Chapter 4

Two Years Later...

Much had changed in these two years. Victória was living with her aunt and still searching for a job to start over.

Every day, she sent out résumés, but when she saw the time today, it was time to feed the kids.

Time, even if brief, had been kind to Victória. The helplessness and fragility she once felt had been replaced by an enormous willpower to make things happen. This growth only amplified her beauty.

Since being cast out of her home, she sought refuge with her mother’s family—specifically her aunt Valentina, the only remaining member of the Burdeos family.

A month after the ordeal, Victória discovered she was pregnant. Her first thought was to terminate the pregnancy, but after seeing two tiny shapes on the ultrasound, something inside her shifted.

She completed her education and, since becoming a mother, dedicated herself to giving her children the best life possible.

Victória entered the kitchen unhurriedly and began preparing breakfast. The children and her aunt were still asleep. While waiting for them to wake, she received a notification from a modeling agency: her résumé had been accepted, and she was to report at 9:00 a.m.

She couldn’t believe it—she finally had a job and could support her children and aunt.

Valentina emerged from her room, holding the hands of the twins.

"Vic, why are you up so early?"

Victória put down her phone and ran to hug her.

"Auntie, I got a job! I’ll finally have my own income."

"You got a job?" Surprise laced Valentina’s voice. "You’re not joking, are you?"

Victória shook her head and knelt to embrace her adorable twins.

Although the same age, Enzo was older than Lara by 15 minutes, making him the big brother. They had just turned one and could only say a few words, “Mama” being their favorite.

"I’ll feed them first. I have to leave for the office by 9!" Victória said, picking up Enzo and Lara.

She sat on the couch and began feeding them.

Victória had nursed them since birth. Formula milk was expensive, and she felt guilty about spending Valentina’s money. Fortunately, she still had plenty of milk, even a year later.

When she arrived at her destination, she stood in front of the Carson Group building, not realizing the agency was located there.

She then realized she might run into Jackson again—in the very building he owned and worked in. However, she desperately needed the job and the income. Summoning her courage, she entered the building, convincing herself that if she saw him, she could just leave.

She no longer had feelings for Jackson. Their story was in the past.

Upon entering the grand lobby, she pressed the elevator button. The design agency was on the eleventh floor, and she focused solely on that.

A commotion suddenly disrupted the building's routine. A group of well-dressed men appeared in the first-floor corridor without warning, heading straight in her direction.

Leading the group was none other than Jackson Carson himself.

His presence drew the attention of numerous women. After all, he embodied male perfection—the man every woman wished to have.

Victória had once been one of those women, but not anymore.

She knew she would never win his favor. Moreover, he still believed she had drugged him. All she wanted now was to stay far away from him.

Standing in the elevator with her gaze lowered, she was lost in memories of the past. Before the doors could close, a pair of black shoes stepped inside, and Jackson’s cologne filled the confined space.

Victória took a deep breath, her lungs overwhelmed by his scent.

Damn it, she needed to get out of there!

If she stayed any longer, he’d recognize her, trapping them in the same elevator—something she desperately wanted to avoid. But before she could step out, the doors shut completely.

Jackson’s gaze landed on her, his expression hardening.

"What are you doing here? What’s your scheme this time?" His voice was cold as winter.

She knew it. He still remembered her.

Victória didn’t know how to respond. Whatever she said, he wouldn’t believe her. Summoning a sudden wave of courage, she retorted:

"You think too highly of yourself! I’m not interested in you at all!"

Jackson’s eyes hardened at her words.

Clearly, Victória was the first person to ever speak to him like that. In his eyes, she was still the woman who had schemed against him two years ago.

Realizing her tone had been harsh, she decided to remain silent, standing rigidly, afraid to move.

On the other hand, Jackson took a deep breath to suppress the fury bubbling inside him. He wasn’t a man prone to holding grudges or making life difficult for women, but Victória was different.

She had drugged him.

And then slept with him.

And now, she had the audacity to appear before him, which naturally infuriated him.