Chapter 124

William ignored the foul smell and quickly stood up to help Victoria lie down on the ground, administering CPR.

Victoria's eyes fluttered open, her vision blurry. She struggled to speak, using all her strength to call out, "William."

Her voice was faint and unclear. William leaned closer to her, softly reassuring, "Don't worry, I'm right here, Victoria."

Victoria's panic subsided as she took in William's strikingly handsome features, and tears streamed down her face. "William, I thought I'd never see you again."

William wiped away her tears and kissed the corner of her eyes, his voice hoarse, "Shh, it's okay. You're safe now."

At that moment, the sound of a helicopter's rotors filled the air.

William looked up to see the helicopter landing in a nearby clearing.

He lifted Victoria in his arms and walked towards the helicopter.

After about a half-hour flight, they finally arrived at the hospital. The doctors examined Victoria and found that aside from being severely frightened and having a minor lung infection from nearly drowning, she was otherwise unharmed.

The doctor instructed the nurse to take Victoria to a room to rest.

William stayed by her side, watching her pale face as she slept, his heart aching.

He gently brushed his hand over Victoria's brow, his voice filled with fear, "Victoria, thank goodness you're okay. What would I have done if something happened to you?"

Harry approached, ready to report his findings.

William stopped him and led him into the hallway, asking, "What did you find out?"

Harry frowned, his expression serious and uneasy. "The car's license plate was fake, and the people who kidnapped Ms. Carter have all disappeared."

Hearing this, William clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. He growled through gritted teeth, "Useless!"

Harry remained silent, accepting the reprimand.

As the head of security, it was his failure to prevent Victoria's kidnapping, and he hadn't found any leads. William's anger was justified.

"Mr. Scott, I'm sorry."

William's face was dark, his anger barely contained. "Forget it, it's not your fault. If it was his doing, it's normal you couldn't find any clues."

Harry felt even more guilty hearing this. "Mr. Scott, I failed in my duty. I'm willing to accept any punishment!"

William sighed and shook his head. "It's not your fault. This was my oversight."

William knew it wasn't Harry's fault. The perpetrator had planned this meticulously, leaving no trace. But he hadn't expected Victoria to be harmed.

"Now, find out where Lachlan is. If possible, 'invite' him over!" William's tone was chilling.

Harry nodded and left.

Meanwhile, at The Scott Manor, Wayne slapped Dorian hard across the face. "Idiot! You're getting dumber by the day! How did I end up with such a foolish son? You can't even handle a simple task!"

Dorian clutched his swollen cheek, lowering his eyes to hide his resentment and hatred. "Father, believe me, I didn't think she could survive that. She got lucky this time, but next time..."

Wayne wasn't having it. His anger flared, and he kicked Dorian's knee. "Next time? Do you think William is as stupid as you?"

He kicked Dorian again, harder this time.

Dorian grunted in pain, falling to one knee. He bit his lip, enduring the pain without making a sound.

Wayne, shaking with rage, grabbed a golf club and struck Dorian's back. "You useless fool! If William finds out, I'll kill you myself!"

Dorian pressed his lips together, enduring the blows.

"Father," Dorian called weakly, "he won't find out. I was very discreet."

Wayne, panting, put down the club and sat, drinking some tea to calm his anger. "What about Lachlan? How did you handle him?"

"I've sent him abroad. We have his daughter; he won't talk," Dorian replied respectfully.

"If killing him wasn't so obvious, I'd have done it already. Keeping him is a risk," Wayne's eyes gleamed with malice.

"Don't worry, Father. I'll have him watched around the clock. He won't ruin our plans," Dorian said quietly.

Wayne waved him off, and Dorian left the room.

The next day, Victoria woke up to a dimly lit room, the curtains drawn.

She slowly sat up, rubbing her aching head. The nightmare of the previous day still haunted her, making it hard to breathe.

"Victoria, are you okay?" William opened the curtains, letting warm sunlight flood the room, dispelling the darkness and making Victoria feel much better.

Victoria turned to William, smiling. "I feel a lot better."

William noticed she still looked pale but seemed more spirited.

He sighed in relief, smiling at her. "Hungry?"

Victoria nodded. "I'm starving."

William chuckled and brought over a tray of food.

The meal was simple: a bowl of oatmeal, a vegetable salad, and some fried shrimp. The fresh ingredients made it look appetizing.

Victoria couldn't help but swallow, taking a spoonful of oatmeal. It was soft and flavorful, soothing her taste buds.

Even her fears and pain seemed to fade.

"This is delicious," Victoria praised.

"Eat as much as you like," William said with a smile.

Watching her eat heartily, William felt a warm, comforting sensation in his chest.

After eating, Victoria finally had the strength to ask about the previous day's events. "Did they catch the people who kidnapped me?"

William's handsome face darkened, his tone cold. "No."

Victoria was stunned, then frowned. "Do you know who did it?"

"I have a good idea, but no proof," William replied, his eyes narrowing with complex emotions.

Victoria paused, then asked, "What about Lachlan? I think he's involved."