[6]

Grace looked at Victoria with a sharp look that made the atmosphere in the room feel heavier than ever. “You didn't forget your duty, did you?” she asked.

Victoria tried to keep a calm expression as she stabbed at a piece of fruit on her plate. She couldn't afford to look nervous or suspicious, especially since she had secretly begun to investigate the effects of the medicine given to Logan.

“No, Auntie. I make sure Mr. Logan takes it regularly,” she replied in a flat tone.

Grace smiled slightly. “Good.” She leaned back, a little more relaxed than before. Those piercing eyes softened, but Victoria knew full well this woman never really let her guard down.

The conversation that followed was mostly about cooperative projects with the Dallas Corp-things that were too complicated and unfamiliar for Victoria. She felt she shouldn't be here, but Logan's cold, piercing blue gaze kept her from leaving the room.

“That medicine was very difficult for me to get,” Grace said, her voice slightly softened but stressed. “It's to help Logan recover faster. Usually, I ask Ben or Rosa to make sure he takes it. But I thought it would be better if his wife supervised.”

Victoria just smiled a little, reluctant to get further involved in this conversation.

“I didn't know your relationship had progressed this far,” Grace continued, shifting her chair closer to Victoria. The woman looked at her intensely, making Victoria feel uncomfortable.

“What do you mean, Aunt Grace?” asked Victoria finally, trying to distract herself.

“It's rare that Logan is receptive to new people,” Grace replied. “And you... quite surprised me.”

Victoria looked down, not knowing how to respond.

“But that's a good thing,” Grace rubbed Victoria's shoulder lightly, as if trying to provide comfort. “You don't need to feel anxious. I can count on you, right?”

“Making sure Mr. Logan takes his medicine?” Victoria asked cautiously.

Grace nodded steadily. “Of course. Because Logan really needs it, Victoria.” Her smile was wide, but there was something behind it that sent chills down Victoria's spine.

“I've contacted the hospital where Abigail is being treated,” Grace continued in a light but purposeful tone. “I think it would be best to transfer her care to the hospital I recommended. Do you agree?”

Victoria choked up. “I... I need to consult with Dr. Chris first. He's been taking care of Abby since the very beginning, and I can't make any arbitrary decisions. But I'm very grateful for your concern, Aunt Grace.”

Grace chuckled. “You should be, shouldn't you? You're part of this family now. Think of me as your mother-in-law.”

The conversation moved on to lighter topics, such as Grace's fashion sense and favorite beauty clinic. Victoria could only smile awkwardly, feeling like she was being interviewed for a role she never applied for.

After escorting Grace to the door, Victoria found Logan sitting at the end of the balcony. He was staring at her intensely from a distance, a gaze full of questions and perhaps, suspicion.

Logan turned his wheelchair around, gesturing for Victoria to follow him. Ben stood by the door, but he did not enter, only bowing respectfully as Victoria passed him.

Victoria followed Logan into a room she had never been in before. The room was filled with large bookshelves lining the walls, creating a warmer atmosphere than the rest of the house. Even so, the dominance of gray and white in the furniture still made the room feel cold.

“Sit down,” Logan ordered in a stern tone.

Victoria complied, sitting in front of a large marble desk filled with files and folders. She felt awkward, not knowing what to expect. Logan sat across from her, his blue eyes looking at her sharply, full of intensity.

“I decided to trust you,” Logan said finally.

Victoria was stunned. The words sounded simple, but behind them, she could sense a hidden warning.

Logan's declaration made Victoria lift her face, trying to understand the meaning behind the man's words. Logan's blue eyes stared at her sharply, like knives piercing into her soul. That gaze made Victoria feel like her body was rooted to the spot.

“You... serious?” she asked softly, her voice trembling slightly.

Instead of answering, Logan pushed a file across the table, pointing it at Victoria. The woman recognized the document - the report on the composition of the medicine she had been giving Logan on Grace's instructions. Her gaze shifted from the file to Logan, confused by what the man was trying to convey.

“What do you really want?” Logan finally spoke, his voice low but stressed. He leaned back against the wheelchair, arms folded across his chest. The man's aura exuded an authority that was hard to deny. “Speak clearly, Women. Because I see the potential for betrayal from you is great.”

Victoria paused, the words stabbing her deeper than she thought they would.

“Traitor?” she repeated, trying to digest the accusation. “You consider me a traitor just because I found out the composition of the medicine you've been taking?”

Logan didn't answer immediately, but his eyes remained on her, full of caution.

“Perhaps you feel I have no right to do so,” Victoria continued in a firmer voice. “But as a therapist, I was surprised by the change in your condition. Initially, you responded well to the therapy sessions, but after taking the medication, your condition worsened. Is it wrong to have thoughts like that?”

Logan remained silent, but there was something in the way he looked that suggested he was taking Victoria's every word seriously.

