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Novel Catalog
Chapter 74
Victor’s gesture, though simple, left Eden feeling a little less guarded. There was something about the way he held the bottle, his casual elegance making the act feel oddly intimate. She accepted it with a smile, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to Victor than what met the eye.
As she took a sip, Eden couldn’t help but glance at him, her mind racing. The man before her was someone who commanded respect, someone who seemed unreachable. Yet, in moments like this, when he wasn’t speaking in business terms, when his smile wasn’t a weapon, he felt almost… human.
“Thank you,” she said again, her tone lighter this time, feeling the comfort of the moment in his presence.
Victor’s gaze softened for a moment as he watched her, his sharp eyes momentarily losing their edge. “You’re welcome. It’s just water, but… it’s important to stay hydrated.”
Eden laughed softly, the sound of it filling the space between them. “I’ve never known water to be so meaningful,” she teased, her earlier tension slowly melting away.
Victor’s lips twitched upward, though he didn’t speak. It was a fleeting moment of ease, but it didn’t last long before his mind returned to more pressing matters. He glanced at the bustling city street, a thought brewing in his mind.
“Miss Bleu, I can tell River City means a lot to you, despite the past. But if there’s anything you need—anything at all—I’m here,” Victor offered, his voice steady but laced with an unexpected sincerity. His words carried weight, not just as the CEO of Alwynn Group, but as someone who, in that moment, genuinely seemed to care about her well-being.
Eden was taken aback for a second, feeling the sincerity behind his words. It wasn’t often she encountered someone who would offer help so freely, especially someone like Victor who had a reputation for being cold and calculating.
“Thank you,” she replied softly, the warmth in her words conveying her appreciation.
As they continued walking, the city felt less like a maze of memories and more like a place where new possibilities could be explored. The future was still uncertain, but Eden could feel a sense of hope rising within her. Maybe, just maybe, this was a new beginning.
Victor, though silent, seemed to be wrestling with his own thoughts. He had helped Eden find a place to stay, but he wasn’t sure where this connection between them was leading. He had always kept his emotions buried beneath layers of control, but something about Eden made him question everything.
As they neared the apartment building where Eden was staying, he turned to her, his voice low but clear. “I’m glad we’ve had the chance to talk. I don’t usually open up to people, but… with you, it feels different.”
Eden paused, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of surprise and understanding. “I’m glad too, Mr. Alwynn. It’s been nice having a real conversation.”
Victor didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he looked ahead, a faint frown forming on his brow. He wasn’t sure if he was more comfortable with Eden now or if he was simply confused by the way she made him feel. Either way, it was clear that their paths had crossed for a reason.
“Take care of yourself, Miss Bleu,” he said, his tone firm but with a touch of warmth, as though he was genuinely concerned. “And remember, if you need anything—anything at all—you don’t have to hesitate to ask.”
Eden nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude and curiosity. She knew there was much more to Victor than the aloof businessman everyone saw. And maybe, just maybe, she could discover that side of him that he kept hidden.
“Thank you, Mr. Alwynn,” she said softly, her voice carrying a mixture of respect and something more—something unspoken but felt. “I will.”
With that, they parted ways, but not without a lingering sense of connection that neither of them could ignore. It was clear that their paths had intertwined in ways they hadn’t expected, and the journey ahead would be one full of surprises.