Chapter 91 Lunatic
Chapter 91 Lunatic
Victoria's heart raced as she felt a sudden restlessness throughout her body.
Almost without thinking, she took a step forward, eager to push the door open and help Nathaniel with his bath.
But just as her hand touched the cold door handle, the sound of water ceased.
In the next moment, the door swung open from inside.
Nathaniel stood there, a towel loosely wrapped around his waist, water droplets tracing a path down his chiseled abs and disappearing into his swim trunks.
His dark brown hair was still damp, a few strands clinging to his forehead, softening his usual sharp look with a hint of lazy sexiness.
He met Victoria's gaze with calm eyes, devoid of their usual intensity.
Victoria's heart skipped a beat, the words she had ready caught in her throat. She sensed he was simply worn out today, not in the mood for closeness.
Silently, Victoria withdrew her hand, turned on her heel, and made her way to the guest bathroom.
After her shower, she emerged in a silk robe to find Nathaniel already in bed, his eyes closed as if asleep. The soft glow of a bedside lamp outlined his features.
She crept to the bed, lay down beside him, and after a moment's hesitation, gently curled her arms around his warm, solid waist from behind.
"Mr. Cross," she murmured, her cheek against his back, "You look really beat."
Just when she thought he was out cold, he spoke, his voice deep and magnetic, "I'm only human, not a god. Everyone gets worn out."
With that, Nathaniel turned over, pulling Victoria into his embrace.
His arms were comforting and strong, carrying a hint of the fresh scent from his bath. She felt the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, each thump reassuring and real.
She had steeled herself for his passionate advances, ready for his fiery kisses, anticipating him deeply entering her body...
But he surprised her by simply lowering his head and planting a gentle kiss on her forehead, as if calming a child.
"Get some rest," he whispered.
Victoria nestled into his embrace, closed her eyes, and drifted into a dreamless sleep.
The following day arrived.
Victoria swapped her usual soft, flowing dress for a sharp white suit dress, tailored to perfection.
The clean lines accentuated her slim yet strong frame, and beneath the knee-length pencil skirt, her long, slender legs added to her commanding presence.
She elegantly swept her long hair up, revealing a smooth forehead and graceful neck, emitting a professional, decisive aura befitting a career woman.
As she entered the prestigious Genesis Corporation headquarters, all eyes turned her way.
She made a beeline for the CEO's office on the top floor.
Stepping out of the elevator into the well-lit corridor, she encountered a familiar figure.
It was Xavier.
Clad in a finely tailored suit, he stood tall and handsome, his air of arrogance still intact.
Neither had expected this unexpected encounter, and both were taken aback.
Xavier was the first to recover his composure. Surveying Victoria in her striking outfit, his eyes flickered with a hint of surprise, quickly morphing into sarcasm and confusion.
"What are you doing here?" he frowned, his tone laced with skepticism.
Victoria merely cast him a fleeting glance, then strode past him in silence, making her way directly to the CEO's office at the corridor's end.
Her nonchalant demeanor irked Xavier to no end.
He spun around, fixing a fiery gaze on her retreating figure, muttering under his breath, "Victoria, you can only be mine!"
Victoria raised her hand and rapped on the CEO's office door.
"Come on in."
She pushed the door open and found Adrian seated behind the desk.
Dressed in a sharp navy suit, his shirt buttons done up to the collar, and sporting gold-rimmed glasses on his nose.
Beneath the lenses, his typically mischievous eyes now held a touch of sophistication and focus.
It was undeniable that when Adrian was engrossed in work, his charm shone through.
He glanced up, surprised by Victoria's presence, but a knowing smile danced on his lips.
Removing his glasses, he reclined in his oversized chair, studying her with interest. "He used to worry I'd whisk you away with my charm!"
"I never thought Uncle Nathaniel would actually approve your transfer here."
His words carried a mix of self-deprecation and curiosity.
"There's a lot you didn't foresee," Victoria replied as she settled into the chair across from him, placing the documents she brought on the table, her expression professional and aloof. "Now, we're coworkers, Mr. Cross."
She emphasized the "Mr. Cross."
Adrian arched an eyebrow in amusement.
Victoria had been concerned that Adrian might make advances at the office, but to her surprise, he refrained.
After some light banter, he delved into work mode, showcasing exceptional professionalism.
He pulled out a hefty project binder, detailing a bid proposal for city south land, analyzing competitors' strengths and weaknesses, and the pros and cons of partnering with ApexForge Builders.
His thoughts were organized, his reasoning meticulous, embodying all the qualities of a top-notch manager.
Victoria pushed distractions aside, fully engrossed in the task at hand. She listened intently, interjecting with questions and insights. The duo seamlessly collaborated, their teamwork flawless.
After nearly an hour of discussion, Victoria's throat felt dry.
"I'm gonna grab some coffee," she announced, rising from her seat.
"Sure, the pantry's down the hall on the left," Adrian replied without glancing up, his fingers still dancing across the keyboard.
Victoria exited the office and located the pantry. Though compact, the room boasted elegant decor.
As she poured herself an iced Americano, a faint click caught her attention.
The pantry door had been shut and locked from outside.
Victoria's heart raced as she pivoted.
Xavier was propped against the door, a menacing smirk etched on his face.
Advancing slowly, the confined space made her feel suffocated.
Instinctively, Victoria retreated, her back meeting the cool wall.
Her grip on the cup quivered as she fought to maintain composure. "Xavier, this is a workplace. What do you think you're doing?"
"What I wanna do, you know better than anyone," Xavier's grin turned more brazen. Closing in, his arms caged her against the wall, leaving her trapped.
Drawing near, his warm breath brushed her face, his tone low and threatening. "Back at Nathaniel's mansion, shielded by him, I wouldn't dare approach you."
His eyes, predatory like a snake, scanned her form, fixating on her chest rising with anger.
"But now," he licked his lips wickedly, "you've practically handed yourself to me."
Victoria's mind blanked instantly.
She had envisioned numerous scenarios of outsmarting Adrian before arriving, but never had she anticipated Xavier, the relentless lunatic, backing her into a corner!