Chapter 16 Enemies Everywhere
After dinner and a few glasses of wine, Victoria headed to the observation deck to enjoy the breeze.
The view from halfway up the mountain was breathtaking, a far cry from the cityscape of Seaglow City seen from a tall building, creating a serene atmosphere amidst the city's chaos.
"Isn't it beautiful?"
Nathaniel strolled over.
"It's stunning, the view is amazing."
"You gotta be up high to see it all."
They stood side by side, Nathaniel towering over Victoria.
Maybe it was the night breeze, but Victoria couldn't shake the feeling that this powerful man, seemingly in control, had a hint of loneliness about him.
In the Cross family, Adrian appeared driven at first glance, while Nathaniel, with no family of his own, seemed more like a lone wolf.
"Mr. Cross, do you ever feel lonely?"
Victoria asked tentatively, careful not to offend him.
"Lonely..." Nathaniel mused, "I've climbed over others to reach this height, so loneliness doesn't really matter."
He chuckled, "But you, you're quite something. Asking me such innocent questions."
Maybe that's why he didn't mind her company.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry," Victoria quickly apologized.
"It's fine. No one's ever asked me these things before, life can get pretty dull."
Victoria smiled softly.
"This is for you." Nathaniel handed her a velvet box, inside was a bank card.
Opening it, she found a natural pink diamond worth millions.
"Five hundred thousand dollars will be deposited into this card every month."
Victoria felt a wave of relief. Unemployed and in need of money, Nathaniel's gesture was a lifesaver.
"Thank you, Mr. Cross."
"Alright, head back."
As she glanced up, Sam was already waiting not far off.
On the way back, Victoria couldn't shake the feeling that she was like a lamb among wolves, relying on obedience to stay under Nathaniel's protection, which she knew wouldn't last long.
She felt the need to learn some self-defense skills.
"Sam."
"Miss Chase, what can I do for you?"
"I want to... learn something," Victoria's voice was gentle yet resolute, "Can you help me find a good instructor?"
"Sure, what are you looking to learn?"
"I'm not sure yet, I just want to be able to defend myself if needed."
"How about starting with shooting?" Sam suggested, "Once you're comfortable with that, you can explore martial arts too."
"Okay."
Victoria thought it made sense; bullets wouldn't last forever.
"I'll set up the instructor for you."
"Thank you."
With the money from Nathaniel, Victoria's first move was to relocate.
She secured an apartment in the city center.
Though not spacious, it offered a wide view and most importantly, triple security access, giving her a sense of safety she had been missing.
Indeed, after moving, the feeling of being watched vanished.
A few days later, Sam called Victoria.
"Miss Chase, the instructor is ready, I'll come pick you up."
"No need to bother, just send me the location, I'll get there by taxi."
Victoria felt embarrassed and kept declining.
But Sam mentioned the training ground was secluded, making it hard to find, so he ended up picking her up.
The car drove to the outskirts and stopped at a private training ground.
Victoria followed Sam inside, the indoor shooting range was quiet, with a hint of gunpowder in the air.
At the end of the range, a tall, muscular man stood with his back to them, clad in a simple black suit, exuding strength and confidence.
"Is that the instructor?" Victoria nervously asked Sam, "He's not too intimidating, right? I hope he's patient if I struggle!"
As footsteps approached, the man turned around slowly.
He wasn't an instructor; it was Nathaniel.
Victoria's smile faltered, "Why is it..."
"Miss Chase." Sam nodded respectfully and stepped aside, "Mr. Cross will be personally training you."
Victoria stood frozen, her heart racing.
Nathaniel approached her and stopped a short distance away.
"Interested in learning to shoot?"
"Y-yes, Mr. Cross."
"Quite brave," Nathaniel remarked flatly, then grabbed a handgun from the rack, handing her protective goggles and noise-canceling headphones.
"Put these on."
Victoria followed his instructions.
Nathaniel guided her to the shooting spot, his tall frame almost engulfing her.
Instead of simply passing her the gun, he first held it, then firmly placed her hand on the handle.
"Stand steady, lean forward," his voice was close to her ear, his breath almost grazing her ear, carrying a hint of tobacco, "Extend your arm, but keep your elbow flexible."
He adjusted her stance, his other hand supporting her waist, nudging her forward slightly.
They were in close proximity, Victoria could feel his heartbeat against her chest.
She tensed, trying to concentrate on the gun, but his presence heightened her senses.
"Victoria." He called her name suddenly, his voice devoid of emotion.
"Y-yes?" She responded instinctively.
"You'd rather ask Sam for help than come to me?"
Victoria's heart raced, sweat forming on the hand holding the gun.
"I... It's just a minor issue, I thought bothering you wouldn't be appropriate."
She thought to herself, 'How could I dare? Wasn't the "punishment" you gave me last time in bed enough?'
"Are you holding a grudge?"
"N-no, not at all!"
Nathaniel lightly traced her hand with his fingertip, sending a shiver down her spine, "Your father is out there seeking investments, openly mingling with Genesis Corporation, this will stir up trouble."
"I understand, Mr. Cross, no need to explain." Victoria's voice was barely audible.
Nathaniel huffed and changed the subject.
He held her hand, aiming the gun at the target ahead.
"Focus on the sight, line up the three points. Slow down your breathing, smoothly squeeze the trigger."
"Bam!"
The loud gunshot echoed, the bullet's kickback numbing Victoria's hand, making her arm tingle from the impact.
The first shot missed the mark.
"Don't sweat it." Nathaniel's voice remained calm, "Give it another go."
He patiently coached her through each shot.
Victoria started to get the hang of it, though her aim was still off, she was no longer completely lost.
"Your turn now." Nathaniel released her hand.
The sudden absence of his touch left Victoria feeling uneasy.
She took a deep breath, following his instructions, aiming, breathing, and squeezing the trigger.
"Bam!"
The bullet hit the bullseye.
Victoria's eyes lit up, ready to seek approval from Nathaniel.
But just then...
Another gunshot, but it sounded different!
It didn't come from her gun, but from the other end of the range!
A bullet whizzed past her, grazing the wall, creating bright sparks!
Victoria's smile froze, standing there in shock, her mind blank.
In an instant, Nathaniel pulled her close, rolling with her to take cover.
His movements were swift, almost instinctive. By the time they settled, he had drawn a backup gun, firing back in the direction of the shot without hesitation.
"Bam! Bam!"
The shots were sharp and controlled.
Victoria was shielded by him, the loud gunfire and whizzing bullets filling her ears.
She thought it was some kind of intense training. Amidst her fear, she managed a joke, "Mr. Cross, I... I haven't even mastered this yet, and you're already pitting me against someone?"
Nathaniel's expression was icy, no hint of humor in his eyes, only a deadly seriousness.