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Novel Catalog
Chapter 96
Bethany’s face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and irritation, but she quickly masked her discomfort with a forced smile. “Mr. Alwynn, you misunderstood. I’m just speaking out of concern for you,” she said, attempting to regain some semblance of composure.
Victor’s gaze remained steady and unyielding. “Concern? If you truly cared, you would respect boundaries,” he replied sharply, his words cutting through the tension in the air. His tone was polite but carried an undeniable sharpness, making it clear that he wasn’t interested in playing games with Bethany or anyone else who tried to interfere.
Lucian, who had been observing the exchange with mild amusement, shifted his weight slightly and offered a faint smirk. He was clearly enjoying the spectacle, knowing full well that Victor rarely showed such open irritation. The calm confidence in Victor’s demeanor was a stark contrast to the way Bethany was trying to wriggle out of the situation.
Eden, who had remained quiet until now, couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in Victor’s stance. She had seen him in various situations—calm, collected, and often polite to a fault. But when it came to matters of respect and loyalty, he showed no tolerance for disrespect, especially when it came to people close to him.
Bethany, realizing she was losing ground, quickly shifted her strategy. “Of course, I understand. I was just teasing a bit, nothing more,” she said, offering an overly sweet smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “I apologize if I’ve said anything out of turn.”
Victor didn’t respond immediately, his eyes scanning the group before he turned his attention to Eden. The silent exchange between them spoke volumes—he was in control of the situation, and it was clear he wasn’t about to let anyone take advantage of his kindness.
Myra, sensing the growing tension, stepped forward with a nervous chuckle. “Well, it seems like we’re all just having a misunderstanding,” she said, eager to defuse the situation. “Perhaps we should all just get going. The day is still young, after all.”
Victor gave a brief nod, signaling to his companions that it was time to move on. “Indeed,” he said simply, turning on his heel and starting to walk away.
Lucian followed him, a slight chuckle escaping his lips. “You always know how to handle these situations,” he remarked, his voice laced with amusement.
Eden, walking beside Victor, shot a brief look at him. “You didn’t have to be so harsh with Bethany,” she said, her tone soft but curious.
Victor glanced at her, his expression softening just slightly. “Some people need to be reminded where they stand,” he replied, though his voice lacked the bite it had earlier. “She’s been crossing boundaries for far too long.”
Eden nodded, understanding his point, though a part of her still wondered about the underlying tension between Victor and the Gienger family. There was a lot more beneath the surface, and she suspected that it wasn’t just about Bethany’s comments.
As they made their way back to the company, the air seemed to lighten, but the conversation left a lingering trace of discomfort in the air. Victor was determined to protect those he cared about, but the complexities of his world—family rivalries, business politics, and unspoken alliances—were only beginning to unfold.