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Novel Catalog
Chapter 44
Aisling’s face shifted slightly, but her composed demeanor didn’t falter. She was used to maintaining control in any conversation, especially one involving her daughter’s future. However, Victor’s remark about Vincent was a sharp jab, and it made the air grow even more tense.
Haven’s face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and frustration. She had clearly hoped to avoid public confrontation, but now, with both Victor and Aisling taking jabs at her, she was left grasping for something to say. Her eyes flickered to Eden, who remained quiet, almost hidden behind her lowered gaze. Haven’s jealousy was palpable, but Eden was trying her best to ignore the rising tension.
Aisling, on the other hand, seemed unfazed by the exchange. She lifted her chin, glancing down at Eden with a mix of judgment and curiosity. “Victor, I trust you’re not letting a mere coincidence interfere with important business matters,” she said, her voice smooth and measured, although her sharp gaze never left Eden.
Victor’s expression didn’t change, but Eden felt the weight of Aisling’s words. It was clear that the older woman saw her as a potential complication, someone who might disrupt plans far beyond Eden’s understanding. Eden swallowed the words she was about to say. She wasn’t here to get involved in family drama, especially when she barely knew these people.
Victor responded with quiet firmness. “Mrs. Clement, Director Bleu and I are merely having breakfast after a morning run. I assure you, there are no ulterior motives.” His voice remained unyielding, but Eden could sense an undercurrent of something else in his words, as if he were speaking more to Aisling’s assumptions than to her.
Eden had learned a long time ago that sometimes silence was the best way to handle situations like this. The less she said, the less she’d have to explain or defend herself. So, she kept her head lowered, picking at her food.
Aisling’s gaze lingered for a moment longer on Eden before she turned her attention back to Victor. “I hope that’s the case, Victor. But don’t let your generosity cloud your judgment. Haven has always been a good match for you.”
The comment was a subtle hint, one that Eden could pick up on despite her attempt to stay out of the conversation. She couldn’t help but feel like she was standing on the sidelines of a game she hadn’t signed up for.
Victor’s face was unreadable as he looked at Aisling, then at Haven. “It’s not about matches, Mrs. Clement. It’s about choices.” He turned to Eden, his voice slightly softer but still carrying an edge. “If you’ll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to.”
With that, Victor stood, leaving the table without another glance at Aisling or Haven. He wasn’t one to be manipulated or pressured by anyone, especially not when he was being so insistent about keeping his interactions with Eden simple and straightforward.
Eden, though startled by the abruptness of his departure, stayed seated. She glanced up at Aisling and Haven, unsure of how to react to the unexpected attention.
Aisling’s gaze lingered on Eden for a moment longer, then she turned to Haven. “Let’s go. We’ll continue this discussion elsewhere.”
The tension hung thick in the air as Aisling and Haven walked away, leaving Eden with a feeling of deep unease. What had just happened? And why did she feel like she was being swept up in something much bigger than herself?