Chapter 192 Spend the Night Here
The elder members of the Kensington family were acutely aware of Victoria Kensington's enduring fondness for Alexander. However, they were left in the dark regarding whether Mr. Harrington still harbored any affection for his wife.
Arabella Harrington, in her maternal wisdom, couldn't help but consider that if her son remained oblivious to the woman who truly loved him, he would be nothing short of a fool.
After dinner, as she strolled back to the car in solitude, she seized the moment to inquire, "Does it hurt? Where did Grandfather strike you?"
"Do you wish to inspect?" Alex Harrington responded, his curiosity piqued.
Victoria Kensington's heart skipped a beat as their eyes locked. She hastily averted her gaze, a blush creeping up her cheeks, and stammered, "How can you still be spanked by Grandpa at your age?"
"No matter my age, I remain his grandson," Alex retorted, a note of helplessness in his voice.
"You could've evaded it, though," she argued.
"And risk giving him an aneurysm from anger?" Alex countered.
Every individual has someone they both fear and respect in their lifetime. For someone as privileged as Alex Harrington, this was no exception.
Victoria pondered over the unpredictability of Mr. Harrington Sr.'s blood pressure, and a wave of helplessness washed over her. She nervously fiddled with her fingers, hoping that Alex wouldn't have to bear any more spankings in the future. The thought of his shoulders bearing the brunt of the blows pained her, and her heart ached in empathy.
Upon realizing her burgeoning feelings, Victoria tightened her grip on her fingers. However, before long, her hand was gently taken and placed atop a sturdy thigh. She inadvertently glanced down, finding herself unable to retract her hand.
A warmth flooded her eyes. At the red light, he paused and turned to her, his voice a soft whisper, "Grandpa was merely defending you. You've always felt wronged. Shouldn't you be pleased he took it out on me?"
Victoria couldn't help but raise her eyes to meet his. How could she be happy at the thought of him being struck?
"Our family never resorts to violence," Victoria murmured, casting her gaze downwards once more.
"You simply don't recall. Your father used to receive the same treatment from your grandfather when you were a child."
Victoria turned to him, her brows furrowed in confusion. How did he know?
"We lived in close proximity back then. You were too young to remember."
"You remember?" she questioned.
"Yes." He even remembered her as an infant in her pram, but he chose to withhold that information for the time being.
"It's only because you were a girl that you were spared. Ask Edward Sinclair or even that William Sullivan lad. He's still receiving his fair share," Alex continued.
Silence enveloped them as the car roared back to life, his hand still enveloping hers. Victoria Kensington couldn't resist stealing another glance at him, suppressing a chuckle. Was he forgetting that he was still on the receiving end of the blows while jesting about others being punished?
By a stroke of luck, he turned his gaze in her direction. Their eyes met, causing her heart to pound against her ribcage, and she quickly averted her gaze to stare out the window.
It wasn't until they arrived at 'Regal Retreat' that she was jolted back to reality. With her nerves fluttering like a hummingbird's wings, she blurted out, "I don't wish to go inside."
Alexander Harrington cast her a glance, but the car continued its journey towards the entrance.
"I can just get out here and hail a cab home," she hastily explained, believing her message to be crystal clear.
"Why don't you stay here tonight? I wouldn't feel at ease with you being alone," he suggested calmly, steering the car towards their building.
Victoria Kensington found herself struggling to breathe.
What did he mean he wouldn't feel comfortable with her being alone? And now she was expected to stay here?
The place was teeming with people. With a newfound determination, she wrenched her hand free from his, "Alexander Harrington, I've told you I wish to return home."
He felt a twinge of loss as her soft hand slipped from his, but he remained silent. Once he had spoken, his words were not subject to change.
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