Chapter 242

From the moment Victoria saw William and Alice together, she knew deep down that their shared backgrounds and talents would eventually bring them together.

But then she heard William said, "I'm also eager to attend Alice's wedding."

That one question shattered all the rumors about them being a couple.

Delmar, sensing the awkwardness, quickly smiled to lighten the mood. "I get it, you two are just super focused on your careers!"

Alice bit her lip and looked up at William, her eyes filled with sadness.

She let out a soft, bitter laugh. "You want me to get married so badly? Who'd marry me now? Everyone knows my story. Who'd want me?"

She didn't say more, just picked up her drink and downed it in one go.

William stared at her, his jaw tight. When the waiter came over to pour more wine, he blocked the glass with his hand. "Get her some water."

"Yes, sir."

Alice, unusually stubborn, shot back, "What, I can't even drink now?"

William frowned and slowly moved his hand away.

"Pour the wine," Alice demanded.

"Yes, ma'am."

Across the table, Marcella was bombarding Alton with questions; Delmar was chatting animatedly with some friends. Victoria, quietly eating, tried to stay unnoticed but couldn't help watching the interaction between William and Alice.

Alice could usually handle her liquor, but she was in a bad mood today, so she got drunk quickly.

William, seeing this, took her glass away. "I'll take you home."

Alice leaned against him. "Why are you so good to me? But you can't marry me? Do you despise me too? Anyone can despise me, but not you. You can't! I became the 'bad woman' they talk about because of you."

"Stop talking," William's brows furrowed deeply.

Her words cut him deeply.

Seeing Alice drunk, Delmar and the others quickly escorted them to the door. "Mr. Scott, should I send someone to take you home?"

Alton hurried over as well. "Mr. Scott, let me handle it."

As a subordinate, he had to help his boss.

"No need." William still held Alice in his arms, not letting anyone else intervene.

Alice clung to him, her arms tightly around his neck, her face buried in his chest. "William, take me home."

He looked down at her. "Okay."

The tenderness in his voice was surprising coming from someone as decisive as William.

He didn't look back as they left.

Victoria kept her head down, eating the delicate pastries on her plate.

Delmar and the others started gossiping. "Did you see that? So affectionate. I don't believe there's nothing between them!"

"Yeah, they were engaged before, but then they broke it off for some reason."

"It's normal. They're both career-driven. It takes time to adjust."

Alton, while dealing with Marcella, glanced worriedly at Victoria.

"I need to use the restroom," Victoria suddenly said, standing up.

Alton offered to go with her. "I'll come with you."

"No need." She pushed the door open and left.

Victoria stood in the hallway, took a deep breath, and suppressed her irritation before heading to the restroom.

As she approached, she heard William's concerned voice by the sink. "Feeling any better?"

"No, I still feel awful."

Victoria's steps halted abruptly. She turned around, leaning against the hallway wall, staring at the floor.

"If you can't handle alcohol, why drink so much? You're only hurting yourself. What were you thinking?" William's scolding was full of concern.

"Why did I drink? You don't know why?" Alice's voice was full of grievance. "People asked me such questions in public, and you just flatly denied it. Did you consider my dignity?"

"It won't happen again." William seemed particularly accommodating to her.

Victoria listened quietly. The two of them had a genuine past together.

Although they had broken off their engagement, their lingering connection spoke volumes.

"I feel so awful," Alice said, leaning against William. "Take me home."

"Okay." William put an arm around her waist and helped her up. "I'll have the maid make you some hangover soup."

"Got it."

Victoria waited until they left before slowly coming out.

Looking at the empty hallway ahead, she lowered her gaze, a faint, bitter smile forming on her lips.

This was for the best.

It really was.

Alton offered to take Victoria back to the hotel. Marcella immediately stood up. "Perfect, it's on the way. Mr. Bridges, would you mind giving me a ride too?"

"Not at all," Alton replied.

Victoria admired Alton's patience and composure with women.

Before parting, Delmar pulled Victoria aside for a private word.

"Victoria, you have a bright future ahead."

"Delmar, you're too kind."

"Have you considered developing your career here? With your talent, it won't be long before you make a name for yourself."

Victoria was taken aback. Delmar didn't press for an answer, just smiled and told her to think it over.

In the parking lot, Marcella quickly took the front seat. Victoria glanced at her but said nothing, sitting in the back.

She was past the age of caring about such trivial matters.

Throughout the ride, Marcella chatted with Alton, their laughter filling the car.

Victoria leaned back, gazing out the window, lost in thought.

Alton glanced in the rearview mirror and smiled. "I'm off tomorrow. Want to go somewhere?"

It was clear he was asking Victoria.

"Sure!" Marcella quickly responded, excited. "I've been wanting to visit some famous spots in the city!"

Alton smiled but said nothing more.

Soon, the car stopped at the hotel entrance.

Marcella received a call just as Victoria was about to get out. Alton called after her.

"If Mr. Scott and she were meant to be, it would have happened by now. It wouldn't have dragged on this long."

Victoria smiled. "Thanks for tonight, Alton."

Back at the hotel, Marcella blocked her path.

Though her expression was still unpleasant, her attitude had softened. "Are you going tomorrow?"

"No."

Marcella frowned. She could tell Victoria wasn't interested in Alton, so she no longer saw her as a rival.

She got straight to the point. "I like him."

Victoria looked up. "Congratulations."

"Don't be sarcastic. Will you help me or not?"

"Marcella, you like him, not me. How can I help?"

"Victoria, don't play dumb," Marcella said bluntly. "Help me create opportunities, and I'll get you promoted."

Victoria's face darkened. "I don't need to trade favors for a promotion."

Marcella frowned. She disliked Victoria not just because she was Hannah's rival, but also because of her annoying pride!

Marcella glared at her. Victoria was truly unyielding. Finally, Marcella said, "Fine, you're amazing. But as the general manager, I'm asking you to help. Is that enough?"

It wasn't easy for Marcella to ask for help.

And Victoria had never seen her so invested in anyone.

After thinking it over, she said, "I'll go tomorrow, just to relax."

Marcella smiled. "Got it."

For the first time, she found Victoria not so annoying.