Chapter 235

Cassius leaned back, propping his head on his hand, grinning at her like he didn't have a care in the world.

Victoria felt a bit uneasy but still shook her head. "Nope."

Their relationship was complicated, to say the least, but they were definitely not a couple.

"Really? Then why did I see your picture on William's phone?" Cassius lowered his voice on purpose, leaning in closer to make sure she heard him.

Victoria was taken aback. He had her picture on his phone?

In that moment of surprise, a shadow loomed over her.

She instinctively looked up, meeting William's deep, dark eyes. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly averted her gaze.

Without a word, William grabbed Cassius by the collar and yanked him away.

"William! William, let go! Everyone's watching! You said you didn't know her, but the moment I got close, you freaked out. So, tell me, are you..."

His voice faded as he was dragged away.

Victoria took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.

Ever since she met him, she had been acting out of character, and she hated feeling so out of control.

Tonight was just an informal dinner, so Victoria decided to head back to her room to rest. She got up and walked towards the door.

Once she left the banquet hall, the inexplicable agitation in her heart began to subside.

She let out a self-deprecating smile.

After all this time, she thought she had managed her feelings well, but his presence made her feel like a fool.

The more she denied her feelings for him, the more ridiculous it seemed now.

The elevator doors opened, and she stepped inside.

Just then, someone followed her in. She turned around and froze, quickly looking away, pretending not to see him.

William glanced at her, then turned to press the floor button. "Which floor?"

It took Victoria a moment to realize he was talking to her. "12th floor, thanks."

"Thanks?" William scoffed, turning his head to scrutinize her. "Victoria, do you know how fake you've become?"

Victoria's brow furrowed, a flash of displeasure crossing her face.

She quickly put on a distant smile, as if they were strangers. "Really? I think I'm doing okay."

William stared at her, stepping closer. Victoria's expression changed, and she pressed herself against the wall, eyes full of caution. "There's a camera here."

He raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of amusement and mockery. "What are you afraid of? That I still have feelings for you? Or that I'll do something to you here?"

"I'm not."

Victoria realized she had overreacted, feeling a bit self-conscious.

"Or do you think that after three years, I haven't found someone to replace you?" he added.

Victoria looked up sharply, her gaze heavy. "Mr. Scott, these are none of my concern Honestly, I didn't expect to see you here. Sorry if I upset you. Please don't hold it against a lowly employee like me."

William stared at her, a mocking smile playing on his lips. "You still talk as annoyingly as ever. No, you're even more annoying now."

Victoria bit her lip. She had a temper too, and she hadn't provoked him. Yet here he was, picking a fight!

She was fuming inside, and her attitude naturally wasn't great. "In that case, Mr. Scott, you should stay far away from me to avoid getting angry and hurting yourself."

Looking at her face, which hadn't changed much in three years, William squinted his eyes and took another step forward, staring at her. "Is this really what you want to say to me after three years?"

"What else?" Victoria shot back, "What should I say?"

"Yeah, what should you say?" William took a deep breath, his eyes growing darker. "I also want to know, what do you have to say to me?"

Victoria looked up at him, staring straight into his deep eyes.

She pressed her lips together, silent for a moment.

Until the elevator doors opened again, she finally spoke slowly. "What do you want to hear?"

William glanced at her, then decisively closed the elevator doors, and it continued to rise.

"What do I want to hear?" He shook his head, a bitter smile on his lips. Suddenly, he placed one hand on the wall behind her. "You don't know?"

He really wanted to question her harshly!

She knew everything but still pretended to be indifferent.

Victoria turned her head, avoiding his gaze, her voice low. "Mr. Scott, we are from two different worlds."

William gritted his teeth, then laughed. "Since you say so, I won't force it. Honestly, I quite like your body. Out of all the women, only you fit me the best, and you're the hardest to forget."

Victoria's face changed slightly, but she said nothing.

"But this kind of thing should be consensual. Forcing it is no fun." He put one hand in his pocket and casually tidied her slightly messy hair with the other. "After all, we are old acquaintances. If you have any needs, just ask. Of course, you know the price."

Victoria's patience finally snapped. She angrily swatted his hand away. "No need. I'm not the little girl who begged for charity anymore. Save your money for someone else!"

She pushed him away and quickly pressed the button for the nearest floor, ready to leave.

William slowly approached her from behind, his unique scent enveloping her. "Don't be so quick to refuse. You might need me someday."

Victoria glanced at him coldly. "Rest assured, that will never happen!"

The elevator doors opened, and she walked out without looking back.

As the doors closed, the playful look on William's face faded, replaced by frustration. His cold gaze could freeze anything in an instant!

Fine, very good!

After all this time, she was still so calm!

Forget it! A heartless woman like her wasn't worth it!

The day after the dinner, there was an annual networking event.

Marcella attended as usual, dressed to impress in a champagne gold mermaid gown with a thigh-high slit. Every step she took revealed her slender legs, and the elegant dress highlighted her delicate collarbones and sexy shoulders. The backless design added a touch of allure.

She was undoubtedly the center of attention. Female designers showcasing their work at such important events were rare, and she was both young and beautiful.

Marcella found her reserved front-row seat and sat down. Colleagues immediately gathered around to chat.

"Ms. Simpson, your project last month was absolutely stunning."

Marcella was in high spirits, covering her mouth with a light laugh. "You're too kind."

Victoria entered the exhibition hall, feeling dizzy.

She had trouble sleeping last night, and the unfamiliar climate made her feel unwell.

She spent the night running to the bathroom, exhausted and pale in the morning, feeling weak all over.