Chapter 675 Many Years Later

Chapter 675 Many Years Later

Victoria Cross was woken up by a phone ringing.

She half-opened her eyes and pressed the answer button.

Ingrid's voice came through, "Victoria, I have good news and bad news. Which do you want to hear first?"

Victoria's voice was hoarse, "The bad."

"Your fiancé, my brother, is coming back from abroad. You won't be able to party with us anymore." Ingrid laughed gleefully. "How about that? Feel like the sky is falling?"

The news hit Victoria like a bucket of cold water, instantly sobering her up.

Paxon was coming back.

That man who was always controlling her, forbidding this and that, was coming back.

How could she go clubbing anymore? How could she race cars?

Victoria sat bolt upright in bed, rubbing her temples. "What's the good news then?"

Ingrid grinned mischievously, "The good news is my dad plans to have you and Paxon get engaged. How about that?"

Damn it!

Victoria got out of bed and kicked a stuffed bear across the room.

Without even being engaged, that jerk was already controlling enough. If they got engaged, wouldn't he make a whole list of rules for her? Be dignified and virtuous, be gentle and considerate.

She was only twenty-two. She didn't want to be tied down by marriage so early.

But her engagement to Paxon had been arranged since childhood. It wasn't something she could change with just a word.

No, she had to find a way to delay this engagement.

"Ingrid, tonight at Zero Bar, call everyone. Throw me a bachelorette party."

"That's exactly what I was thinking. I heard they have some new male models there, really hot. I'll get you a few as a farewell gift. How about it?"

"Aren't you afraid Paxon will beat you up?"

"He's not coming back until tomorrow. You don't tell, I don't tell—how would he know? Besides, it's just drinking and singing with them, not like I'm asking you to sleep with anyone. What's there to be afraid of?" Ingrid lowered her voice. "I'm warning you, this is your last chance. Once Paxon's back, he'll definitely keep you on a tight leash. Forget clubbing—you'll be lucky if you can even talk to another guy."

Hearing this, images from childhood flashed through Victoria's mind.

Whenever a male friend appeared around her, Paxon would find ways to drive them away.

They'd fought about it countless times.

After she started college, her admirers only increased.

She was outgoing and loved racing cars, so many guys wanted to be friends with her.

But Paxon wouldn't allow it. He'd either "talk" to them or just get physical.

In a fit of anger, she'd said the harshest words to him.

She said being his fiancée was too exhausting, she had no freedom, she didn't want to continue, she wanted to break off the engagement.

After that fight, Paxon didn't contact her for several days.

When they met again, he told her he was going to Snowpeakia to take over ZERO Corporation's affairs, and would only come back for holidays.

After that separation, she completely let loose.

This life without anyone controlling her was just too good.

But she hadn't enjoyed it nearly enough—why was Paxon coming back already?

The two families had long agreed that once she graduated from college, they'd hold the wedding.

Just thinking about being controlled by this man from now on gave Victoria a headache.

That evening, she drove straight to Zero Bar.

As soon as she reached the entrance, Ingrid grabbed her, "Victoria, what took you so long? I already ordered the male models for you. Let me tell you, every single one has that V-shaped torso, eight-pack abs, total eye candy."

Victoria tossed her hair, a smile curling at her lips, "Remember, you're the one who got them for me. If Paxon finds out, you're taking the blame."

"Don't worry, he's not back until tomorrow. Even if he finds out, I'll take responsibility, okay?"

She pulled Victoria into the private room.

As soon as they pushed open the door, there was a "pop."

Confetti fell from above.

Someone came forward teasing, "Victoria, I heard Paxon's coming back. Should we congratulate you?"

Victoria glared at the girl irritably, "Don't mention him. Just hearing his name annoys me."

"Annoyed about what? Paxon's so handsome and super capable. Only 26 and he's already dominated Snowpeakia's financial world. I heard his personal assets have already surpassed your dad's. Having a husband like that, I'd be smiling in my sleep."

"Want me to give him to you?"

"No no no, I wouldn't dare, and I'm not good enough for him anyway. You two have such a solid relationship."

Victoria tapped her head, "That's a terrible way to put it. Your language arts teacher must have been your gym teacher."

She sat on the sofa and took a sip from her glass.

Her gaze swept over the male models in front of her.

These male models were indeed handsome, with impeccable physiques and features.

But their presence was nothing compared to Paxon's.

That jerk was naturally noble—every movement, even every glance carried an innate sense of superiority.

What was most infuriating was his smooth-talking mouth.

Sweet words when coaxing people, but he could also make you furious with a single sentence when arguing.

Images from childhood suddenly flooded her mind.

Paxon carrying her on his back to the amusement park, Paxon taking her directly to confront the parents when she was bullied by classmates.

He was a twelve-year-old kid, yet his logic and communication skills completely outmatched the other two parents and a teacher.

In the end, all three of them apologized to her.

Remembering this, a smile appeared at Victoria's lips.

Jerk. When he left, he clearly said he'd come back during holidays.

But once he left, it was three years.

During those three years, they only stayed in touch through Facebook.

But as time went on, their relationship seemed to enter a silent phase.

They wouldn't message each other unless there was something specific.

Completely different from the Paxon who used to constantly ask about everything she was doing.

Growing up together, then suddenly being apart for so long—saying she didn't miss him at all would be a lie.

But her pride never let her go visit him.

She wasn't even sure if Paxon had someone else in his heart.

Thinking of this possibility, Victoria tilted her head back and took a big gulp of alcohol.

Everyone here today was her closest friend, and they played games and sang together.

By late night, everyone was tipsy.

Victoria stood up and wobbled toward the exit.

A male model immediately came forward to support her, "Ms. Cross, are you going to the restroom? Let me help you."

Faced with a stranger's touch, Victoria instinctively pushed him away.

"Don't touch me. I can manage myself."

With that, she walked out of the private room alone.

Stumbling toward the restroom.

Before she got far, she heard a sleazy laugh near her ear.

"Little beauty, had too much to drink? Let me take you somewhere fun."

The man spoke while moving closer to Victoria.

Just as he was about to lean in and kiss her, "smack"—a slap landed on the man's face.

The man covered his face, his smile turning vicious, "You bitch, how dare you hit me. Let's see how I deal with you today."

With that, he bent down to pick up Victoria.

Before he could touch her, a tall, upright figure walked over.

A foot kicked the man in the stomach.

Victoria was pulled aside, her flushed face crashing into a hard chest.

Feeling the familiar scent, Victoria slowly lifted her head.

What met her eyes was that face she'd been thinking about day and night.

Her eyes instantly reddened.

Her hand gently traced the man's features, her voice soft, "Paxon, is that you?"