Chapter 214

Victoria fell silent, feeling like a heavy stone had just hit her heart, sending ripples through her emotions.

She had never really thought about this question, or maybe she had been avoiding it on purpose.

She naively believed that feelings could be cultivated through effort, and their time together seemed to be proving her right.

But Elmer's sudden illness shattered all those beautiful illusions, making all her efforts seem pointless.

It turned out that her 'liking' him was just a temporary sense of comfort, coming from their smooth interactions. But once they hit a snag, this feeling proved to be incredibly fragile.

But this was her own business, and no one else had the right to interfere, not even William!

"William, you weren't even my boyfriend, so what gives you the right to meddle in my life? If you're so bored, why don't you spend more time with your ex-fiancée? Maybe you two can rekindle your old flame!"

William's face turned pale, a vein throbbing on his forehead, clearly infuriated.

In the past, he would have given Victoria a harsh lesson for such defiance.

But he suppressed his anger, staring at her with a dark gaze. "Didn't you hear what I just said?"

"What? That I should break up, or that you're mocking my unhappiness?"

She deliberately twisted his words, and a flash of coldness crossed William's eyes. He lowered his gaze and let out a cold snort. "Victoria, listen to me. There won't be a next time."

Victoria turned her head away, unwilling to look at him, and the atmosphere between them instantly dropped to freezing.

The sound of high heels clicking on the floor echoed behind them, cutting William off before he could speak out his feelings.

Alice limped closer, her voice tinged with a hint of grievance. "William."

In just a couple of seconds, William composed himself, returning to his usual calm demeanor. He turned to look at her, his gaze falling on her injured foot. "What happened?"

"I twisted it getting out of the elevator." Alice reached out her hand, and William naturally took it, carefully helping her to the car.

Victoria stood behind, watching coldly, a mocking smile playing on her lips.

See, he was always different with Alice.

If that was the case, why did he keep bothering her?

William returned, his gaze sweeping over Victoria as he curtly said, "Get in the car."

"No need." Victoria's refusal was crisp and decisive, without a hint of hesitation.

"Victoria, don't make me angry, or you'll face the consequences."

William reached out, grabbed her arm, and unceremoniously shoved her into the passenger seat.

Victoria frowned in displeasure, but she wasn't a child anymore and saw no point in struggling. If he wanted to drive her, so be it.

Alice sat in the back, her eyes glaring at Victoria through her glasses. William said nothing after getting in the car.

Victoria turned to look out the window. The street scenes flashed by like a slideshow, but her gaze was empty, as she was lost in thought.

Alice's face grew darker, her expression so gloomy.

Before long, the car came to a slow stop.

William unbuckled his seatbelt and turned to Victoria, his tone still indifferent. "Wait here."

Victoria snapped back to reality, thinking they had arrived at her place. She was about to unbuckle her seatbelt when she saw William already walking around to the other side, opening the back door and extending his hand to Alice. "Give me your hand."

Victoria froze, quickly realizing this wasn't her neighborhood.

Out of the corner of her eye, Victoria saw Alice slowly place her hand in William's, letting him help her out of the car.

She vaguely heard him say to Alice as they walked away: "I'll call a doctor for you."

In that moment, she realized that when he said "wait here," he meant her!

William escorted Alice to her door, where a servant came out to greet them. He gently handed Alice over, briefly instructing, "She twisted her ankle."

Just as he was about to leave, Alice grabbed his arm, her voice pleading. "William, can you stay with me for a while?"

William's gaze fell on her, calm and deep, like an unfathomable, undisturbed pool, never rippling for her.

"Get some rest." He gently pried her hand away, his movements devoid of any affection.

But Alice stubbornly refused to let go, her eyes red and tearful, staring at him. "I'm hurt, can't you see? Just stay with me for a little while, please?"

"She is waiting for me." His tone remained firm as he once again gently pushed her hand away, turning to the servant. "Take good care of her."

With that, he walked away without looking back.

"William! William!" Alice's desperate cries echoed behind him, but William's steps never faltered. He quickly disappeared into the night.

When he returned to the car, the passenger seat was empty.

William's brows furrowed in frustration. He should have known that stubborn Victoria wouldn't obediently wait. He should have locked the car door before leaving.

Fortunately, Victoria hadn't gone far.

As the car slowly exited the neighborhood, he spotted her immediately.

A young man was trying to chat her up, his eyes roaming over her in a way that made William's stomach turn.

William parked the car, got out, and strode over, placing a firm hand on the man's shoulder. "A word."

"Who are you? I don't know you, and I have nothing to say to you."

Victoria saw this and quickly intervened. "William!"

"This doesn't concern you. Stay put." William shot her a cold glance. "Try running off again and see what happens."

He forcibly dragged the man towards the bushes, and Victoria bit her lip, her brows knitted in worry.

Though she knew William was usually measured, she couldn't help but feel anxious.

Not long after, William emerged, hands in his pockets, calmly buttoning his sleeves as if he had just dealt with a trivial matter.

Victoria looked past him, puzzled. "Where's that guy?"

"Gone."

"I've been here the whole time. I didn't see him leave."

"He went out the side gate."

Ignoring her doubting gaze, William stepped forward, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her back to the car.

She thought he would finally take her home, but to her surprise, the car headed towards her old apartment complex.

"Why are we going here?" She leaned forward, curious. "Do you still live here?"

William turned off the engine and got out, glancing back at her. "Come on."

Victoria hesitated for a moment before slowly opening the door and getting out, muttering, "You still haven't answered my question."

"Yes. For some peace and quiet."

William strode towards the building, and Victoria stood there, full of questions.

He walked a few steps, then stopped and looked back at her with a faint smile. "Are you coming on your own, or do I have to carry you? Either way, the result is the same."

After weighing her options, Victoria reluctantly followed.

William's lips curled into a slight smile, a hint of amusement in his eyes.