"What are you arguing about that your voices can be heard downstairs?!" Rosalee walked in and scolded them both. "Mom, Victoria-" "Emberly, your father just got home. Don't let this fight upset him!" she snapped at Emberly, who was about to complain. "And you, Victoria, you're older. Don't yell back at your sister. Solve your problems with maturity!" Rosalee took turns blaming everything on Victoria. "I just got home too, and want to rest. Please tell your daughter to come out now, and she can continue this drama tomorrow." Victoria replied to Rosalee, blaming Emberly for starting this fight. "You only have to answer to me, Victoria!" retorted Emberly irritably. "Emberly, get out now!" Rosalee, who had no more power to corner Victoria, relented and ordered her daughter out. Since her mother said it, Emberly couldn't argue anymore. However, the glare in those piercing eyes could not lie about her frustration that was still mounting. She exited, followed by Rosalee,
"What nonsense are you talking about, Alden?" asked Emberly, increasingly confused. "No way! It would be more likely if she were also in a relationship with another man. And that would be Maverick Hurlington, I'm sure, because he-" "She only took the earrings that he found. That's why she went there!" Alden cut in. "You believe that ridiculous reason, especially a cold man like Maverick Hurlington?!" snapped Emberly irritably, finding Alden's answer ridiculous. "I believe because it's a piece of jewelry her mother left her, but I wouldn't expect him to take an interest in Victoria." "While he's being set up with you," he muttered. "What?! What do you mean I will be set up with Maverick Hurlington?!" Emberly, who heard it, asked in a high tone. "I heard it from Victoria herself when we were on our date yesterday. She already knew about your and Maverick Hurlington's engagement plan, Emberly. That's why she has changed lately, and she is not jealous of you anymore." Alde
"Welcome home, Brother." Maverick frowned, displeased, when he found his sister in the living room right after getting home. He turned to look at the butler, who was taking his bag and coat. "Why is that little brat here, Shenan?" "Come on, don't blame Shenan too much. I came by myself. Why am I being treated like a stranger anyway?" Karina argued, defending the butler's lady while grumbling in protest at her brother's attitude. "I came here because I was hungry." "You think my house is a food warehouse?" Maverick said irritably as he stepped towards the sofa and sat down to join Karina. Despite his annoyance, he didn't shoo her away again. Maverick knew that Karina had come for a reason, so he settled the matter before going to bed and falling asleep without interruption. "Quickly tell me what you want." "I wanna know, could it be that you are interested in Victoria, Brother?" asked Karina with a severe tone and face. "Why do you ask?" Maverick threw back the question.
Though wondering, Victoria replied, "I don't care how my family's image is. All I want is for those two traitors to get what they deserve." "Don't worry, I won't back down just because of my family," she continued. Victoria pushed that ridiculous thought aside, trying to give herself a suggestion. Their relationship was nothing more than a contract that would end when their goals were achieved. Someone like Maverick Hurlington couldn't have such feelings. "You might think that, but your father would not. Instead, he will protect the Agriche name that he is proud of. Wouldn't he?" She was silent, not denying what Maverick said. It was true, especially since Emberly was his favorite daughter, even though there was no blood relationship between them. "At least the stigma will still be attached to them," Victoria replied quietly. Deep down, there was a long-held disappointment. However, Victoria again chose not to care about it but to focus on her goal. "So, what do yo
"Y-you figured it out already?" Karina asked, surprised. Victoria nodded as she removed her hands from Karina's. Through her words, she should not have doubted Karina anymore, even from the beginning. Her demeanor showed innocence, making it clear that Karina was just a cute and clumsy young woman. "Yes, I've known since Emberly's birthday party. I saw the two of them in the hotel room." Karina gasped at that. Victoria smiled a small smile, showing a calm demeanor. However, although it did not show any signs that her heart was hurt, it brought back painful memories that would never disappear. She just tried not to get too emotional, which made people pity her. "How did you hold it in all this time?" asked Karina with amazement. Victoria refrained from telling Karina about her revenge plan. Although she had reduced the distance between them, it didn't mean she trusted her completely. For now, Victoria is only removing her suspicion from Karina. But without realizing it,
"Mr. Hurlington, he is Mr. Alessandro, the director of Alessandro's company, that you must know. He is my business partner and my friend as well." Victoria immediately introduced Gustav, especially her relationship with him, to Maverick to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. "Forgive me for my impoliteness, Mr. Hurlington. I am Gustav Alessandro, owner of the GV brand and best friend of Tori." Gustav extended a hand and again emphasized their relationship, leaving Victoria speechless. "Maverick Hurlington." Maverick returned the handshake while introducing himself briefly. They shook hands for a long time without breaking eye contact, as if there was a conversation that only they heard. Victoria unconsciously felt the atmosphere become a little tense due to their hostility. What exactly was the matter that these two seemed to hate each other at their first meeting? "Victoria!" Another audible voice finally distracted the two. Victoria turned her head towards the directi
"Tori, you're not acting like someone who doesn't know anything. I've heard that that arrogant man helped you once, but are you both really that close?" Victoria, eating a piece of tart, stopped chewing and looked at Gustav, who was staring at her suspiciously. Maverick's attitude towards her seemed to indicate that there was something between them that made Gustav suspicious. Victoria had no intention of hiding it but would tell him. However, this place was not suitable to talk about it. "Am I supposed to keep my distance and act like I don't know the people who helped me, Gustav?" asked Victoria, stopping to watch her family, who were still with Maverick. "I'm sure you have something to hide, Tori." Gustav's stubbornness narrowed Victoria's eyes, signaling Gustav to stop talking about it now. Then she denied, "I don't feel close to him. It's just a friendly exchange." Fortunately, Gustav stopped there after understanding her sign. They continued chatting about other topi
"Dad, I need to go to the toilet for a minute." Emberly, who couldn't stand this conversation, looked for an excuse to leave when she saw where Alden was. "Go on," Petter said with permission as he glanced at her briefly. Emberly smiled politely at Maverick. "Then, excuse me." As soon as she got permission, Emberly left immediately, but she didn't go to the toilet. Instead approached Alden. As is customary, she signaled to him for them to meet outside. After being in the small room by herself, the smile and expression she had been maintaining finally crumbled. Emberly slammed her bag on the floor and screamed in frustration until she was out of breath. Her clothes and hair became a mess. Alden soon arrived and saw how the woman looked. "Hey, hey, what's wrong? What about your engagement plan? It fell through, right?" Alden gives her a few questions. "He didn't want to set me up but sold me to that arrogant man!" Emberly snapped out with emotion mixed with tears fil