Chapter 14
Luna thought for a second and said, "We don't have any solid proof right now, so we can't jump to conclusions. But don't worry, we'll dig into this and find some leads. Can you tell us anything about the guys who tried to attack you?"
Victoria, who was a natural at drawing, quickly sketched out the faces of the men.
Luna checked out the drawings, clearly impressed. "Ms. Carter, these are super helpful. We'll use them to kick off our investigation and track these guys down ASAP. You just focus on getting better and wait for our updates."
Feeling a bit more at ease, Victoria said, "Officer Bailey, thank you so much."
Luna replied seriously, "We'll do everything we can to investigate. You need to stay safe too. If you notice anything weird, call us right away. We'll keep on this case and make sure you get justice."
"Okay, thank you," Victoria said again.
After the cops left, Victoria didn't want to see Nora and Bobby anymore and left the hospital right away. With her heart pounding, Victoria headed to the prison to visit Alvin.
In the visiting room, she nervously rubbed her hands, waiting for Alvin to show up. When the door on the other side of the glass opened, revealing that familiar figure, tears welled up in her eyes.
Alvin appeared older than she remembered; his hair had turned gray, and his face showed signs of weariness and worry. When he saw Victoria, his eyes lit up. He eagerly picked up the phone and asked, "Victoria, why are you here?"
Trying to hold back her tears, Victoria smiled and said, "Dad, I just missed you and wanted to see you."
Alvin's eyes were full of pain. "Victoria, you have to take good care of yourself since I'm not there with you. Don't let anyone mistreat you, okay?" he said.
Victoria nodded, tears welling up. "Dad, I know. You take care of yourself in there too. I'll try to get the money together to get you out as soon as I can."
Alvin's eyes reddened, and he looked worried. He said, "Victoria, don't worry about me. Just take care of yourself."
Victoria's heart ached seeing Alvin's once-confident and handsome face now pale and thin. After calming down, she decided to ask the question that had been on her mind for a long time. "Dad, can you tell me about the gym collapse and the bridge collapse ten years ago? I really want to know."
Hearing this, Alvin was a bit taken aback, his expression complicated. He said, "Victoria, I was the designer for both projects, and I am confident in them. I have thoroughly reviewed and verified every detail. After the police investigation, they said the materials and construction were fine, but an expert claimed it was a design issue. Since he said so, it must be my lack of skill. You shouldn't dig into it further."
Victoria frowned and said, "Dad, this is too weird."
Alvin sighed, "Victoria, some things aren't as simple as they seem. Both accidents had a lot of factors, not something that can be explained in a few words. Don't get yourself into trouble, just live your life."
Victoria wasn't ready to give up. "Dad, I just feel something's off. I want to know what really happened. Please tell me."
Alvin looked at Victoria seriously and said, "Victoria, listen to me. Don't get involved in this. Your priority now is to take care of yourself and plan for your future. Don't take risks."
Seeing the determination in Alvin's eyes, Victoria knew he wouldn't say more. She nodded reluctantly and said, "Dad, I understand. I'll take good care of myself."
They talked about some everyday stuff, which, although ordinary, felt especially precious at that moment. Time flew by, and the visiting time was almost up.
Alvin looked at Victoria with reluctance and said, "Victoria, take care of yourself and live for yourself. Nora and Bobby..."He suddenly stopped, hesitating whether to continue.
"What about them?" Victoria sensed something was up and asked urgently.
But Alvin shook his head, indicating he had nothing more to say, and waved her off.
Victoria was filled with doubts, feeling there was more to Alvin's words.
As the visiting bell rang, she slowly put down the phone. She watched Alvin being led away by the guards, her heart heavy with sorrow.
Victoria headed to the Scott Group, where the familiar yet oppressive atmosphere felt like a suffocating net. Her mood was heavy and complicated because she had decided to end this chaotic relationship.
Alvin's debt could be repaid slowly, and she would find another way to deal with Nora's illness, but she could no longer force herself to beg William.
William never treated Victoria like a human being.
Alvin was right; Victoria should live for herself.
William walked over with steady steps, his face cold as ice. His gaze swept over Victoria indifferently, as if she were just a speck of dust, insignificant.
He slightly raised his chin and said coldly, "Get ready to go with me to inspect Kirk's company."
Victoria stood there, a complex emotion rising in her heart. She looked at William's cold back, bit her lip, and mustered the courage to say, "Mr. Scott, I have something to say."
Hearing this, William stopped, slightly turned his head, and a trace of impatience flashed in his eyes. "What is it?" he asked.
Victoria took a deep breath and said slowly, "Mr. Scott, I want to resign and terminate our financial support agreement involving a sexual relationship. I'll find a way to repay this month's money."
William felt a surge of anger and glared at Victoria. He said, "Do you think you have the right to say this to me?"
Victoria straightened her back and met William's gaze fearlessly. She responded, "Mr. Scott, I get it-I'm like a little ant to you, one of the rich and powerful. But I have my own dignity and dreams. I don't want to be controlled by you anymore."
William's lips curled into a cruel smile. "What dignity do you have in front of me? You're just my sexual release tool. What about your mother's medical bills? Your brother's tuition? Your father's debt?" he said.
Victoria's heart ached slightly, but she remained firm. "Mr. Scott, whether I take care of them or not is none of your business. I've made up my mind. I'm not here to seek your approval, just to inform you."
William slammed his hand down on the table so hard that the papers scattered everywhere. He glared at her and growled, "Don't you dare!"
Victoria's body trembled slightly, but she stubbornly said, "Mr. Scott, this is a society governed by law."
William was completely enraged by Victoria's defiance. He suddenly rushed forward, grabbing Victoria's arm with such force it felt like he would crush her bones.
He roughly dragged her towards himself. Victoria struggled in terror, but William's strength was overwhelming, and she couldn't break free.
William dragged her into the small compartment in the office and slammed the door shut. He stared at Victoria intensely, stepping closer to her with each powerful, oppressive step.
Victoria kept retreating until her back was against the wall.
Without hesitation, William grabbed Victoria's collar and yanked hard. The buttons of her shirt popped off, revealing her smooth skin, which looked especially vulnerable under the dim light.
Victoria cried out in despair, "William, let me go! This is illegal!"
William seemed to have lost his mind. His fingers lightly traced Victoria's cheek, carrying a burning temperature.
He lowered his head slightly, his breath hot and erratic near Victoria's ear. "Do you think you can just come and go as you please? Do you take me for a merciful person?"
As he spoke, he pressed Victoria onto the desk, kissing her neck and cheeks frantically.
Victoria struggled desperately, trying to break free from his grip, but her strength was insignificant compared to his.
William's hands roamed freely over Victoria's body, tearing at her clothes. The fabric in his hands was as fragile as paper, quickly shredding into pieces. He turned Victoria around, lifted her leg to his waist, and pressed himself tightly against her entrance.