, giving him my most sympathetic look. "Have your fun. Love always comes to an end. When you and Sophie's love does, come back to me... I'll be waiting." I said softly and handed him the envelope.
He stared at it for a long moment before collecting it and leaving, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
As soon as the door clicked shut, I entered the bedroom and turned to the bathroom. "Come out," I said, and Alex emerged, looking shaken.
"Wait... what just happened?" he asked, rushing towards me, panic evident in his eyes. "Were we caught?"
"Do you know how much Julian offered me?" I said, my voice low and conspiratorial.
"What?" he asked, brow furrowing in confusion.
I moved closer, pushing him gently onto the bed, my hands gripping his shoulders. "Five hundred million dollars!"
"What?! Five hundred million dollars?!" His eyes widened as if they might pop out of their sockets.
"Yes, but he just handed it to me. It's so upsetting... Anyways, I need someone close to Sophie for my plan. Do you know anyone?"
"Isabella! Her best friend. But I don't think she'll agree to work with you," he said, concern etched across his face.
"Don't worry about that. I know how to catch my prey," I replied, leaning in closer, our lips just inches apart. "After I have her, we'll execute our plan. You'll have enough money for the rest of your life, and Sophie will be yours alone." My hand caressed the back of his head, drawing him nearer.
"And I will get Julian. I'll make sure he regrets offering me something like that," I whispered, leaning in to kiss him.
Breaking the kiss only momentarily, I felt his hands pull me closer, claiming me in a deeper kiss that ignited a fire within me.