Chapter 145 Grant's Feelings
Marlowe was visiting Serenity Grove Manor for the first time. She thought Grant's villa was huge, but this place was on another level. Alexander must be insanely rich, she marveled.
She overheard Grant talking about a trip to Rihegde and found out Victoria was injured, so she decided to tag along.
Just then, she heard a noise on the stairs.
Marlowe looked up to see Alexander carrying Victoria, who had a cast on her right foot, down the stairs.
Victoria was surprised to see her. Alexander had mentioned guests, but she didn't expect Marlowe and Grant.
As soon as Alexander set Victoria on the sofa, Marlowe rushed over, worried. "How's your foot?"
Victoria smiled. "Just a minor sprain."
Marlowe frowned. "That cast looks pretty serious for a sprain."
Grant watched Marlowe fuss over Victoria and pursed his lips. She never seemed this worried about him. Yet, here she was, all concerned about Victoria, whom she barely knew.
He glanced at Victoria and said, "Victoria, you must be exhausted. Even injured, you still have to meet Alexander's needs."
Victoria stayed silent.
At first, Marlowe didn't get what Grant meant, but then she noticed the hickey on Victoria's neck.
Her focus had been on Victoria's leg, so she hadn't seen it before.
Alexander and Grant then went to the study to discuss business.
With Grant gone, Marlowe felt more relaxed.
"By the way, Victoria, don't you have a brother here?" Marlowe asked. She'd heard from Lila that Ignatius was a piano prodigy and was curious to meet him.
Just then, Ignatius came out of the piano room.
Victoria had set up a piano room on the third floor for him to practice anytime.
Seeing Victoria downstairs, Ignatius's face lit up with joy.
As long as Alexander was around, he couldn't get close to Victoria.
Marlowe was surprised. Ignatius was quite handsome and tall.
"He's really good-looking," Marlowe said, impressed.
Every woman appreciates a handsome guy, and Marlowe, even though married, was no exception. She admired him.
"Victoria." Ignatius came downstairs and sat next to Victoria.
Victoria introduced, "Ignatius, this is my friend Marlowe Rivera."
Ignatius politely said, "Hello, Ms. Rivera."
Marlowe smiled warmly. "Hello, Ignatius. Just call me Marlowe."
"Okay, Marlowe." Ignatius nodded.
Marlowe had learned a bit about Ignatius. He was charming and had a pure vibe.
Marlowe had learned piano before, so she and Ignatius had something to talk about.
They got along well.
Victoria wanted Ignatius to socialize more; it would do him good. He'd come a long way from before. As long as he wasn't provoked, he was just like anyone else.
When Alexander and Grant finished their discussion and came out, they saw the three of them chatting and laughing in the living room.
Grant noticed Marlowe's smile towards Ignatius and narrowed his eyes. He had never seen her smile like that at him.
Alexander, sensing Grant's mood change, smirked and teased, "What? Jealous?"
Grant was momentarily stunned, then glanced at him indifferently. "You kidding?" He sneered, "As far as I know, Ignatius isn't Victoria's real brother, and he's quite dependent on her. One day, he might compete with you for Victoria. Yet, here you are, taking care of him. Didn't think you'd be this generous."
Alexander was silent for a moment.
"She can only be my wife. Let's see if you stay this calm when Marlowe leaves you one day," Alexander shot back.
Sometimes, the people in it are clueless, but the bystanders see everything.
If Grant had no feelings for Marlowe, with his volatile personality, he would have tormented her long ago. Would he have kept her around until now?
Grant wasn't a saint. If he wanted to torment someone, it wouldn't be like this.
Grant didn't say anything but kept his eyes on Marlowe downstairs.
Marlowe suddenly felt a chill and instinctively looked up, meeting Grant's gaze from the second floor.
She quickly looked away; his gaze was too cold.
Had she offended him? Did he see her laughing just now?
That evening, Marlowe and Grant left Serenity Grove Manor after dinner.
After dinner, Ignatius and Alexander sat in silence, and Victoria sighed inwardly.
In the end, Ignatius reluctantly went upstairs to practice the piano.
When it was time for a bath, Victoria felt a bit troubled.
Last night at the hospital, a nurse had helped her with a quick wash.
Alexander had already prepared the bathwater and brought her clothes.
"The water's ready. I'll carry you in," Alexander said.
Victoria immediately stopped him. "No, I can walk just fine."
Ignoring her, Alexander picked her up and walked towards the bathroom. "The bathroom floor is wet and slippery."
He placed her on a chair he had prepared.
Victoria waited a few seconds, but he showed no sign of leaving. She looked up at him. "Is there something else?"
How was she supposed to bathe with him there?
"I'll stay here with you. I'm worried about you," Alexander said earnestly.
Victoria felt troubled. She wasn't ready to bathe in front of him yet.
"No. I can manage on my own, and you're just outside. I'll call you if I need anything," Victoria said.
"Are you shy? We're married; you'll have to get used to it eventually," Alexander retorted.
"It's not the same," Victoria argued.
Then Alexander suddenly said, "Anyway, it's not the first time I've seen your body."
Victoria froze, her pupils dilating slightly. What did he mean by "not the first time"?
In the end, Alexander was kicked out.
In the bathroom, Victoria's cheeks were blushed, either from anger or embarrassment.
That time she had a high fever, he had helped her change into pajamas and used alcohol to bring down her temperature.
She had no idea about that; she thought it was just a fever shot. She didn't expect it to be like this.
"Call me if you need anything. I'll be right outside," Alexander called from the bathroom door.
Victoria didn't feel like responding to him at the moment.
In the following days, Alexander stayed home with her.
The cast on her leg was removed, but she still couldn't put weight on it.
Wherever she went, Alexander carried her.
Both of them worked at home.
One day, Wesley came by to deliver some documents.
The first time he came here, he was stunned. He never thought he would get to see the legendary Serenity Grove Manor in his lifetime.
It totally blew his mind about what wealth really meant. This entire mountain was Alexander's private property. It was shocking. This wasn't just about money; it required power as well.
Wesley said, "Ms. Kennedy, these are the documents that need your signature today. I've sent the rest to your email."
Victoria replied, "Got it."
Wesley added, "Also, during the week you were away from the company, the Kennedy family sent someone to look for you."
Victoria, while signing the documents, said, "From now on, anything related to the Kennedy family has nothing to do with me. Ignore them."
Wesley responded, "Got it."
Victoria added, "By the way, you don't need to bring documents tomorrow. I won't be here."
Wesley replied, "Okay."