Chapter 9

On one side, there's a 10% discount along with technical support and professional training; on the other side, there's comprehensive resource support and a customized development strategy. Any smart person would go for the latter.

But investing wasn't just about winning or losing.

To make money, it took more than just empty promises; it required real skills and a bit of luck.

Sensing the hesitation, Victoria didn't waste time. She grabbed another bottle of wine from the ice bucket and popped it open.

Holding the bottle, she looked straight at Kirk and Rufus and said, "We won't let your company down. This is our promise."

Then she took a swig straight from the bottle, the wine level dropping visibly. Victoria's bold move even made the shrewd businessmen Kirk and Rufus feel a bit embarrassed.

They stared for a moment, then burst into cheers, "Great!"

Victoria set down the now-empty bottle.

"Just for Ms. Carter's sincerity, we believe you won't let us down!" That was it-the deal was sealed.

Victoria's lips curled into a slight smile. "Thank you, Mr. Gutierrez, Mr. Chapman, for your trust," she said.

"Come on, let's toast to our partnership!" She grabbed her wine glass and clinked glasses with both of them.

One glass after another, the spicy and cold sensation cycled through, numbing Victoria gradually. She couldn't feel the spiciness of the wine, the coldness, or even the pain of her wounds.

After some time, Kirk and Rufus were completely drunk. Their faces were flushed, eyes glazed, and they staggered as they stood up. Seeing this, Victoria quickly stepped forward to help their assistants support them to the door.

The night breeze blew gently, bringing a slight chill.

Victoria stood by the car, watching as Kirk and Rufus were carefully helped into the car. She bowed slightly and waved goodbye.

The car slowly started, and she stood there, watching it disappear into the night. She let out a sigh of relief; the tough business negotiation had finally reached a successful conclusion.

However, Victoria also felt sharp pain and deep fatigue, and her head was a bit dizzy. Then, she turned and walked towards the car parked not far away. Her steps were unsteady, each one feeling like stepping on cotton.

But she still tried to maintain her composure, not wanting to show her fatigue and discomfort. She opened the car door and sat in the passenger seat, letting out a light sigh as she leaned back, as if shedding a heavy burden.

The car was filled with a faint leather scent, quiet and warm. Victoria closed her eyes, trying to alleviate her fatigue and pain, enduring it silently despite the pain she felt all over.

William had woken up in the back seat at some point, looking at the rearview mirror expressionlessly. He saw Victoria leaning against the window, only seeing one of her shoulders, but his gaze stayed on her the whole way.

The car stopped at the entrance of an old apartment complex. Harry, looking at the sleeping William through the rearview mirror, carefully said to Victoria, "Ms. Carter, we're at your place."

Hearing the voice, Victoria slowly opened her eyes and realized she was home. She frowned slightly and softly said, "Thank you," then grabbed her bag and got out of the car.

The sound of the door closing woke William. His eyes followed the slender figure, watching Victoria stagger into the building. Once she was out of sight, William signaled Harry to drive away.

Dragging her exhausted body, Victoria quickly climbed the stairs to her rented apartment. Her hands trembled as she inserted the key into the lock, gently turning it. With a click, the door slowly opened.

Darkness rushed in like a tide, enveloping her tightly. The living room was pitch black, eerily silent, like a forgotten island, dead and oppressive.

Victoria stood quietly at the door for a long time, not moving to turn on the light. It seemed only in this darkness could she find a moment of peace. Sighing, she reached out and pressed the switch on the wall, and the living room instantly lit up.

Victoria suddenly felt chest tightness and shortness of breath, her throat unbearably dry. She slowly moved to the sofa, wanting to sit down and rest. Suddenly, a wave of nausea hit her, and she stumbled to the bathroom, collapsing by the toilet and vomiting painfully.

The vomit spewed from her mouth, the intense discomfort making her body tremble uncontrollably. Each bout of vomiting felt like an invisible hand was violently pulling at her insides, the pain washing over her like a tide. Her forehead was covered in fine sweat, her face pale as paper.

After vomiting, Victoria leaned weakly against the toilet, tears silently falling. At this moment, she was like a lone boat lost in the vast sea. After a long time, she slowly stood up and opened the fridge, hoping to find something to ease her stomach discomfort.

However, the fridge was empty, with only a few expired drinks and some withered vegetables. Victoria sighed frustratedly, closed the fridge, and prepared to lie down on the bed for a while.

Just then, there was a light knock on the door.

Victoria hesitated, a hint of curiosity rising within her. Who could it be at this late hour?

She opened the door to find her landlord, Elara West, standing there with a bowl of steaming oatmeal. Elara's face was gentle, her eyes full of kindness.

Seeing Victoria's pale face, Elara said with concern, "Victoria, I saw you came back so late and thought you probably hadn't eaten yet. I just made some oatmeal, so I brought you a bowl. Eat it while it's hot to warm yourself up."

Looking at Elara, Victoria felt a surge of indescribable emotion. Her eyes instantly welled up, and she said with a choked voice, "Elara, thank you. You're always so caring."

Elara gently patted Victoria's shoulder and responded, "Silly child, don't mention it. It isn't easy for a young woman to make it on her own; you need to take good care of yourself. If you have any difficulties, just let me know. Don't shoulder it alone. I won't disturb your rest."

With that, she turned and went back upstairs.

Victoria took the oatmeal, closed the door, and returned to her room. She sat at the table, looking at the steaming oatmeal, tears streaming down her face uncontrollably. She covered her mouth, letting the tears flow, crying silently. After a long time, she calmed down and slowly ate the oatmeal.

The next day, Victoria, despite her discomfort, went to the Scott Group. However, when she walked into the office, she found Ella there too.

Ella was dressed in an expensive dress, her makeup exquisite, her eyes full of undisguised arrogance and provocation.

As William's fiancée, she had always been domineering in the Scott Group. As soon as Victoria walked in, a hint of malice flashed in Ella's eyes.