Departure with a Belly (Alaric and Victoria)

Chapter 79

Even though Bane had mentally prepared himself, he did not expect a

full–out punch from Alaric at all. Alaric did not see who the victim was as

he yanked Victoria to his back. Lowering his head, he silenced her with a

cold and warning gaze.

It was as if he was questioning, “Are you out of your mind? Why didn’t you

push him away?”

Bane clucked his tongue and wiped off the streak of blood before looking

at Alaric with a smirk. “Is this my welcome gift? Wow. I don’t think this is

right, Alaric.”

The familiar voice stunned Alaric. Only then did he shift his gaze from

Victoria to Bane, meeting the man’s gaze. Awkwardness filled the air.

It took Alaric a moment to regain his composure. He gazed at Bane and

said indifferently, “You’re back.”

Chapter 79 Resentment Took Root in Her Heart

Bane took out his handkerchief to wipe the blood off his hand elegantly.

“Seems like someone’s not happy to see me.”

Alaric pursed his lips as his gaze spoke of condemnation. “What were you

doing just now?”

Nonchalantly, Bane glanced at Victoria’s face before refocusing on Alaric

with a smile. “I was asking Victoria if she wants to know how you will react

upon seeing us hugging.”

**

Alaric fell into silence, and the cold air around him subsided. So, it’s to

check my reaction. I thought Bane had feelings for…

“Tsk, tsk, I didn’t expect you to overreact.” Bane raised a brow.

Alaric only scoffed and didn’t make any comments. He held Victoria’s

hand while talking to Bane. “When did you come back? Why didn’t you tell

me?”

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Chapter 79 Resentment Took Root in Her Heart

Bane looked at the duo’s hands and smiled. “I took the morning flight. I

landed around noon.”

Hearing that, Victoria somehow recalled the black vehicle at the company

and that scorching gaze that almost penetrated her this afternoon. As an

afterthought, she looked at Bane, who was staring at her as well.

Alaric did not notice, for his attention was solely focused on her small

hand. He thought he was holding a wisp of marshmallow due to the soft

and smooth sensation.

They rarely spent time together nowadays, so he did not have the chance

to hold her hand. Now that he had the opportunity to do so, he realized

how much he had been missing it.

Next, he even laced his fingers with Victoria’s forcefully, causing her to look

at him with a frown. He said, “It’s getting late. Not a time for a welcome

party. How about tomorrow?”

Chapter 79 Resentment Took Root in Her Heart

3

“Sure.” Bane nodded. “Catch up tomorrow. Remember to call the gang

over.”

Alaric nodded. “Yeah. We’ll get going first.‘

”

“Bye.”

“Let’s go.” Holding Victoria’s hand, Alaric led the way out of the room.

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Once they were gone, the smile on Bane’s lips vanished. Coldly, he

cleaned the wound by his lips with a handkerchief before throwing it into a

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trash can nearby.

After the duo left the bar, something came into Victoria’s mind. “Where’s

Yasmin?”

We came together but she went to call for help when I was meeting Bane.

She said she would wait. I wonder where she is right now.

Chapter 79 Resentment Took Root in Her Heart

“She left,” replied the man aloofly.

“She left on her own will?”

“What else? Do you think she would wait for you here? Do you know where

we are right now?” Alaric snapped.

Victoria was speechless. There he goes again. That parent–like scolding.

He’s always like this!

****

****

She freed herself from Alaric’s hand indignantly. “I know very well, but so

what? If I’m gone, Yasmin is the only person to take over my position, so, of

course, I have to accompany her to business dinners.”

“Did it have to be here?” Indifference filled his face.

“Yes.”

His brows knitted together. “What did you say?”

Chapter 79 Resentment Took Root in Her Heart

The ire from the encounter with Caleb had yet to dissipate. Caleb

disrespected Victoria because Alaric had been bringing Claudia to work

lately. She was affected by the rumors that were circulating amongst the

employees, saying that she was the abandoned one.

She knew that she should not bear resentment because she did not have

the right to do so. In fact, she owed him a debt of gratitude.

Not only did Alaric teach the bullies a lesson, but he also helped her father

without her knowledge. He even gave her the chance to learn and grow

by inducting her into the company.

She should be grateful, but for some reason, resentment took root in her

heart. Shrouded by darkness, jealousy sprouted and flourished rapidly.

Victoria was aware that she shouldn’t feel this way, hence the suppression

and self–restraint. She tried to look at Alaric and Claudia in a positive way

because they had helped her.

Chapter 79 Resentment Took Root in Her Heart

However, whenever she woke up from her dreams on those quiet nights,

she recalled those weird gazes she received at work. Thoughts then

began whirring in her mind.

Why? Just why? It’s only until Grandma’s surgery is over. It won’t take long

but why does he have to bring Claudia to work right now and put me on

everyone’s lips?

Why did I have to fall for him out of all? Things would have been better if I

didn’t fall for him.

Needless to say, Alaric did not have an inkling of her thoughts at all. All he

knew was she was standing there in a daze with reddened eyes. It was

then that he realized how fierce he was just now.

But if I don’t reprimand her, she won’t know how evil the world is. What if

the person she met tonight wasn’t Bane but a stranger? What would have

happened if I didn’t pick up Yasmin’s call? The situation would have been

bad.

Chapter 79 Resentment Took Root in Her Heart

He softened his voice. “Didn’t I tell you to pick a better location for business

dinners? If the other party doesn’t agree, you don’t have to meet them.

You’re Mrs. Cadogan. No one can pressure you.”

Victoria laughed at that. “Mrs. Cadogan? No one can pressure me? What

will happen once I lose that title?”

He was riveted at the spot, and she looked at him while saying softly, “How Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

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will they perceive me if they find out that it’s a fake marriage?”

The Selwyn Family had long been bankrupt, consigning her to nil. For the

past two years, she gave her all in work in an attempt to prove that she

didn’t gain respect from others by virtue of her title of Mrs. Cadogan.

Even after all her effort, it turned out that she would still be nothing without

that title.