Chapter 255 In What Capacity Are You Asking Me?
Lila kicked Owen's shin and shot him a look. "Do I look scary?"
Owen grinned. "Not scary, stunning. Better?"
Lila brushed it off. She had bigger fish to fry today. "Do you have Alexander's medical report?"
Owen went quiet. Alexander had seen this coming.
Owen adjusted his glasses with a finger and asked, "Why do you need it?"
Lila, not missing a beat, said briefly, "It's important."
Owen stayed calm. "That's private. Without his okay, I can't share it. Hospital rules. Patient privacy is a big deal for me as a doctor."
Lila was a bit thrown. "But you're the director!"
Meaning, Owen ran the place. Who else had the power?
Owen nodded. "Exactly. I have to set the example." He leaned in, smiling. "Otherwise, why would anyone else follow the rules?"
Lila was stumped. Before she could think of a comeback, Owen added softly, "And In what capacity are you asking me?? His girlfriend? That's not enough. If you were..."
Lila's eyes sparkled. "If I were what?"
Owen's lips curled into a smile. "If you were my wife, you'd have access to the records."
Lila's face twisted in frustration. She glared at him, remembering last night, and let out a cold laugh.
"You're always trying to get me to marry you," she said, leaning closer. "It's not happening."
Lila liked Owen, sure, but she wasn't ready for marriage.
She often told Victoria she envied her marriage, but she wasn't ready to tie the knot. She had looks, money, everything she needed. Marriage could wait.
Owen wasn't mad. He smiled. "That's fine. I can wait for you to come around."
Sometimes Lila couldn't handle his smooth talk. How did he manage to be so charming and sneaky at the same time?
She shook her head, refocusing. She had a mission today.
"Okay, enough of that. What do I have to do to get the report? Another round of sex?" Lila said pointedly.
Owen, being a doctor, didn't mind. They were pretty open about it.
But this time, Owen just stood up. "No deal unless you agree to what I said."
"Why not this time?"
Owen explained, "Because this time, it's serious. One word from Alexander could shake up Stellaria. I'm not married to you yet, and I don't want to be in his crosshairs."
He was serious and seemed sincere. Any other girl might be moved, but Lila wasn't just any girl.
"Owen, are you obsessed with marriage?" Lila stood up, fuming.
Owen leaned in and kissed her lightly. "I can't help it; I really want to marry you," he said, adjusting his white coat.
Lila glared, her cheeks puffed up adorably.
Owen smiled, patting her head. She didn't move, just stared.
"Alright, go home. I have surgery and a meeting. I'll be late, so don't wait up." Owen grabbed a blue folder and left.
Lila sat back down, pulled out her phone, and called Victoria.
Victoria picked up quickly.
Lila let out a deep sigh. "Babe, it was a bust."
Victoria wasn't shocked.
Lila then launched into a detailed rant about her frustrating encounter with Owen.
After that, Victoria's eyebrow twitched. "Are you sure you're frustrated? Sounds more like you're bragging about your love life."
Lila went quiet.
Victoria asked, "What's the deal with you two?"
Lila was blunt. "He wants to get married, I don't."
Victoria rubbed her forehead.
After Owen left, he gave Alexander a heads-up about Lila's visit.
Only Alexander would pull a stunt like this without even having kids. He was just too in love with Victoria to let her face any threats.
Owen sighed, shook his head, and headed to the hospital's conference room.
After her call with Lila, Victoria saw a message from Marlowe.
Marlowe: [Victoria, know any good lawyers?]
Victoria replied right away: [Yeah, I'll have one reach out.]
Marlowe responded quickly as well: [Thanks.]
Victoria thought for a second and asked: [Divorce?]
Marlowe: [Yeah, I'm taking care of the baby myself.]
Victoria paused, then replied: [If you're sure, take care. If you need anything, reach out to me or Lila. Don't go through this alone.]
Honestly, none of them had the right to meddle in Marlowe and Grant's issues.
Victoria could only offer Marlowe the help she needed to stay safe.
Victoria was busy dealing with Alexander keeping secrets from her.
Soon, they arrived at Caspian Scott's birthday bash. Alexander was invited, so Victoria tagged along.
The party was in the grand ballroom of the Golden Crown Hotel.
Victoria wore a simple yet elegant champagne-colored off-shoulder gown, looking noble and graceful. But she was wrapped in Alexander's black coat, surrounded by his scent.
Alexander, as usual, was in a mature and stoic black suit, exuding a noble and steady vibe that made everyone around him feel a sense of awe.
This was their first time attending a banquet together. She held his strong arm as they walked into the hotel, drawing a lot of attention.
Inside, Alexander led her to greet Caspian.
Alexander said respectfully, "Mr. Scott, happy birthday."
Victoria followed with her own wishes.
Though Caspian was eighty, he looked energetic and laughed heartily. "Thank you." He then turned his sharp, intelligent eyes to Victoria. "Is this the beautiful and smart Victoria that Nathan often talks about?"
Few knew that Caspian and Nathan were old comrades and often met to play chess.
Victoria hadn't expected Nathan to mention her. She smiled gracefully and responded warmly, "It's an honor to be recognized by Nathan. He knew Alexander and I are coming and asked us to convey his birthday wishes to you. He hopes to continue playing chess with you, so he wishes you good health."
Caspian laughed kindly and sighed. "My chess skills can't compare to his. We've been playing for decades, and I haven't won many times."
Victoria smiled. "Nathan once told me you won three international chess championships and usually let him win."
Caspian's eyes sparkled with a kind smile and appreciation. Victoria was indeed smart and quick-witted.
As others came to greet them, Alexander led her to the lounge area, asking, "How come I don't remember grandpa telling you that?"
Alexander wrapped his arm around her waist and raised an eyebrow.
Victoria smiled, her eyes twinkling, and whispered, "I made it up."
Alexander chuckled and tapped her nose.
Victoria then explained, "Grandpa didn't tell me, but Lila mentioned it before, so I kept it in mind. Thought it came in handy."
At that moment, Caleb, Garrett, and Owen approached them.
Victoria greeted them.
Soon, there was a commotion at the entrance.