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
"When are you going to hold Emberly and Maverick's engagement ceremony?" asked Victoria amid their breakfast. "Should I help with the preparations?" The following day, right after the ceremony, word quickly spread overnight. The journalists cleverly seized the opportunity. All the major media companies in the country compactly published the news of Maverick and Emberly's matchmaking. Although there was no direct confirmation, they attributed it to the two conglomerates' seemingly close interactions. "No need. You focus on your thesis to get it done faster. Your and Alden's wedding will be held as soon as you graduate." Victoria is no longer against what Petter said. She glanced at Emberly, who seemed to be smiling haughtily. Though a few days ago, her now beautiful smiling face was so upset. She more than knew the reason behind her smile. 'Unfortunately, you won't get what you want, Emberly.' Victoria returned the smile, making Emberly's smile disappear in an instant. Vi
"Ah, I'm sorry." Victoria immediately apologized, realizing her mistake. She then asked, "What are you doing here, Maverick?" Instead of answering, that man wipes Victoria's tear-drenched cheeks. He then took off his coat and draped it over Victoria's shoulders. Victoria could not help but be embarrassed at being caught crying in public, especially in front of Maverick. She awkwardly and stammeringly thanked him. "I just finished a meeting at this hotel. And you, where are you going?" he asked back. "I'm going to watch the theatre in that building. I get the tickets from the owner himself. He's one of my father's colleagues, and he just opened it." Victoria explained as she pointed to the building directly across from the Philadelbia Hotel. Maverick stared at the building and then turned to look at his secretary. "Jaxton, I think I'd like to see that theatre too. Find me a ticket." Hearing that, Victoria immediately interrupted, "Wait, if you want to watch it, I got t
Engagement day "What a wonderful event." "Of course, this is the engagement of the Agriche and Hurlington families." "Mr. Agriche, you're lucky to have two such good sons-in-law from such worthy families." Petter seemed very proud of all the comments made by his colleagues present. Of course, they vied to flatter him because this engagement resulted in a profitable cooperation. After all, this is a union between the three prominent families, the country's most successful and influential business owners. "For an Emberly engagement event, it's quite grand." Alden made his comment to Victoria, who stood beside him. Victoria took a slow sip of her champagne and smiled in response to Alden's comment. "Of course, Father wants everyone to know about their relationship. I wonder how the wedding will go. You don't mind if it might be even grander than our wedding, Alden?" "I don't think that's going to happen," he laughed softly. Victoria laughed along with him at this r