Chapter 245

The massive resentment and despair ate away at Veda's heart like poison. Her hatred for Victoria had reached an all-time high!

If it weren't for Victoria, how could she have ended up in such a mess?

Meanwhile, Thalia was also keeping a close eye on public opinion back home.

Seeing things developing as expected, she nodded with satisfaction and immediately called Victoria.

"Victoria, did you see? The Gonzalez family apologized, Veda admitted her mistake, and everyone online is criticizing them now, standing up for you." Thalia's tone carried a hint of satisfaction, as if a great wrong had been righted.

"I saw it."

Victoria's voice remained calm, as if this storm sweeping across the internet had nothing to do with her. "Thanks for your hard work, Thalia."

"No need to be so formal with me."

Thalia laughed. "Since things here are settled, I'll book a flight for tomorrow and head back abroad. There's a pile of stuff waiting for me at the company."

Victoria thought for a moment and said, "Don't rush off just yet. Wait one more day for me. I'm almost done with things here, too. I should be able to return home tomorrow. We haven't seen each other in so long—let's get together."

Hearing that Victoria was coming back, Thalia was pleasantly surprised. "You're coming back? That's great! Alright, I'll wait for you one more day. Let's have a proper get-together!"

After making plans, they ended the call.

Victoria put down her phone and walked to the window, looking at Avalonia's morning sunlight.

The storm back home hadn't stirred much emotion in her heart—it was just getting rid of an annoying fly that kept buzzing around.

What mattered more to her was the undercurrents in Avalonia that hadn't completely settled, and the upcoming trip home. It was time to settle accounts with the Gonzalez family once and for all.

As for Veda—if she were smart, she'd stay quiet from now on.

If she still wanted to stir up trouble? A cold glint flashed in Victoria's eyes. She wouldn't mind making her disappear completely.

The morning sunlight filtered through gaps in the heavy curtains of the presidential suite, cutting bright lines across the carpet. Tiny particles of dust floated in the air, quiet and peaceful.

Alexander came out of the bathroom, his hair still damp, wrapped in a soft bathrobe.

He immediately spotted Victoria standing by the large floor-to-ceiling window, her posture straight, quietly gazing at the gradually awakening city outside.

The sunlight outlined her delicate profile, but her eyes seemed distant, as if thinking about something.

Alexander walked over quietly and naturally wrapped his arms around her slender yet strong waist from behind. He rested his chin gently on top of her lightly fragrant hair, his voice carrying the lazy magnetism of someone fresh from a shower as he whispered in her ear, "What are you thinking about?"

Victoria felt the warmth and solidity of his embrace, relaxed slightly, and leaned back a bit.

Without turning around, her gaze still on the view outside, she answered calmly, "I just talked to Thalia. The plagiarism issue back home has been resolved. The Gonzalez Group issued a public apology, and Veda recorded a video admitting her mistake."

Alexander wasn't surprised. He just tightened his arms and planted a gentle kiss on her cheek. "Good that it's resolved. Saves you the headache. Once we go back tomorrow, you'll have some peace and quiet."

"Okay."

Victoria responded, paused, then added, "After we get back tomorrow, I'll meet up with Thalia first."

"Alright, I'll take you there."

Alexander had no objections. He always unconditionally supported Victoria's decisions.

He checked the time. "It's getting late. Let's go downstairs for breakfast. Chase and the team members should all be waiting."

The two changed clothes, tidied up briefly, and headed downstairs hand in hand to the hotel's buffet restaurant.

The atmosphere in the restaurant was lively. The AW team members had already gathered together, their faces still showing the excitement of winning the championship and the joy of going home soon. They were chattering about where to celebrate once they got back.

Chase was sitting with them, too. Although his right arm was still in a sling, he looked in good spirits, clumsily spearing a piece of fruit with his left hand.

Seeing Victoria and Alexander approach, the team members greeted them warmly: "Good morning, Victoria! Good morning, Mr. Garcia!"

"Morning."

Victoria nodded slightly.

Alexander also responded politely.

Chase looked up and grinned. "Alexander, Victoria, you're here! Come sit down. The bacon's really good today!"

The group sat down to eat together.

During the meal, the team members excitedly discussed their upcoming schedule. They had booked a flight for this morning and would be returning to Novaria first.

Chase told Victoria and Alexander, "I'm not going with them. I'll go with you guys to the sanatorium to visit Mr. Murray and Marc before heading back."

Victoria and Alexander had no objections.

After breakfast, the team members dragged their luggage and cheerfully said goodbye to Victoria, Alexander, and Chase before taking the hotel-arranged car to the airport.

Watching the team members leave, a barely noticeable sadness flashed in Chase's eyes. The wild joy of the team's championship victory was gradually settling, replaced by a faint melancholy about the upcoming separation.

After seeing off the team members, Victoria, Alexander, and Chase drove to Sacred Heart Sanatorium.

Arriving again at the VIP ward on the top floor, the atmosphere inside was much more relaxed than before.

Ronan was half-reclined on the bed, accompanied by a caregiver helping him drink some nutritious porridge.

After yesterday's second detoxification procedure, his complexion had noticeably improved. His face had more color, and his eyes were clearer and more alert.

Seeing Victoria and the other two enter, Ronan's face immediately broke into a sincere and warm smile. He quickly signaled the caregiver to stop.

"Ms. Gonzalez, Mr. Garcia, Chase, you're here. Please, have a seat."

Ronan's gaze fell on Chase's arm in the sling, and he asked with concern, "Chase, how's your arm? Does it still hurt badly? I really have you to thank this time. I feel terrible about it."

His tone was full of gratitude and guilt.

Chase quickly waved his hand, showing a cheerful smile on his face. He even deliberately moved his injured shoulder. "Mr. Murray, you're too kind! I'm fine. Look, much better! The doctor even said I'm recovering quickly! Don't worry about me—taking care of your health is what's important!"

Seeing Chase trying so hard to show he was okay, the smile in Ronan's eyes deepened and became even warmer.

He looked at Victoria and Alexander and said solemnly, "Ms. Gonzalez, Mr. Garcia, I, Ronan, will never forget this great kindness! Once I've fully recovered, I will personally visit to express my thanks!"

Victoria's expression remained calm. "Mr. Murray, you're too kind. It was nothing."

Alexander also said lightly, "Mr. Murray, just focus on your recovery."

The group chatted in the ward for a while, mainly with Ronan asking about details of Chase's team championship victory. The atmosphere was pleasant.

Around noon, the ward door opened, and Marc walked in, looking travel-worn.

He had clearly come straight from the company, still wearing a well-tailored dark suit. His face showed traces of fatigue from handling business, but his eyes remained steady and sharp.

Seeing Victoria and the other two, he nodded slightly in acknowledgment.