Chapter 81 Long Live Friendship
Chapter 81 Long Live Friendship
The next morning, Victoria was jolted awake by the sound of gunshots outside the window.
Startled, she sat up quickly and blurted out, "Mr. Cross!"
But his spot was already empty, leaving behind just a lingering warmth.
As she sat up, she noticed a neatly folded set of women's clothes on the bedside table.
Realizing it was not an intruder but someone training, Victoria freshened up, changed clothes, and headed downstairs where Sam was waiting in the lobby.
Dressed all in black, with a serious expression, Sam couldn't help but look away and his ears turned slightly red when he saw Victoria.
"Miss Chase, Mr. Cross has already taken off. He asked me to escort you back to the villa," he said respectfully, giving a slight bow.
"Okay, thanks," Victoria nodded.
As they rode back to the villa, Victoria glanced back at the massive base nestled in the mountains. In the sunlight, it resembled a slumbering giant, formidable and enigmatic.
From that day forward, her life would be completely intertwined with Nathaniel's.
Initially wanting to break free, she found herself getting more and more involved.
Returning to the Cross Villa at noon, a lavish lunch awaited prepared by the maid. Victoria ate a bit before heading upstairs to shower and change.
Contemplating Nathaniel's words, she pondered which area of the business to focus on.
Realizing her own ideas were limited, she decided to seek her friends' input and called Karen and Olivia to meet for dinner.
That evening, the restaurant was aglow with light.
At an upscale eatery in Seaglow City, Karen and Olivia were already seated at their reserved table.
"Victoria!" Karen exclaimed, putting down her magazine. "What's the hurry to meet us? I'm usually tied up at night."
"You can't handle everything alone, you gotta delegate some tasks too!" Victoria chuckled.
"I'm on it, can't rush these things," Karen replied.
Olivia also got up, taking Victoria's hand, and said, "Victoria, sit here. Why didn't we meet at Rose Manor to talk things over?"
"Sometimes we gotta step out and try new stuff," Victoria replied.
As they settled in, Victoria began to see why Nathaniel preferred dining out with bodyguards rather than at a private club.
After placing their orders with the waiter, they delved into business, skipping the frills and focusing on the key points Nathaniel had brought up.
"Mr. Cross mentioned, instead of going it alone, he'd rather mentor me personally..." Victoria mused.
"What?" Karen's eyes sparkled. "Doesn't that mean he wants you to join Genesis Corporation?"
Victoria nodded.
She glossed over the intense scenes at the base.
Meanwhile, dishes like filet mignon, roasted lamb, and pasta kept coming as they ate, drank, and chatted animatedly.
"This is fantastic news!" Karen exclaimed, bubbling with excitement. "Victoria, Genesis Corporation is a game-changer! With this backing, our future will be smoother sailing! We can carve our own path and break free from past constraints!"
Olivia enthusiastically agreed, her bright face beaming. "That's incredible, Victoria! No one will dare mess with us anymore!"
Seeing their genuine happiness, Victoria's tense heart eased.
She raised her glass, took a sip, and said, "I haven't nailed down which business to focus on yet. But no matter what, we gotta forge our own way. Karen, can you look into something for me?"
"Absolutely," Karen replied promptly.
"Check if there have been any big policy shifts in Seaglow City lately, like... cracking down on drug trafficking and crime," Victoria's voice lowered.
Nathaniel's push to clean up Genesis Corporation and his strong dislike for drugs seemed off.
She sensed there was more to it.
The future of Seaglow City might be in flux.
Karen's eyes sharpened as she grasped the seriousness of the situation. "Got it, I'll tap into all my contacts to dig up info and keep you posted."
"Okay." Victoria then turned to Olivia. "How's the piano studio going?"
At the mention of the studio, Olivia's face lit up. "Victoria, everything's going great! The sisters' performances are on the rise, and the income is steady. Everyone's so thankful to you for leading them."
Victoria smiled contentedly.
The studio was her haven, a place she had built from scratch, her wellspring of strength.
As they chatted, a familiar figure walked by, then did a double-take after a few seconds.
"I must be seeing things!" a sweet voice exclaimed.
Victoria and the others turned to see Monica by the partition, looking a bit hurt and irritated. "You didn't even invite me to this get-together!"
The mood turned a bit awkward.
Victoria tried to play it off, saying, "We figured you were tied up with a date or something."
"You didn't even ask me, how would you know I was busy?" Monica shot back.
Victoria nodded towards the young man behind Monica, who seemed to be her date. "You brought him along, what about him?"
"You think I'd choose romance over friendship like you?" Monica wasn't having it.
Karen quickly stepped in, draping her arm around Monica and suggesting they grab a seat and have a few more drinks since they coincidentally bumped into each other.
Monica's expression softened a bit, and she motioned for the man to leave before settling down next to Victoria.
She poured herself a hefty glass of fine red wine and downed it in one gulp.
"Monica, slow down!" Victoria tried to intervene, but it was too late.
With the wine coursing through her, Monica's fair cheeks flushed quickly, and her gaze lost focus.
Using the alcohol as a catalyst, she locked eyes with Victoria and said, "Victoria, there are things I've been wanting to tell you! Be straight with me, are you keeping something from me?"
Victoria's heart skipped a beat, but she kept her cool. "No, why would I hide anything from you?"
"No?" Monica scoffed, her voice rising. "Then what's up with the studio? Why are the girls split into two camps? Why is Olivia's group so secretive, with financial discrepancies? Don't play dumb, Victoria. You think I'm clueless?"
Victoria was momentarily speechless, a hint of unease crossing her face.
There were truths she had intended to shield Monica from forever. She was too innocent to be dragged into this mess.
Karen and Olivia watched anxiously, staying silent.
Seeing Victoria's silence, Monica's eyes welled up, her voice quivering, "We've been friends since we were kids, I thought we shared everything. You trust them more than me... fine, if you see me as a problem, I'll walk away from the studio tomorrow!"
"No!" Victoria panicked, reaching for her hand. "I trust you, please don't leave!"
"Then spill it, what's really going on!" Monica persisted stubbornly.