Chapter 193 Looking Up, Trying to Please
Unless, of course, he made the decision to alter them himself.
A handful of men on the first floor, who had been indulging in their drinks, were swiftly drawn to the clamor unfolding outside. Truth be told, they had been eagerly awaiting this spectacle.
Thus, they relocated their beverages to the living room, where they could enjoy a superior view through the expansive windows. There, the quartet of men observed their superior, a figure now familiar to them, carrying a woman who had recently entered their circle of acquaintance.
"Why must he be so brusque?" Edward Sinclair couldn't resist expressing his concern.
William Sullivan chuckled, "Well, a man must assert his dominance, right? But what about Isabella Montgomery?"
Apart from Sebastian Montague, both Edward Sinclair and Benjamin Beaumont gave him a stern look, with Benjamin suggesting, "It would be wise to observe more and speak less."
"What's happening?" William Sullivan couldn't suppress his bewilderment.
Edward Sinclair made his way toward the door, and the others trailed behind him.
"Alex."
Alexander Harrington was carrying Victoria Kensington toward the elevator when he heard his name called from afar. He turned around, still cradling her in his arms.
"We have sufficient material for a juicy tale to circulate in the gossip circles tomorrow," Edward Sinclair snapped a photo and waved.
Victoria Kensington, upon hearing the voices, turned her head and then, flushed with embarrassment, hastily covered her face.
This was sheer insanity, utter insanity.
What on earth was he thinking?
Alexander Harrington shot them a bland look before resuming his task of carrying Victoria Kensington toward the elevator.
The quartet of men remained stationed at the door, their gaze fixed on the pair.
"It seems we'll need to reconsider how we address her."
"Address her as what?" inquired William Sullivan.
"Remember to refer to her as your sister-in-law," Edward Sinclair advised gently.
William Sullivan could only gape in response...
Benjamin Beaumont chuckled at his naive expression and retreated back into the room.
Sebastian Montague also offered a thoughtful smile before following suit.
In truth, he too harbored hopes that Alexander Harrington would treat a woman with sincerity.
Alexander had consented to be with Isabella Montgomery during her pregnancy, under the impression that the child she was carrying was his.
Once they reached the upper floor, Alexander gently placed Victoria on the sofa in his residence. Her hair was disheveled, and she pushed against his shoulder in protest, "What are you doing?"
Without a moment's hesitation, Alexander seized her wrists, leaning in close, his dark eyes piercing hers as if he intended to gaze directly into her soul.
Victoria's breath hitched in her throat, and she dared not utter another word, feeling his icy breath draw closer.
"I just didn't want your ankle to swell," he whispered ambiguously into her ear.
Victoria blushed, turning to look at him. His eyes, as deep and dark as ink, remained fixed on her.
After a prolonged silence, he gently released her wrist and made his way to the kitchen.
Victoria sat stiffly on the sofa, a warmth spreading in her eyes.
Worried her ankle would swell? It was evident he was merely toying with her because she was defenseless.
The thought of being observed by so many, and furthermore...
He returned, bearing two glasses of red wine.
"Here," Alexander urged her to accept one.
Despite her reluctance, Victoria obediently took the glass.
Alexander Harrington finally settled beside her, lost in thought as he stared at the glass of red wine in his hand, gently swirling its contents.
Victoria Kensington caught a hint of alcohol on his breath. Had he already snuck a drink in the kitchen?
He turned to face her. "By this time tomorrow, virtually everyone will know you as Mrs. Harrington of Harrington Enterprises. Are you prepared?"
Victoria's eyes widened as she stared at him, rendered speechless.
After leisurely savoring his wine, Alexander placed the empty glass on his lips, said nothing further, and rose to depart.
"Wait."
Victoria Kensington immediately grasped his wrist, looking up at him with a pleading expression.