Chapter 204
What is Victoria doing?
She's doing this on purpose!
Dressing up like that just to get his attention?
William couldn't help but frown, feeling more and more disgusted with this seductive version of Victoria.
She was like a poppy flower-he knew he should stay away, yet he couldn't stop himself from being drawn to her.
William's teeth were nearly grinding to dust. He wanted nothing more than to drag her home and lock her away, forbidding any other man from even glancing at her!
"William!" Alice approached him with graceful steps. "I didn't expect you to come in person. I thought you'd send an assistant."
He pulled his gaze away, his expression lazy, his tone as calm as water. "This seminar is crucial for the future of Silvermist City's business landscape. It's important to show some sincerity."
Alice stepped closer, gently tugging at his sleeve and lowering her voice. "That's Andrew McClellan from X-STAR Solutions Inc."
X-STAR Solutions Inc. and the Scott Group were in the middle of critical negotiations. They had reached a preliminary agreement, and after Jerald returned to headquarters, he sent his brother Andrew to handle the follow-up.
William turned his head to see a young, arrogant man striding confidently into the room. Many people around him eagerly approached with smiles and greetings.
Andrew walked into the venue with his head held high, suddenly stopping to stare directly at Victoria in the crowd. "Who's that?"
His secretary followed his gaze and quickly explained, "Her name is Victoria Carter. She used to be Mr. Scott's secretary at the Scott Group. Now she's a somewhat famous artist."
Andrew's interest was piqued, a wicked smile curling on his lips as he strode over to introduce himself. "Ms. Carter, hello! I'm Andrew McClellan from X-STAR Solutions Inc. Jerald is my brother."
Using his brother's name to flaunt his status?
Victoria's lips curved into a polite smile, and she nodded slightly. "Hello, Mr. McClellan."
She had heard of X-STAR Solutions Inc. It had grown rapidly in recent years and gained considerable international recognition.
If she could secure investment from X-STAR Solutions Inc., it would be a huge boost for Alvin's company.
With that in mind, she treated Andrew with even more warmth and sincerity.
"I've admired your artwork for a long time, Ms. Carter! Could we take a photo together?"
"You flatter me, Mr. McClellan. Of course, we can take a photo!" Victoria stepped forward gracefully.
However, she didn't expect Andrew to place his hand on her shoulder and pull her closer.
Her smile froze, and her brow furrowed slightly.
But in such a public setting, if she were to lose her temper abruptly, it would only make her appear petty and lacking in social grace.
She reassured herself that it was just a photo and it would be over soon.
But after looking at the photo his secretary took, Andrew shook his head in disdain. "This one's no good. The lighting is terrible. Let's take another! Make sure it's a good one this time."
He stood next to Victoria again, this time wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her even closer, a playful smile on his face. "Ms. Carter, you have such a slender waist!"
Victoria's face darkened. She wanted to push him away, but she couldn't make a scene. She had to hold back her anger, resisting the urge to slap him.
Not far away, William was chatting and laughing with some industry bigwigs, seemingly casual, but his eyes were always on Victoria, a cold glint in his gaze.
"Alright, let's take this one. Come on, another shot!" Andrew seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself, changing poses and urging his secretary to keep taking photos.
William suddenly slammed his champagne glass onto the table and said softly, "Excuse me," before turning and striding towards Victoria without hesitation.
"William!" Alice saw everything and quickly followed, her expression anxious. "That's Andrew! Jerald's brother! We can't afford to offend him right now."
William ignored her, deftly unbuttoning his coat and casually rolling up his sleeves, exuding an undeniable sense of authority.
Meanwhile, Victoria had reached her limit. Andrew kept using the excuse of taking photos to harass her, leaning on her and half-hugging her, his hands never staying still.
Victoria used the last of her patience to hold back. "Mr. McClellan, I think we've taken enough photos."
Just as she spoke, she was shocked to see Andrew's hand on her shoulder being forcefully grabbed and flung away by a strong hand.
"Mr. McClellan, I'd like a photo with Ms. Carter too. Are you done yet?" As William spoke, he naturally placed his arm around Victoria's shoulder.
He stood there, tall and relaxed, without any extra intimacy, yet the two of them side by side looked inexplicably harmonious.
A handsome man and a beautiful woman, like something out of a fairy tale.
Victoria looked up at him, lowering her voice. "What are you doing here?"
William didn't look at her, just slightly curled his lips, his voice cold as ice. "If I didn't come, he'd have his hands all over you by now."
Victoria's cheeks flushed instantly. "It's not as bad as you're making it sound."
"Really? So I'm overreacting? Fine, I'll leave then."
William pretended to leave, but Victoria quickly grabbed his coat. "You're already here."
William's lips curled into a mocking smile, and he chuckled softly, his hand gently wrapping around her waist.
Victoria stiffened, her body going rigid. She glared at him, warning him not to push his luck.
Andrew was annoyed by William's interruption but kept a smile on his face. "And you are?"
His secretary quickly stepped forward to introduce him. "Mr. McClellan, this is Mr. Scott, the president of the Scott Group."
So this was the Scott family's head? The one negotiating with Jerald?
Andrew's arrogance grew, his chin practically in the air.
"So, Mr. Scott, you and Ms. Carter are still in touch?"
Victoria didn't deny it. William glanced at her, his tone slow and deliberate. "Yes, we're quite close."
The implication was clear.
A boss and his secretary, with a relationship that invited speculation.
Victoria's face burned, and she glared at him, gritting her teeth.
Andrew's displeasure was evident.
Victoria's face and figure were irresistible to him, especially her full, perky chest, which seemed to captivate him completely.
But William's possessiveness was infuriating. How could he swallow this insult?