Chapter 212 A Midnight Attack
"Yeah," Victoria affirmed, nestling closer to him, her arm entwined with his. "Your captivating charm has ensnared the hearts of countless women, and you are well aware of it."
"But what worth is the adoration of a thousand women if none of them are the one I yearn for?" William sighed, his voice heavy with a sense of defeat. "The inability to win the heart of the one you desire is an exercise in futility."
Observing her brother's crestfallen demeanor, Victoria offered him words of comfort. "Are you already losing hope? That's not like you. I'll be rooting for you."
William averted his gaze. "So, you truly support me in this?"
"Undoubtedly. You're my brother. I stand firmly behind you."
"Even though she's married, carrying another man's child, you're not bothered by that?"
William himself was indifferent to such matters. He wasn't held back by archaic, conservative beliefs. However, he didn't anticipate his family to share his progressive mindset.
"What’s the issue? As long as the woman you love brings you happiness, that's all that matters. Besides, everyone has a past," Victoria declared, her tone lighthearted.
William felt a wave of relief wash over him and affectionately ruffled her hair. "Let's keep this matter between us for now. Ava's going through a difficult time. I don't want to exploit her vulnerability, and you shouldn't go spreading this around either."
"Understood," Victoria assented. "It's fortunate she's preoccupied with her heartache over another man; otherwise, she might notice your feelings for her. You'll need to exercise more discretion, or you might frighten her away."
William's voice held a hint of anxiety. "Is it truly that evident?"
"I could surreptitiously record a video of you the next time Ava's around. You should see the look in your eyes," Victoria proposed, the mere thought sending a shiver down her spine.
William managed a wry smile. "I'll exercise more caution next time."
"This is when you require your little sister's assistance," Victoria teased, playfully tugging at his sleeve. "Even the greatest generals need soldiers to lead the charge. I'll shoulder that responsibility."
"Are you certain?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"Absolutely. Don't you trust me?"
"Trust you? You should go to bed and refrain from meddling in matters concerning Ava and me."
The last thing William needed was for Victoria, his own sister, to unintentionally exacerbate the situation, leaving him unable to express his frustration.
He gently extricated his arm from Victoria's grip and exited the dining room.
After bathing and returning to his bedroom, William found himself unable to sleep. He propped himself against the headboard, engrossed in scrolling through his tablet for the perfect recipes.
He was meticulous in his approach to cooking, adhering strictly to recipes. With his quick learning ability, even new dishes would turn out well as long as he followed the measurements and process accurately.
It dawned on him that if anyone were to inquire about when he experienced true happiness, his answer might be the moments he spent engrossed in a cookbook, deciding on a meal to prepare for someone special.
Suddenly, his cell phone rang.
He picked up the device without bothering to check the caller ID and answered, "Hello?"
"I want Ava outside. I'm here to take her back."
A surge of alarm shot through William's heart. He tossed aside the sheets, leaped out of bed, and rushed to the window.
Looking out, he saw a car parked outside the door, its lights flashing insistently, an ominous sensation enveloping him.
"Alexander, what in the world are you plotting at this ungodly hour?" William retorted, his voice frosty.
"I'm here to take my wife home. Either you send her out, or I'll smash through this damned gate."
Alexander's tone was threatening, tinged with a deadly coldness.
With a scoff, William shot back, "The great CEO is ready to resort to break into a house like a common thug. What an enlightening sight."
