Chapter 458 Her Deliberate Provocation
"Ms. Windsor, what brings you here?" Victoria was genuinely surprised by Waverly's arrival. With a polite smile, she said, "I'm afraid my husband isn't here. If you're looking for him, you'll need to schedule another time."
As luck would have it, Alexander had indeed just left.
Waverly maintained her characteristic elegance and replied with a graceful smile, "Ms. Kennedy, I'm here to see you."
Victoria raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"
Waverly stepped forward and seated herself on the sofa opposite Victoria. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, maintaining her poised demeanor.
"Ms. Kennedy, I'll get straight to the point. I believe you're not one for beating around the bush either," she stated directly.
Victoria's lips curved into a slight smile, but she remained silent, her eyes conveying that she was waiting for Waverly to continue.
Waverly didn't waste time. "I understand you and Alexander have officially married, but I don't believe you're right for each other."
Victoria found this to be the most amusing thing she'd heard all year.
With a laugh, she responded, "You're the first person to say that to me this year."
She then countered, "In what capacity are you making such a statement, Ms. Windsor?"
"As a friend? Frankly, you don't qualify as a friend to either of us."
"Or perhaps as Alexander's former classmate whom he's met once? If so, that's even less significant—how are you any different from a stranger? Do you honestly believe we would separate because of your opinion?"
Victoria's three pointed questions left Waverly momentarily speechless. She had effectively shut down any argument.
Yet Waverly had come specifically to inform Victoria that she had her sights set on Alexander, and that if Victoria were sensible, she would step aside.
"Ms. Kennedy, given Alexander's status, what do you bring to match him?" Waverly regained her composure and continued, "From what I've gathered, your family background is quite... chaotic."
Her research had revealed that Victoria grew up in a broken home and had been involved in various controversies. Even if Victoria had acquired impressive credentials later in life, how could someone of her background possibly be worthy of someone as distinguished as Alexander?
Victoria narrowed her eyes, catching the contempt in Waverly's gaze.
With a cold laugh, she replied airily, "I don't need anything to 'match' him. Being myself is enough."
Confidence radiated from her—confidence born of self-assurance and trust.
With a sardonic smile, she added, "I must say, Ms. Windsor, you've surprised me today. It seems the etiquette of Presidential Palace socialites isn't what it's made out to be."
Waverly's carefully maintained facade of elegance instantly vanished.
"Ms. Windsor, since you've investigated me, you should know my principle: I don't offend others unless they offend me first. So..."
She left the sentence unfinished, but her warning was unmistakable.
Waverly had come to intimidate Victoria, but instead found herself on the receiving end of a warning.
As confident as Waverly had been upon arrival, she left in an equally foul mood.
Winter and the others entered only after Waverly's departure.
"Victoria, what did Waverly want?" Winter asked.
Victoria's expression darkened. "She came to irritate me."
Winter and Kimberly exchanged glances, noting Victoria's sour mood.
Victoria truly hadn't expected Waverly's audacity. Who had given her such courage and entitlement?
Alexander returned with Grant and Owen. The three had barely settled when Marlowe arrived unexpectedly.
Marlowe was completely unprepared to encounter Grant in Victoria's hospital room.
The moment their eyes met, she froze in shock.
Grant was equally stunned, especially when he noticed her pregnant belly. Seeing it in person was entirely different from merely hearing about it.
Marlowe immediately turned to leave.
Before anyone could react, Grant sprang from the sofa and rushed after her.
Elliot had just finished taking a call and hadn't accompanied her inside. As he hung up, he saw her hurrying out, visibly distressed.
"Marlowe, what's wrong?" He quickly stepped forward to steady her, fearing she might fall.
"Let's go, quickly," Marlowe urged, too panicked to explain as she tugged at him.
When Grant emerged, he witnessed this scene—her pulling at another man's arm.
Fury instantly filled his eyes.
He strode forward and grabbed her hand, initially intending to pull her into his arms. Then, remembering her pregnant state, he restrained himself.
Marlowe startled at his touch.
"Marlowe, why are you running away?" His familiar voice sent waves of anxiety through her.
Her heart raced with panic. If Grant discovered she was carrying his child, he would surely demand she terminate the pregnancy. She couldn't let him know the baby was his.
Forcing herself to remain calm, she swallowed hard, still clutching Elliot's clothes for support—a detail Grant didn't miss.
He had caught her initial reaction upon seeing him—the fear and panic in her eyes.
Yet now she was clinging to another man.
His emotions were indescribable, a crushing pressure in his chest.
Having finally found her, he could only bottle up his emotions.
"Mr. Scott, it's been ages. Something I can help you with?" Marlowe asked, feigning casualness.
She shot him a sidelong glance, steeling herself against the anxiety rising within.
Grant's brow furrowed, his expression darkening.
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