“It's not about the composition of the medicine,” Logan finally replied. "It's about your position. You work on my aunt's orders, don't you? You obey all her wishes. A while ago, it looked like you were trying to turn the tables, but now you seem to be very familiar with her. So, which one of you should I trust?”

Victoria held her breath, trying to keep her composure. She snorted softly before answering. “If you're referring to my discussion with Aunt Grace earlier, it's not a big secret. I'm just saying that I'll make sure you stay on your medication.”

Logan squinted. “What else did you talk to her about?”

“Not much,” Victoria replied matter-of-factly. “But she offered to transfer Abigail to the hospital she recommended.”

Logan leaned in slightly, his expression becoming sharper. “And you considered that?”

Victoria shook her head. “I haven't decided yet. It's too big a thing to decide without consulting the doctor who treated Abby in the first place.”

The tension in the room was thick. Logan finally let out a long breath, pulled another file from his bag, and handed it to Victoria.

“This is the new contract,” he said simply.

Victoria opened the document carefully, reading the bullet points. There were several additions to their original marriage agreement. One of the main points was Victoria's obligation to provide intensive therapy until Logan was able to walk again, at least within two months. That was crucial for Logan to attend the company's big meeting.

“Why is there a contract like this?” Victoria asked, looking at him confused.

“Because I don't want any space for uncertainty,” Logan replied firmly. “I need you, Victoria. And I'm willing to pay dearly for it.”

He pointed to another part of the contract. "As compensation, I will cover all of your daughter's medical expenses. No other hospitals, especially those associated with Grace. I will also make sure she gets the best supervision while in the hospital. If she needs to be transferred, it will only happen with my approval.”

Victoria was stunned. The offer was far greater than she had ever imagined.

“Are you... sure?” she asked quietly.

Logan smiled faintly, but there was a cynical tone in his voice. “Isn't that what you wanted? You started this game, Victoria. Now, when I offer a solution, you're asking about my beliefs?”

Victoria fell silent. In the man's presence, she felt like a small pawn on a large chessboard. But she knew the game wasn't over yet. She sighed softly, trying to contain the emotional turmoil raging in her chest. “It's not like that,” she said, looking up at Logan who sat in a dignified manner. “You're still doubting me, when I've risked so much, including Aunt Grace's trust.”

Logan showed no change of expression. His eyes remained sharp, as if trying to read her thoughts. “As for what Grace wants you to do, that's a manageable thing,” he said firmly. He then took out a gold-colored card from his pocket and placed it on the table. The logo of a well-known bank was clearly displayed on the card.

“Use this,” he continued, his tone undeniable. “Use it for your needs while providing therapy. All expenses are covered.”

Victoria stared at the card in confusion. “This is too much,” she said quietly. “I can't accept this. Abigail's treatment is more than enough.”

Logan ignored her protest, his voice sharp again. “And one more thing,” he cut in. “If I can actually walk properly after your therapy session, I'll give you a piece of property as a token of my appreciation.”

Victoria was taken aback, almost at a loss for words. “Property?” she asked in a trembling voice. “Mr. Logan, this is too much!”

“Nothing is too much,” Logan replied in a flat tone, as if it was an inviolable decision. “I'm just making sure that the people who help me get what they deserve.”

Victoria paused. The offer was too tempting, but at the same time it felt like a huge weight pressing down on her shoulders. Mixed feelings filled her mind, making it difficult for her to breathe for a moment.

“I just want to help you, not for this kind of reward,” she said finally, honestly. “The medicine you have to take has adverse effects on your body. I don't want to be a part of something that makes you worse.”

Logan raised an eyebrow, looking at her appraisingly. “Then consider it my responsibility,” he said calmly. “Whether you accept or not is your choice. But I won't take back this offer.”

Victoria knew that arguing further would only be a waste of time. With a deep breath, she nodded slowly. “Fine,” she said in a near-whisper. “I'll do my best to help you heal.”

Logan leaned back in the wheelchair, seemingly satisfied with the answer. “Good,” he said briefly. Then, in a cold tone, he added, “ Call Ben for me, Woman.”

Victoria was stunned for a moment before answering. “And, please. My name is Victoria, not just 'Woman.'”

Logan chuckled, slightly annoyed. “Whatever I want to call you.” He waved his hand, gesturing for Victoria to leave. “Now, prepare for the therapy session. I don't want to delay any longer.”

Victoria clenched her fists, refraining from resisting. “All right,” she said in a controlled tone. “Then, I'll be leaving.”

However, before she could move away, Logan's voice called out to her again.

“And one more thing,” he said in a warning tone. “Make sure you don't look for another job out there. Just focus on the therapy you're giving me.”

Victoria paused for a moment, letting out a long breath before resuming her walk. She had a lot to think about, but one thing was for sure: being under Logan's control was a challenge she had never imagined.