Chapter 10: Discussing Titles
Victoria instinctively turned her head to glance at Alexander, who was focused on driving.
His profile was flawless.
She then shifted her gaze to his incredibly attractive hands.
Thinking of Thalia, the coldness in Victoria's eyes softened a bit. After a moment, she said softly, "My grandma Davis doesn't have any particular likes. If I had to say, maybe painting."
"I see," Alexander responded, showing he was listening.
She paused, a hint of something unusual in her eyes, and continued, "But she hasn't painted in a long time."
Alexander sensed a touch of sadness in her tone.
"Then another day, I'll go with you to visit your grandma Davis. She'll be much happier knowing you have a husband to take care of you," Alexander said gently, glancing at her.
Victoria noticed that Alexander always spoke gently, making it very pleasant to listen to.
Sometimes she wondered, is he really the intimidating head of the Howard family?
"Okay."
She unconsciously agreed to his suggestion.
Out of her sight, Alexander's eyes sparkled slightly, there was a hint of a smile in his deep eyes.
Then, Alexander started a few topics, and they chatted casually.
At Starlight Diner, Alexander led her to a private room on the top floor.
Victoria was slightly surprised. The private rooms on the top floor were the most luxurious and not just anyone could come, except for the mysterious owner behind Starlight Diner.
She looked at Alexander, who was elegantly brewing tea across from her, and asked, "Are you the owner of Starlight Diner?"
Although it was a question, it was more of a statement.
"Yes."
Alexander didn't hide it and admitted it openly. Not many people knew he was the owner of Starlight Diner.
Alexander handed her the brewed tea with his well-defined hands, then looked up at her and said, "From now on, you can come here to eat anytime you want."
Then Victoria saw a golden card appear in front of her, shining a bit too brightly.
She looked at him, puzzled.
"This is the card for this private room. You can come here anytime," Alexander explained in his deep, mellow voice.
"I..."
Before she could say she didn't need it, Alexander said, "My grandpa Howard knows I'm the owner of Starlight Diner."
Victoria understood what he meant.
"Okay."
She didn't refuse anymore. Saying more would seem pretentious, so she accepted it. At worst, she could return it after they divorced.
Victoria discreetly observed Alexander again.
He was dressed in a custom-made high-end suit, exuding elegance and nobility. His demeanor was graceful and refined.
Apart from his captivatingly handsome face, he was also a gentle and elegant man, not as cold and unapproachable as the rumors suggested.
She suddenly asked him a question out of curiosity, "Mr. Howard, I remember Vertex Holdings Group doesn't involve itself in the restaurant industry. How come you're the owner here?"
Starlight Diner opened four years ago.
Because of its diverse dishes and flavors, and the fact that the dishes were limited daily, it attracted many people.
The only downside to dining here was the cost; otherwise, the food was excellent.
And to dine here, you had to make a reservation in advance. Without a reservation, no matter who you were or how much you were willing to pay, it was useless.
"Alexander."
Alexander suddenly called his own name.
Victoria was a bit puzzled.
Then she met Alexander's deep eyes, which seemed like a magnet, drawing her in.
Alexander took a sip of the expensive tea with his slender fingers, his sexy Adam's apple moving slightly, and said calmly, "Just call me by my name."
Then his handsome face broke into a smile, his lips curling slightly, his eyes narrowing as he said again, "Or you can call me husband, I don't mind."
Victoria was silent.
To be honest, she couldn't bring herself to say it, no matter which one.
Seeing her somewhat awkward and embarrassed look, Alexander knew she wasn't used to it.
"Darling, you'll have to get used to it sooner or later," Alexander said, his handsome face feigning a gentle expression.
Victoria stayed silent.
On the outside, she seemed calm, but inside, Alexander's "darling" had thrown her into turmoil.
How could he say it so naturally?
It was as if they were truly a loving couple.
Usually composed, Victoria now felt a bit at a loss.
She suddenly thought that choosing to enter a contract marriage with Alexander might not have been a wise decision. Could she get a divorce now? This thought flashed through her mind.
Fortunately, at that moment, the waiter came in to serve the dishes.
This temporarily broke the awkward moment she found hard to articulate.
But she knew she couldn't keep avoiding it.
Luckily, Alexander maintained his gentlemanly demeanor and didn't force her on how to address him.
However, before they started eating, he said, "Because I was bored."
She didn't react immediately, pausing for a few seconds before realizing he was answering her earlier question.
He really was thorough.
But she had to admire him; because he was bored, he opened a restaurant and made it the highest standard.
She remembered the last time she asked if he had studied psychology, he had also answered in that nonchalant tone.
After dinner, Alexander considerately and gentlemanly drove her back to her office building.
It was fortunate that their offices were in the same direction; otherwise, Victoria would have felt too embarrassed to let him drive her.
Before she got out of the car, Alexander asked, "Do you have plans tonight?"
Victoria was slightly stunned, perhaps bewitched by his magnetic voice, and obediently replied, "I have a contract to discuss tonight."
Alexander's deep eyes gazed at her, a smile appearing on his handsome face.
"Then be safe. Remember to call me if you need anything, okay?" Alexander advised, like a husband concerned for his wife.
Victoria didn't know how to respond, so she habitually said, "Okay," and got out of the car.
Alexander watched her walk into the office building before driving away.
In the afternoon.
Victoria received another call from Oliver, full of curses, wanting to reprimand her for throwing Clara into the pond and demanding she return to the Kennedy family. She hung up without even refusing.
Shortly after, she received a provocative call from Clara.
Her entire day was basically ruined by the Kennedy family's antics.
After 5:30, she took Wesley to Mystic River Tavern.
Mystic River Tavern was the largest entertainment venue in Rihegde.
Those who gathered at Mystic River Tavern were the elite who enjoyed leisure and fun.
Victoria despised discussing business in such settings, but this time, the business partner had chosen this place.
It was just past six, and it was still relatively quiet inside.
No flashing neon lights, no deafening noise.
But it was just a matter of time.
Victoria ended up staying for three hours.
She had never been so patient before, but the business partners in the private room showed no intention of discussing business.
They kept making her drink, and she had lost count of how many times she had gone to the restroom.
Fortunately, she could hold her liquor well.
When Victoria returned from the restroom and sat back in her seat, she glanced at her glass, narrowed her eyes, and said calmly, "I think we've all had too much to drink tonight. Let's discuss the business another day. I have something to attend to, so I'll head back now."
At this moment, Miles Davis, who was sitting not far from her, quietly moved closer and sat beside her.
Her beautiful almond-shaped eyes, under the slightly dim light of the private room, instantly shone with a hint of coldness.
But the three men present didn't notice her change.
"Ms. Kennedy, what's the rush? We'll sign the contract directly in a bit," Miles said, looking at Victoria with a lustful gaze.
The other two chimed in, "Yeah, Ms. Kennedy, have a few more drinks, and we'll sign the contract. No need to discuss further."
Victoria glanced at them coldly, her icy voice questioning, "No need to discuss?"
As soon as she finished speaking, she felt a hand on her thigh. She turned her head to look at Miles.
"Yeah, no need to discuss," Miles said as he stared at her with ill intentions.