Chapter 281 - Brazen
Seeing William Bennett's grim expression, Victoria Bennett shuddered. Although William had been harsh with her at times, she knew his sternness was just a facade. But this time, she saw a warning in his eyes that chilled her to the core.
Victoria didn't dare to speak, her scalp tingling with fear. William returned to his seat beside the bed, his tone icy as he said, "Aside from blood siblings, where does one find true brotherly love? Alexander Mitchell wants to be Ava's brother, but looking at the state of their relationship after their divorce, it's laughable that he still wants to play the role of her brother. Alexander Mitchell is a coward. He lacked the guts to remain Ava's husband and now, unwilling to let go, he wants to be her brother. A greedy, shameless man."
William would never be as weak as Alexander. He didn't want any part in these faux sibling relationships. He sought something more tangible, a more authentic connection, not those contrived bonds.
A light bulb went off in Victoria's head, and she realized why William was so opposed to the idea of being Ava Anderson's brother. He didn't want to be her brother at all; he clearly had different intentions...
Victoria knocked on her own head, "Geez, I'm such a dum-dum, my brother, I get it now. You're totally right. Being her brother just complicates things. I messed up, bro, I apologize."
Victoria bowed to him as though she were a character from bygone days. "Bro, I'll be taking off now," she said, relieved that her reason for visiting regarding the vase was resolved, and there was no need to stay and endure William's displeasure.
Just as Victoria reached the door, William suddenly called out, "Wait."
She halted and turned around, "Is there something else?"
Did she make another mistake?
With a wave of his hand, William motioned her over, "Come here."
"Why?" she asked.
"Just do it, no backtalk," he said with impatience.
Victoria reluctantly made her way to his side, all the while trying to hide her unwillingness.
William Bennett suddenly picked up the cellphone on his nightstand and scrolled through something before handing it to her.
"Take a look at my last sentence. Is there anything wrong with it?"
Victoria Bennett took the phone with puzzlement and glanced at the screen, which was open to the end of their conversation.
William Bennett: [I think you're just that kind of cute girl.]
Ava Anderson: [I'm a bit sleepy, heading to bed now, bye.]
William Bennett: [Goodnight.]
Victoria searched to scroll up and read more of the chat history, but William quickly snatched the phone back from her. "Don't look at the previous messages."
"Why not? I haven't finished reading," Victoria protested.
"There's no need to. What do you think about those last few lines? Is there anything wrong with them?"
After his chat ended with Ava Anderson the previous night, William had felt something odd. He suspected he might have scared her, but he was not sure. He had considered sending her a message to ask about it but didn't want to interrupt her rest.
"Brother, since you're asking me like this, you must feel there's an issue too, right? Why even ask?" Victoria retorted.
"Victoria Bennett, I'm asking for your opinion, don't turn this around on me," William said coldly. "Just tell me, is there a problem or not?"
"There is." Victoria raised her voice. "It's a big problem. After you complimented her, she clearly panicked and quickly told you she was sleepy. It should have ended there, but then you went and sent a sticker. And not just any sticker; this one had the words 'love you' on it. You couldn't be more blatant with your confession!"
