Chapter 307 Suffered Twice
Victoria had been dropping by Vertex Holdings Group almost every day lately. After lunch, Alexander headed off to another meeting, leaving her alone in his office.
Just then, Dylan knocked and walked in.
"Mrs. Howard, the test results are in," he said, handing her the documents he had just picked up.
Victoria took them and quickly opened them. It was a DNA test report for Simon and Kaitlyn's son, Mario Jordan. The genetic match was 99.99%, confirming the parent-child relationship. On the other hand, another DNA test report for Kaitlyn's husband, Lorenzo Smith, and Mario showed no genetic match at all.
Victoria looked up at Dylan. "By the way, have Christopher and Clara been in touch recently?"
"Not at the moment," Dylan replied.
Victoria thought for a second. "Alright, that's all. You can go now."
"Okay, Mrs. Howard," Dylan said.
Dylan had just stepped out when Victoria called him back. "Dylan, hold on a sec."
Dylan turned back. "Yes, Mrs. Howard?"
"Set up a meeting with Christopher for me, in my name. I need to see him soon," Victoria instructed.
Dylan was a bit taken aback but then nodded. "Sure, I'll get on it right away."
After he left, Victoria fell into deep thought.
An hour later, at a café next to the CBD building, Christopher sat down and looked around the open café with its transparent glass walls. Then he turned back, raised an eyebrow, and looked curiously at the stunning Victoria sitting across from him.
"Ms. Kennedy, aren't you worried about being seen with me in a place like this?" Christopher asked, curious.
Victoria smiled slightly. "This is how normal people set up meetings."
Her words subtly mocked his previous secretive meetings with Clara, showing she didn't need to hide; she could meet him openly.
"Are you saying I'm not normal?" Christopher asked.
Victoria glanced at him, as if to say, "You're very perceptive!"
Victoria wasn't here for small talk, and they had no past to reminisce about.
"How did you find that information?" Victoria asked, getting straight to the point.
Christopher was a bit surprised by her directness. Victoria always played by her own rules.
"Ms. Kennedy, why should I tell you?" he asked.
Christopher didn't think he would gain anything by telling her.
Victoria stayed calm, her bright eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief and an enigmatic smile.
She clearly understood his implication.
She crossed her legs and leaned back in her chair, her arms casually resting on the armrests. Then she straightened up and leaned slightly forward.
Her eyes, with an ambiguous smile, swept over Christopher. For a moment, Christopher saw a glimpse of Alexander in her.
She smirked, her voice dripping with lazy confidence and authority. "The benefit is, I can let you live a few more years."
Christopher frowned. What did she mean?
Victoria was the only woman who dared to speak to him in such an arrogant and domineering tone.
Yet, he found it not annoying at all. In fact, it suited her temperament and was somewhat attractive.
She was indeed a rare gem among women. No wonder even someone as cold and unfeeling as Alexander was drawn to her.
Suddenly, Christopher chuckled and asked, "Really? Could you please tell me how you can do that?"
Victoria didn't answer right away. Instead, she leisurely picked up her cup of cappuccino, took a sip, and savored it like she was really there just for the coffee.
Christopher glanced at the empty table in front of him. "Your meeting arrangements are quite underwhelming."
Victoria gently raised her eyes, peering at Christopher over the rim of her cup. Then, as she set it down, she said slowly, "Who do you think you are? Do you really think I'd invite someone who's constantly plotting against my husband for coffee? Ever heard the saying, 'Hypocrisy corrodes the soul'? If not, you can look it up."
With that, she made it clear she wasn't here to play nice or flatter him. She wanted an open and honest conversation.
Christopher was momentarily speechless. Before he could respond, Victoria's voice cut through the silence again.
"Do you know Lorenzo?" she asked.
Christopher's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise, and his brows furrowed slightly.
With just one look, Victoria caught the fleeting unease and shock in Christopher's eyes.
As Christopher raised his eyes, his sharp gaze locked onto Victoria.
Victoria met his gaze with calm indifference, her delicate face full of defiance. Her confidence and arrogance were unrestrained. The more she acted this way, the more uncertain Christopher felt. However, he didn't think anyone would know about his dealings with Lorenzo.
Victoria seemed to read his thoughts and kindly reminded him, "Nothing stays hidden forever." She added with a slight smile, "Especially when money is involved."
Christopher's heart skipped a beat. As his face darkened bit by bit, Victoria's smile deepened. The more he tried to stay calm, the more he couldn't. If he didn't speak, she would, and she would do so with a smile.
"So, is my offer good enough for you to trade?" she asked.
Her voice was both cold and provocative, with a deliberately lowered and elongated tone, giving it a nuanced meaning. If it weren't Christopher, he might have already lost his composure. But Christopher wasn't much better off.
"Why should I believe you?" he asked.
"Believe it or not. It doesn't matter to me," Victoria replied.
Before she could finish her sentence, Christopher's face darkened visibly, so she stopped. Christopher looked at her with a tight jaw, warning her in a low voice, "Shut up!"
Five minutes later, Victoria walked out of the café, looking calm and relaxed, and headed towards Vertex Holdings Group, just a street away. While Victoria appeared carefree, Christopher was fuming. His anger and coldness were palpable from dozens of feet away. He never thought he would be blackmailed by Victoria, and so thoroughly that he had no chance to resist. He had miscalculated the first time, and this time he was outmaneuvered because of it! He had suffered twice at the hands of Victoria and Alexander.
Victoria walked towards Vertex Holdings Group but didn't go up. Instead, she turned to the underground parking lot.
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