Chapter 64 Findings
VICTORIA'S POV
“She finally returns,”
A voice mocked, stopping Victoria in her tracks. She actually didn't need to turn back to figure out who had just spoken.
Only one person was capable of being a narcissistic son of a bitch. Damien Hale.
Victoria turned slowly, faking a smile. “There's my sweet husband. Missed me that much that you had to come look for me the moment you heard I'd arrived?”
She studied to calm her shaking hands by putting them inside her dress.
Damien scoffed. “It's only a coincidence that I met you today. Do you think you're that important?”
She shrugged, even though his words had pierced her heart. What was she thinking going on a battle of words with him?m. Now, he'd struck where it hurt her most. Nevertheless, she was not going to make him have the last laugh.
“I guess that's what you tell yourself every night to help you sleep better. Cause I could have sworn that I saw your eyes light up the moment I turned.”
“You have surely gotten brave.” He murmured as he closed the gap between them, his hand finding its way to her neck before she could react.
“That's all you can do now, I guess.” Her eyes moved from his hands on her neck to his face, a small smile on her lips.
“But I think k you've forgotten something.”
“What?” He tightened his grip.
“I'm not here to see you. I came to see my father. So, why don't you get over yourself for once?” She gulped, grasping for breath.
“You can't kill me here, you know?” She continued, even though she could feel him sniffing life out of her. “You could do it somewhere else, perhaps in your home. But not here. It's only a matter of time before someone walks out.”
Damien curled his lips, as he looked around. “I'm going to let you go. Not necessarily because you are right.” He snickered.
“I could kill you and your father wouldn't even lift an inch. You are after all a useless investment on his part, but that's not the point.”
“What's the point then?” Victoria choked, trying to even her breaths.
“The point, my dear little Victoria, is that I have your father wrapped around my fingers. I could kill you and he wouldn't object. Not because you aren't useless to him. Of course, you are, but because even if he wanted to, he wouldn't. He's too afraid of me.” He released his grip and took some steps back.
Victoria coughed, her hands on her neck as she feared that it would fall off. Yet, the stinging pain she felt was not enough deterrent.
“That's probably what you say to comfort yourself. And it's okay, you know. We are allowed to lie to ourselves sometimes if it makes us feel good.”
Then she walked away hurriedly before he could respond. Finding the door nearest to her, she ran in, shutting the door securely behind her as she let the tears fall.
If it were up to him, he would have killed her there and then, and she would have done nothing.
He was right. Harlan wouldn't have cared much for her death. She was currently of no value to any of them.
Victoria wiped the tears that had escaped, sniffing before stepping out of the room.
Now that Damien was here, she needed to act fast and return to Isabella before he killed her for sure.
“You done crying?” He mocked, his legs crossed as he waited outside the room.
The shock from seeing him standing in the room was enough to send shivers down her spine.
“Can't get enough of torturing me that you've decided to add stalking to the list?”
Damien shrugged. “Nah, you're not worth that much of my time. I honestly would not waste that much time doing that. Forgot to say something to you.”
“And that is?”
“Go back to the palace. You're useless here.” He said, before walking out. He paused before turning back. “Maybe when I win, I may not kill you afterall, you've been really obedient.”
Victoria craned her neck to confirm that he was truly out of sight before sighing in relief. He was truly gone.
Isabella had been right about one thing. Damien was a true narcissist who would never be able to see outside of himself.
Seeing him just outside the room had made her scared to the bones. She'd thought that he'd caught up with why she was here and was back to tell her to back off.
Her smile was full of disdain when he'd called her obedient. She was obviously going to do this.
She began her walk back to the study, where she knew Harlan would be.
Three soft knocks sounded on the door, before she pushed it in.
“Hey, Dad.” Her voice was a little too cheerful as she came face-to-face with Harlan.
“What are you doing here?” Harlan’s cold voice greeted her back.
“What…” Victoria stuttered, shocked. “What do you mean what am I doing here? Came obviously to see you.”
“I think you've fed your eyes enough. I'm quite busy.” He dismissed.
Victoria sighed, nodding as she walked out. “I'll go look for Mom instead.”
She closed the door behind her, willing the tears not to fall. As much as she hated to admit, Damien had been right. There was no place for her here. As long as she remained neutral to their plans, they would continue to treat her like an outcast.
Instead of finding her mother, just as she had promised, she walked to her room. She needed to make plans.
At least, it was now proven that they had no use for her except for what she could offer.
Victoria sighed, taking in the room. It had been cleaned thoroughly as though they knew she was coming. No doubt, by the orders of her mother.
She plopped on the bed, head on the pillow as she lay face up, her eyes staring at the ceiling.
She'd always thought she was the special one and Isabella had been some sort of outcast. But now, she knew better. So much better.
They were all users and had treated her better because she'd always done their bidding.
And now?
She wiped the tears that escaped from her eyes as she sat up. She'd come back home without a solid plan. And if she failed to plan, it was only a matter of time before they would realise she was unto them.
Victoria grunted as she stood up, walking back to the door. She had to find Damien.
He was going to be in one place. Her father's study.
She walked slowly to the study that she'd just been ejected from, a plan formulating in her head as she walked.
“There you are,”
He'd stepped out and was walking to her.
“Are you coming to see me?” Victoria asked, taken aback.
“No, why do you think so?” He said, rolling his eyes.
“Oh,” she slowed down. “I was actually coming to see you. Figured I might as well make good use of the opportunity while I'm here.” Her voice was sultry as she walked slowly to him, closing the gap between them in a few seconds.
“And?” Damien had a look of irritation on his face.
“Come with me.” Victoria urged, as she picked up his arm and led him into the room she'd just stepped out of.
“Care to explain the game you're trying to play?” Irritation filled his voice.
“It's no game.” Her voice was calm, her head bowed, looking like a submissive lamb up for slaughter.
“I've come to realise that it's no use fighting you. You have the resources to win this thing.”
Damien snorted arrogantly.
Victoria suppressed the bile in her throat as she continued. “I want to help, Damien. I've realised that I don't want to be treated like an outsider anymore. I want to be a part of the vision. I'm tired of fighting.”
Her voice cracked. “And I want to see my daughter.”
And as part of the larger plot, Victoria sniffed, wiping the tears off her face.
Damien nodded. “I'm glad you've come to your senses, Victoria. You are a fine woman and I would hate to see you killed because of your ignorance.”
“I was truly ignorant.” She agreed. “But I want to be wise now.”
God, she groaned within her. That line was as Clichè as it was ever going to be.
“I'm glad. You're going to return to Crestwood tomorrow. You don't have to do anything. Just be my eyes and ears.”
Victoria hid her frown. He was not going to buy it. “I can do better than that, Damien. Feeding information is one little aspect among the many things I can do.”
Damien hesitated. “Convince me why you think I should believe you. You've always been against me.”
Victoria's smile was triumphant. “That's easy. I was sent here.”