Chapter 256 The Farewell
"Victoria wouldn't have agreed to marry Alexander if she had no intention of being with him," Edward resumed their conversation, his words hanging in the air as Isabella sat down.
"What if she has regrets?" Benjamin queried, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.
"Well..."
Alexander, cradling the ring she had slipped onto his finger, cut the discussion short. "That would mean I am useless."
Isabella, seated next to Alexander, listened as he diminished himself for another woman. In a soft voice, she reassured him, "If you're useless, then there are no capable men in this world. Don't underestimate yourself."
---
The following morning, Victoria sat down to breakfast with Joe. As she browsed the morning news, a particular photo caught her eye. It was of Alexander, surrounded by his close friends, and Isabella, who was pouring wine.
The group hadn't left the club that night, leading to a flurry of speculation in the comments section. The new owner of Harrington Company and his childhood sweetheart were the talk of the town...
Joe, having seen the news earlier, knew that Victoria had also come across it. He advised her, "These media outlets are merely crafting sensational stories to draw attention. If you take them seriously, you'll fall into their trap."
Victoria glanced at Joe and set her phone down. "You seem to have a lot of faith in your boss."
"Mr. Harrington is my mentor. He has guided me since I joined the company, and we share a strong and reliable friendship," Joe said.
Victoria nodded, a hint of envy in her eyes for their steadfast friendship.
"That's why he didn't hesitate when I suggested bringing you along on a business trip," Joe continued.
"..."
Victoria smiled at his words, her gaze dropping. What was she doing? Feeling jealous? She had left and vowed never to return. What right did she have to feel this way? She had no claim over him, not before and certainly not now. She needed to focus on her new life, to stop thinking about him.
They were lodged in the country's finest hotel, a blend of antiquity and Western elegance. A stunning lake sprawled out beyond the window, captivating her.
Three days later, their business matters concluded, Joe knocked on Victoria's door. Victoria, not one to leave without a proper farewell, invited him in. Her luggage was packed and ready, prompting Joe to step forward and offer help.
"Joe, I have a favor to ask of you," Victoria said.
"Of course, it's a gentleman's duty." Joe she was referring to carrying the luggage.
"I need you to deliver this document to Mr. Harrington for his signature," Victoria clarified. She turned to the coffee table, picked up a prepared document bag, and handed it to Joe.
Joe frowned, puzzled. "Aren't you the one who usually handles Mr. Harrington's paperwork?"
"I am planning to stay here for a while," Victoria replied.
"Stay here for a while?" Joe echoed, skepticism creeping into his voice.
"Yes, this city has been my home for over ten years, and I haven't visited my homeland in years. I want to stay here for a while," Victoria explained calmly.
"......"
A sense of unease washed over Joe. He glanced at the document in his hand and asked, "Is this a divorce agreement?"
"Just help me deliver it to Alexander, thank you," she replied.
"If it's a divorce agreement, he might get angry," Joe warned.
Victoria pondered his words, acknowledging that Alexander's temper could indeed flare. She added, "Then, please deliver a message to him as well."
"What message?"
"We were lucky to have met each other," she said.
Joe's flight was scheduled for ten the next morning.
And so, Victoria bade farewell to Alexander.