Chapter 243

Alton showed up early, and Marcella was dressed to impress.

She wore a light pink floral dress, paired with a delicate lace hat and a matching small handbag, giving off a sweet and charming vibe.

In contrast, Victoria was much more casual, even a bit disheveled.

From the moment Marcella saw her, she looked at her with disdain. Taking advantage of Alton going to buy drinks, she couldn't help but ask, "I heard from Hannah that your family isn't well-off, but not this bad, right?"

Victoria was speechless.

How rude could she be?

She didn't respond, and Marcella took her silence as agreement.

"No matter how broke you are, you should have a few decent clothes! It's one thing to dress like an average person at work, but when you're out to meet a guy, you should at least make an effort."

"I'm fine like this."

Marcella rolled her eyes, "You're hopeless!"

When Alton returned, Marcella immediately became sweet and well-behaved.

They finally arrived at their destination.

The city's largest outdoor recreational campsite.

Alton chose a relatively secluded spot, with plenty of space between the tents to ensure privacy.

Two tents, one for the guys and one for the girls.

Then, Alton got busy preparing a feast.

Marcella went to help, and when she saw Victoria approaching, she kept giving her looks, "Didn't you stay up late last night? Go rest in the tent for a bit."

Victoria raised an eyebrow, perfectly happy with the suggestion.

So, she happily crawled into a tent and fell asleep.

She didn't know how long she slept, but Marcella came in once to wake her, "Time to eat."

Victoria, who hadn't slept well the night before, was in a deep sleep and waved her off, "Not hungry."

"Really?"

Marcella's voice had a hint of glee.

When Victoria woke up again, it was to the sound of laughter outside.

She realized it was already dark outside, with bonfires blazing and people having a great time all around.

Victoria crawled out of the tent and stretched lazily.

Before she could fully wake up, a large coat was draped over her shoulders.

She froze, maintaining her stretching pose, staring blankly at the person in front of her.

William?

What was he doing here?

William, holding a skewer of grilled meat, glanced at her, "Do you even know where you are? Wearing so little to sleep."

Victoria belatedly looked down and realized her loose short-sleeve shirt had slipped off one shoulder, revealing a bit of smooth skin.

It was somewhat alluring.

She instinctively pulled the coat tighter around her.

"Eat something." William placed the grilled food on a plate and handed it to her.

Victoria hesitated for only a second before taking it and sitting down to eat quietly.

William stood beside her, his tall and handsome figure drawing attention, along with his strikingly good looks. Many girls came over to chat him up.

With the night, the alcohol, and the lively atmosphere, everyone was letting loose, mingling freely with strangers and friends alike.

But someone as outstanding as William drew even more attention, and soon someone asked for his contact information.

William, who was usually impatient, initially responded perfunctorily, but eventually, he simply stepped aside to reveal Victoria, "Sorry, my girlfriend is here."

Victoria stiffened slightly, the term "girlfriend" making her ears burn.

But she understood he was just using her as a shield, so she didn't overthink it.

The girl got the hint and left with a smile.

But it wasn't long before another girl, wearing a crop top and shorts, sauntered over, leaning in close and calling out sweetly, "Hey there..."

This time, William was more direct, pointing at Victoria, "My wife."

The girl awkwardly touched her nose and walked away.

Hearing him call her "wife" so smoothly, Victoria frowned and sincerely suggested, "You know, wearing a mask might help."

William glanced at her, taking in her reluctance.

He narrowed his eyes and smirked, "With you here, why should I inconvenience myself?"

Victoria looked up at him, "You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?"

"Doing what on purpose?"

"Making me uncomfortable."

William chuckled, "Saying you're my wife makes you uncomfortable?"

"No! I mean... never mind." She decided it wasn't worth explaining further.

Keeping things simple between them was best.

Amid the surrounding noise and excitement, it felt like an invisible barrier separated the two of them.

After finishing her food, she asked, "Why are you here?"

He looked at her with mild confusion, "Didn't you see the sign when you entered this area?"

Victoria shook her head, bewildered.

"How do you expect to be a designer with no observational skills?" he retorted.

Victoria didn't appreciate that comment. She focused intensely at work, but during her time off, she didn't want to force herself.

"This land belongs to the Scott family, and so does this campsite. I come here once a month, and it just so happens to be today, coincidentally running into you." William emphasized the point.

Victoria mentally rolled her eyes. As if he was afraid she'd think he came just for her.

But with that explanation, she felt more at ease.

"Is there more food?" She had slept all day, and the few bites she had weren't enough.

William's deep, attractive eyes lingered on her, a slight smile playing on his lips, "Wait here."

Victoria obediently sat in her chair, smiling as she watched the people enjoying themselves.

"So, have you thought about what I mentioned?" He returned, handing her more food.

"About working at your company?" Victoria asked.

"Technically, it's not my company, it's my aunt's."

Daisy?

William continued, "Aunt Daisy handles all the major and minor affairs of the company. I'm just trying to find some trustworthy people to help her out." He paused, then added, "You know about the issues between me and Uncle Wayne..."

Victoria understood immediately and said, "How's she doing now? I would like to help if she truly needs me. "

Now it was William's turn to be surprised. He scrutinized her, "Last time I mentioned it, you seemed reluctant. But as soon as I mentioned Aunt Daisy, you show so much concern. She must hold a special place in your heart."

There was a hint of jealousy in his tone.

But Victoria didn't think much of it. She was only concerned about Daisy's situation, and William patiently explained a bit more.

The firelight cast a warm glow on her face, making her look both charming and cozy. William watched her for a moment before looking away.

He said, "You and Alton seem to get along well. Actually, you two hit it off years ago. And if I remember correctly, you even got hurt because of him."

Victoria rolled her eyes at him, "That was ages ago. We're just friends."

"And now?" He didn't seem ready to drop the subject, staring at her intently, "What if he confessed his feelings to you now?"

Victoria frowned, about to speak, but then her expression softened. "Now? He wouldn't be that foolish."

Seeing her gaze fixed in a certain direction, smiling, William followed her line of sight.

He was stunned.

Alton and Marcella were hidden behind a nearby tree, locked in a passionate embrace, kissing deeply.