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Novel Catalog
Chapter 97
Bethany’s face paled even further, the color draining from her cheeks as Victor’s words struck her like a slap. She had always prided herself on her composure, but in this moment, she could barely hold herself together. Her pride, her arrogance, everything she’d relied on was now crumbling before her eyes.
Victor’s gaze was unwavering, his voice cold and authoritative. “I have no interest in your apologies, Mrs. Gienger. What matters is that you show some respect to the people around you—especially those who contribute to your own survival in this industry.”
Antony, visibly nervous now, stepped forward and attempted to mediate. “Please, Mr. Alwynn, my mother didn’t mean any offense. She was just speaking carelessly, and we understand the importance of Director Bleu to you. I assure you, this won’t happen again.”
Victor didn’t even acknowledge him. His eyes remained fixed on Bethany, who now found herself trapped in the middle of a battle she had never anticipated. The cold silence in the air hung heavily between them, broken only by Victor’s final words: “An apology from you, Mrs. Gienger. If you can’t manage that, I have no interest in hearing from you again.”
The intensity of his gaze made it clear that he was not just protecting Eden, but making a point. It was a warning, not just to Bethany but to anyone who might think they could undermine his team without consequences.
Bethany, her pride bruised and her options limited, finally spoke. “I… apologize, Director Bleu,” she managed to say, her voice tight and strained. “I spoke out of turn. I didn’t mean to disrespect you.”
Eden’s expression was still cool and composed, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes—something that spoke of gratitude, maybe even admiration for Victor’s unwavering support.
Victor nodded once, his expression unreadable, and then turned to leave. He didn’t need to say anything more. His presence alone had been enough to convey his message, and he had no intention of letting this interaction drag on.
Lucian, still smirking, walked beside Victor. “That was a masterclass in handling the Giengers,” he said with a chuckle.
Eden couldn’t help but let out a small, quiet laugh. The weight of the moment had lifted, and it felt good to see Bethany put in her place for once.
As they walked away, Antony exchanged one last glance with his mother, who had retreated into herself, humiliated. “We’ll leave now,” he said stiffly, and they departed quickly, the tension still hanging in the air.
Victor, Eden, and Lucian continued their way back to the car, but the exchange left its mark. Eden looked up at Victor, a soft smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “Thank you,” she said quietly, her voice sincere.
Victor didn’t respond immediately, but his eyes softened for just a moment. He didn’t need to say anything—his actions had spoken for him. And Eden knew it.
As they got into the car, the world seemed a little quieter, a little less tense. The Gienger family had learned a valuable lesson, and the path ahead, though still fraught with challenges, seemed a little clearer.