Chapter 167 Dining Alone for the First Time
In stark contrast to his calm composure, Victoria was a tightly wound coil of tension and anxiety. Yet, she managed to muster the courage to speak.
"Where might you be heading, Mr. Harrington? Perhaps Hughes could drive you first," she suggested, careful not to reveal her own destination.
Alexander Harrington responded with a gentle smile, closing his file and turning his gaze towards her. His dark, penetrating eyes were filled with an irresistible force that made her avert her gaze.
"Let's have a meal outside before we part ways," he suggested, reopening his file and resuming his reading.
Dine outside?
Victoria turned to him, her voice filled with surprise, "Are you inviting me to dinner, Mr. Harrington?"
"No, it's Hughes I'm inviting," Alexander replied, his tone nonchalant.
"I still have to return to the Harrington Family Estate after dropping you both off. You two go ahead," Hughes interjected quickly.
Alexander raised an eyebrow at this, a hint of amusement playing on his features. Hughes had referred to them as a pair.
The car soon pulled up to the Harrington Company Hotel, and Victoria found herself frozen in place. Perhaps her feet were staging a silent protest.
After a long day, all Victoria Kensington craved was the comfort of her home and a pair of cozy slippers. Yet, she found herself being coaxed into another detour at the hotel.
A heads up about dinner would have been appreciated. Caught unawares, she was still dressed in her now slightly creased business suit.
"Hmm?" A sudden nudge on her shoulder startled her. She turned reflexively to find Alexander Harrington leaning in close, his presence overwhelming.
"What's the matter?" Victoria asked, a hint of tension in her voice.
"Time to disembark," Alexander reminded her.
Jolted back to reality, Victoria quickly stepped out of the car. But why had he chosen to exit on her side?
"Mr. Alexander, Mrs. Harrington, I'll take my leave now. Enjoy your meal," Hughes said cheerfully, waiting by the car.
"Mm-hm."
"Drive safe, Hughes." Victoria's warmth was a stark contrast to Alexander's curt nod.
With a jovial wave, Hughes drove off. Then, without any warning, Alexander took Victoria's hand. "Let's go."
"Boss, Miss Kensington," the staff greeted them reverently at the entrance.
Stopping in his tracks, Alexander corrected him, still casually holding her hand, "She's not Miss Kensington."
The employee looked confused, glancing between him and Victoria. Everyone knew her as Miss Kensington. Miss Montgomery was no stranger either.
"She's the hotel's own—"
"He's had a bit too much," Victoria interjected, her hand over his mouth, releasing a faint, unfamiliar scent. She forced a smile at the employee while stifling Alexander's words.
Alexander looked down at her, his brow furrowed in annoyance. It had been a long time since she'd laughed so freely with him.
After her quick interruption, she nudged Alexander to proceed inside. To an outsider, they might have appeared as a couple engaged in playful banter.
Only after crossing the threshold did Victoria let go of him, awkwardly wiping her hands on her skirt.
Alexander, a sharp glint in his eyes, called out in a low voice, "Victoria."
"Hmm?"
"What was that all about?"
Was his breath that offensive?
"Mr. Harrington, what were you trying to do? What were you about to say?" she asked.
"The truth," he replied tersely.
"The truth is, we can't rule out the possibility that the child Miss Montgomery is carrying isn't yours. You haven't cleared your name yet," she stated gravely.
"So, what's your point?" Alexander Harrington asked, furrowing his brows.
"I'd prefer you wait to announce me as your wife until after you've proven your innocence," Victoria Kensington retorted.
A mischievous smile crossed Alexander Harrington's face as he remembered her mentioning her intention to remarry, not wanting news of their marriage to scare off other potential suitors. He stood with his hands on his hips, leaning in close, his voice dropping to a whisper, "I want everyone to know right away that you are my wife, Victoria Harrington."
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