Chapter 4

VICTORIA HENSHAW

Sitting beside Gwen in the living room, I took in a deep breath, turned, and met her gaze. “I have something to tell you, Gwen” I said, my voice calm and steady.

Gwen’s eyes flashed with curiosity, and she leaned in. “What is it, Vicky? Are you okay?”

I smiled, and nodded slightly. “I’m pregnant, Gwen” I said, the words tumbling out in one breath.

For a moment, Gwen’s face was frozen in surprise, and then slowly, her eyes lit up with excitement. “Oh my goodness, Vicky! Are you for real? You’re going to be a Mom?” She squealed, throwing her arms around my neck before I know it.

As she pulled back, our gaze locked onto each other. “But, what do you plan on doing now? You’re going to keep the baby, right?” She asked.

I nodded. “Yes, Gwen, I’m going to keep the baby. I know it’s not ideal, considering the situation but I want to do this on my own. I’m going to raise the baby and make a good life for the both of us.”

Gwen nodded, her eyes glinting with support as she smiled. “Whatever decision you make, I will always support you, Vicky. We’re in this together,” she reassured, caressing the back of my hand.

I nodded, a faint smile spreading across my face.

For a moment, we sat there in silence, before she broke it and asked, “So, are you going to find the father of the child and let him know?”

I shook my head. “No, Gwen. I don’t think I would ever want to do that. He’s just an ordinary gigolo, and I don’t want to involve him in this. It’s better he isn’t involve in our lives.”

She nodded, her eyes glinting with understanding. “I understand, Vicky. You and the baby deserve so much better than someone like him anyway.”

The rest of my day went with preparing for my interview for the following day.

•

The next day, I arrived at the Blackwood Empire in time, my portfolio in hand, confident and prepared. I was ushered into the meeting room, and the team manager barely looked up from his phone.

“Victoria…. Yes, yes, whatever, take a seat” he muttered, not bothering to shake my hand.

I took a deep breath, sit down, feeling a flicker of discomfort. Something definitely seems off about this man, I just can’t wrap a finger on it.

I cleared my throat, and began my presentation, explaining my ideas for upgrading the team’s existing cars and guaranteeing a top 5 finish in the upcoming three major races. However, this man kept interrupting me.

Most of his words tied with condescension. He wouldn’t even let me finish a sentence, before cutting me off mid-point or simply telling me to hurry and round it up.

As if that wasn’t enough, he couldn’t seem to sit still, continuously fidgeting in his seat and moving around the whole place— annoyingly close to me.

Finally slouching back in his chair, his legs spread open, and began playing with his phone, the sound of the game echoing the whole room, making it clear he wasn’t interested in whatever I was saying.

I tried to brushed it off, trying to keep my cool, determined to make my point, but it kept getting harder by each passing minute.

Finally, I finished speaking and the next thing, he snorted, his expression condescending. “Enough with the exaggeration, woman. The team’s ranking was 17th last session. What makes you think you can just walk in here and make miracle happen?”

I almost burst out of anger, but I kept my cool, trying to reason with him instead. “I can assure you sir, I can make a good difference. I’ve already studied and analyzed the team’s data, and I know exactly what needs to be done.”

As soon as I let out those words, he scoffed again, a vulgar look glinting in his eyes.

He leaned forward, his eyes raking over me with a shady grin. “Of course, you do. I’m sure you will use those…. attributes to accomplish your goal.”

I clenched my fist, anger simmering within me. “Excuse me?” I said, my voice trembling with rage.

He smirked, one of his brow raised. “I’m talking about…. those thighs…. In between your legs. You will definitely use them to get what you want, won’t you?”

I swear, I can’t take this anymore!

I was shocked, furious, and utterly disgusted by his blatant sexism and disrespect. “Okay, that’s enough!” I hissed, getting up from my seat. “I won’t sit here and let you speak to me in that tone.”

He stared at me, his expression brazen. “And what will you do about it?” He scoffed, his tone dripping with condescension.

I met his gaze, my eyes glimmering with anger  “A lot, if you don’t apologize to me now,” I said, my voice low and even. “You like to look down on women, right? Then, I will show you what exactly a woman is capable of doing when she’s been provoked.”

For a moment, he stared at me as if I had lost my mind, and then burst out laughing— mockingly.

“Apologize to her, NOW!” A voice suddenly growled, as the door burst open and a tall, imposing figure strode closer, his presence radiating powerful aura and authority.

I turned, and my heart stopped beating for a moment as I met his gaze, a shock and embarrassment washing over me.

It was him!

The guy from the bar— the one night stand!

The manager hurriedly leaped up from his seat, his face turning paled, his eyes widening in shock as he stumbled on his feet. “M-Mr. Blackwood, I-I d… di… didn’t know you would be c-co-coming here.”

Mr. Blackwood?!!!

He’s the owner of BLACKWOOD EMPIRE?!!

ALEXANDER BLACKWOOD?!

The manager looked as if he was about to faint. Myself, on the other hand, felt a mix of emotions— shock, embarrassed, and a hint of fear.

“Oh no!” I mumbled to myself, a wave of panic washing over me.

If he’s the owner of this place, then it’s not good at all!

I am pregnant.

What if he get to know about my child? How was I supposed to keep the pregnancy a secret?!

I quickly grabbed my portfolio, trying to make a quick exit without being noticed, but he abruptly caught my wrist, stopping me.

“Where are you running off to?” He asked, his voice cold and domineering. “We still have business to discuss.”

I felt a shiver run down my spine as I slowly turned and met his gaze, my heart racing rapidly.