Chapter 157

Elmer stormed up to Samuel, grabbing his collar and shoving him aside. Without even glancing at Victoria, who was sitting nearby, he pointed a finger at her and yelled, "Who the hell does she think she is? Is she worth you groveling like this? You're catering to a woman with such a complicated background?"

Elmer, usually a calm and composed man, was clearly beside himself with anger today, speaking without thinking.

Victoria felt a rush of blood to her head, a mix of grievance, defiance, and deep humiliation surging through her.

Samuel was furious too. "Dad! Watch your words!"

"Don't give me that! Have you never seen a woman before? Treating this troublemaker like she's some kind of treasure! Do you know what day it is? Bringing her here not only upset the elders but also brought shame on me!"

Victoria couldn't take it anymore. She bit her lip hard to keep from lashing out and turned to leave.

"Victoria!"

Samuel ignored Elmer and Primrose, rushing after her. "Victoria, don't go!"

"I'm sorry, Samuel. I didn't know it would be like this. If I had known, I wouldn't have come."

Elmer stood there, sneering. "You really shouldn't have come! Do you even know your place? Just because you've made a name for yourself in some gallery doesn't mean you can step into the Brown family! Let me tell you, I'd rather see my son single for life than let him marry you!"

"Dad!"

Samuel turned back, glaring at Elmer, but still lowered his voice, pleading, "I'm begging you, please stop."

Primrose tried to calm things down, "Elmer, just say a little less."

Victoria felt a deep ache in her heart. She had agreed to date Samuel to start a new life and leave her past behind, but it seemed like her past was always there, haunting her.

"Samuel, listen to your parents. You should go back." She tried to walk away, but Samuel held her hand tightly.

He had a feeling that if he let go, he would lose her forever.

Victoria looked down at his hand gripping hers. "Samuel, we..."

"Don't say it, Victoria, please don't." He held her hand even tighter, his eyes starting to redden.

At this moment, Primrose stepped forward and gently said, "Samuel, today is your grandfather's birthday. Don't argue with your father. How about this, I'll walk Ms. Carter out."

Samuel resisted, "If anyone's walking her out, it's me."

"Why are you being so stubborn today? It seems Juno was right..." Primrose didn't finish her sentence, but her gaze shifted to Victoria.

Victoria was silent for a moment, then softly said to Samuel, "Mrs. Brown is right. You should go back inside."

"But what about you?"

Knowing he was worried about her, Victoria leaned in and whispered, "You're only making this harder for me."

Samuel frowned, his lips dry, reluctantly letting go of her hand. "Text me when you get home."

"Okay."

Primrose led the way. "Ms. Carter, I'll walk you out."

Victoria waved to Samuel and followed Primrose.

She could tell Primrose had something to say and could guess what it was.

This was an issue she would have to face sooner or later; there was no point in avoiding it.

Once they reached the street, Primrose turned to Victoria with a look of regret. "Victoria, I actually like you. You're smart, talented, and beautiful. Anyone who marries you would be lucky. Unfortunately, Samuel isn't that lucky. He doesn't deserve you."

Even though she had expected this, Victoria still felt like a heavy stone was pressing on her chest, making it hard to breathe.

Being completely rejected like this made her feel like everything was her fault, like she was a total failure.

"We did support you and Samuel at first, but then we heard about your past with William. I'm sorry, Victoria, but the Brown family has strict values. We can't accept your past. You wouldn't want to see Samuel break away from us and still enjoy your relationship, would you?"

Even though Victoria was strong, being repeatedly reminded of her past wounds was hard to bear.

But this was Samuel's mother. Victoria didn't want to have a falling-out with her, especially since she owed Samuel so much.

So, despite feeling stiff and pale, she forced a smile.

Just as she was about to speak, a clear, deep voice interrupted, "Mrs. Brown, I think you misunderstand."

Victoria turned her head in surprise.

William was striding in from the gate.

He was dressed in a black tailored shirt and light gray trousers, looking straight and imposing, exuding an air of nobility and restraint.

She hadn't expected to see him here.

Seeing him brought back all the memories of what he had done to her.

Victoria's face went pale, her nails digging into her palms, the pain keeping her grounded.

Primrose looked at Victoria, then at William, clearly not expecting to see him here.

"William?" She forced a smile, "Are you here for my father-in-law's birthday party too?"

She remembered not sending him an invitation.

Although the Brown family and the Scott family had business dealings, they weren't close.

"He came with me," Eugene, who had been ignored for a while, chimed in. "William heard it was Mr. Brown's 80th birthday and wanted to come and congratulate him."

"Is that so? Thank you so much! William, please come in."

Primrose, all smiles, invited William to the hall.

But William didn't move. He glanced at Victoria, then looked back at Primrose, speaking coolly, "Mrs. Brown, I heard you say this Ms. Carter has some entanglement with me?"

Primrose was taken aback, then quickly explained, "It's nothing. Just that she used to..."

William cut her off coldly, "I think you misunderstand. Ms. Carter was my secretary for two years. The rumors out there are just baseless gossip. The Brown family is a respected family, surely you don't believe such unfounded stories, do you?"

Primrose's face turned sour, forcing a smile, "You're right, William. Our family values rules and etiquette. Those rumors are not to be believed. Ms. Carter, please don't take it to heart."