Chapter 240

William glanced at Victoria, but she wasn't even looking at him. He frowned, opened the door, and walked out.

Only then did Alice turn to Victoria, her eyes brazenly scanning her up and down. "So, you don't need any help, right?"

Victoria had been ignoring her the whole time, only turning her gaze back slowly when she heard Alice speak. She gave a faint smile. "Nope, I don't. So, Ms. Garcia, don't trouble yourself. Staying here will just make things awkward for both of us."

Alice casually pulled out her business card and handed it over. "Don't be in such a rush. Just wanted to remind you, Ms. Carter, if you need anything in the future, give me a call. William's got a lot on his plate; his time isn't just for one person."

Victoria felt a bit guilty about the whole situation. The call had come from the hospital, but it was because she had made a foolish note.

It wasn't just William or Alice who might overthink it; even she found it absurd and laughable.

So, faced with Alice's half-warning, half-insulting words, Victoria didn't argue back.

When Alice came out, William was on the phone not far away.

His phone was on silent, and calls had been coming in one after another. He was finally getting a chance to handle them.

After giving a few instructions, he hung up and turned around to see Alice.

"Why are you out here?" He frowned slightly.

Alice walked straight up to him, looking him directly in the eyes. "What are you worried about? She's perfectly fine but here trying to get your sympathy! I don't believe you can't see that!"

William lowered his eyes, his expression indifferent. "Then let her put on a good show."

"William! Victoria doesn't care about you! It's been three years. If she still had feelings for you, how could she not have called even once? When you truly love someone, even three months, three days, or three hours apart is torture!"

Alice seemed desperate to wake him up, clenching her fists, her eyes slightly red.

"You're played by a woman who doesn't care about you; you really disappoint me!" She shouted, then turned and walked away.

William remained expressionless, not even calling out to stop her or offering any explanation as he watched her leave.

Alice walked all the way to the hospital entrance.

She suddenly stopped, taking deep breaths, reminding herself not to act impulsively.

William didn't like others interfering with him, and he hated being controlled. The reason they had managed to get along for the past three years was largely because she knew her boundaries.

After thinking it over, she took out her phone. "Grandpa Scott, this is Alice..."

When Victoria came out of the examination room, she saw William sitting outside.

He seemed deep in thought, his brows furrowed, his gaze distant.

She was surprised, thinking he had already left.

Seeing her come out, he stood up. "Let's go."

Victoria followed behind him, looking up at his tall, upright figure.

She could clearly feel the long-buried emotions in her heart quietly resurfacing.

But now, facing these indescribable feelings again, she was no longer as flustered as before and could handle them calmly.

So, she suppressed these emotions and spoke calmly. "Thanks for today. But let's part ways here. I can take care of myself."

William abruptly stopped.

Victoria also stopped, her heart starting to tremble slightly.

He replied, "You're right. You've always been able to take care of yourself."

His words shook her again. She thought she would have to argue, but he agreed so readily.

It seemed she had been overthinking things.

William walked past her without another word.

Victoria stood there, slowly turning to watch him leave.

Victoria wasn't seriously ill and was discharged the next day after spending one night in the hospital.

As soon as she returned to the hotel, Marcella called her to her room.

Marcella pointed at her nose and started scolding her without giving her a chance to explain!

Victoria's strength hadn't fully returned, and with irregular meals over the past few days, she was extremely weak.

But Marcella, full of energy, showed no signs of tiring as she berated her.

Finally, Victoria couldn't take it anymore and interrupted Marcella. "Marcella, I think you misunderstand. I'm an employee of the gallery, not your personal assistant, and certainly not your servant to be ordered around."

Ignoring Marcella's furious expression, she slammed the door and left.

"Come back here! Do you hear me? Victoria, come back!"

The only response was the sound of the door slamming shut across the hall.

Marcella was livid. How dare a lowly employee who relied on her for survival talk back?

Especially since Victoria had always been so submissive, her sudden rebellion was a shock Marcella couldn't handle.

"Don't think that just because you made a splash at the exchange, you can stand on equal footing with me! Without me, you're nothing!" Marcella swept everything off the table in a fit of rage, her face contorted with anger.

But now she had a problem. She had driven Victoria away, so what about the dinner Delmar had arranged for tonight?

Delmar had specifically asked her to bring her "assistant."

Though Marcella was extremely annoyed that Victoria had caught Delmar's eye, she still had to bring her along.

But on the other hand, if Victoria didn't show up because she was angry, it would be her own fault for missing the opportunity, and she couldn't blame anyone else!

Even if Delmar asked, she had plenty of excuses!

Thinking this, Marcella smiled smugly.

Victoria rarely lost her temper like this. She knew Marcella's personality and wouldn't waste time on pointless arguments.

Maybe it was because she had run into someone she didn't want to see, and her mood was terrible, making she felt Marcella's usual arrogance unbearable this time.

Back in her room, Victoria fell asleep immediately, deciding that no matter what, she needed to rest first.

She slept as if she were cut off from the world.

She was woken by the ringing of her phone.

When she answered, a cheerful voice came through. "Victoria?"

Victoria frowned. "Alton?"

"What are you doing?"

"Sleeping." She couldn't help but yawn.

"That's no good! Such a beautiful day, you can't waste it sleeping! Get dressed up nicely, I'll come pick you up in a bit."

Victoria sat up, puzzled. "Why are you picking me up?"

"You're staying for a while, right? I'll show you around."

Before she could refuse, Alton hung up after saying, "See you in an hour."

Victoria sat there for a moment, then touched her stomach. She did need to go out and eat something.

An hour later, Alton arrived on time.

"You're wearing that?" He looked her up and down. She was wearing a simple white cotton dress, her hair tied in a casual ponytail, and no makeup.

Though she looked fresh and elegant, it was a bit too plain.

Victoria blinked, looking down at herself. "We're not going on a date. This is fine, isn't it?"