Chapter 5

VICTORIA HENSHAW

The manager apologized, and was dragged out of the room. Even though his apology was grudging, it was enough to cool down the anger simmering within me toward him.

Now, sitting across from the man I had a night stand with a few weeks ago, I felt his piercing gaze cutting through mine, his domineering and cold demeanor making me intensely uncomfortable.

My legs trembled beneath me, even though I was sitting. I raised my head to meet his gaze, and his eyes were glancing at me with amusement.

“So, Ms….?” He trailed off, waiting for me to fill in.

My eyes narrowed slightly, my mind racing with suspense. “Henshaw. Victoria Henshaw,” I replied.

He nodded, leaned back against the chair, his gaze never leaving mine. “You’ve made a bold claim about improving the team’s performance,”

“How about this? If you can help the team rise to the fifth place as you promised, and help the company achieve this goal, I’m going to pay you $3 million.”

My eyebrow instantly arched up, intrigued by the offer.

For a moment, I was silent, my mind swirling with thoughts— $5 million was the amount of money Christian and I had once aimed to earn, which he ended up getting, even though he brushed off my contributions and never acknowledged it.

Now, I have the chance to earn it on my own, and I wasn’t going to let the opportunity slipped away. After all, I’m now with a child, and it requires a lot of money if I want to give my child a better life.

“You seemed quiet. Was the offer too little?” He asked, raising a brow.

I met his gaze, and countered, “Make it $5 million, and we have a deal.”

I didn’t know what came over me, I just blurted that out without thinking.

For a moment, his eyes narrowed, flickering with amusement as he stared at me.

Then, he said. “Fine then. $5 million it is. However, if you fail, you will have to do something for me in return, and no question asked.”

I hesitated, my mind racing with different possibilities.

A part of me didn’t want to agree. The way he sounded, I knew he was up to something, but then, I have a life growing inside me already.

I needed to do this for my child, for the better future we both deserved. I needed to take the risk, after all, $5 million is a powerful motivator.

My mind still swirling with thought, I watched as he leaned forward, his eyes boring into mine with one of his brow raised. “So, do we have a deal?”

I met his gaze, and just as I was about to agree, a small figure around four years old burst into the room, chasing after a toy car, followed behind him an anxious looking woman who looked like she was about to cry.

“I-I’m so sorry, sir. I’m truly sorry, sir. I swear, I didn’t know when he slipped out of my sight and ran inside here,” she explained shakily, her eyes glinting with fear.

The little boy, however, didn’t seem to realize the commotion he has caused. He seemed occupied, zooming his toy car across the floor, making a ‘vroom’ sound.

“Please sir, I will get him out of-“

Alexander raised his hand, his fingers silencing her, and expression soften. He stood up, his movement smooth, and the little boy’s eyes instantly locked onto his, glinting with innocence.

“Hey,” Alexander crouched down to his level, his voice low and gentle. “Come closer.”

The boy didn’t hesitate at all, and ran straight into his arms. “Tell me, what’s your name?”

“Noah,” he answered innocently, his voice low.

Alexander nodded curtly. “So Noah, why are you chasing after a toy car instead of reading your books?”

Noah frowned, his tiny hands folding across his chest. “But I don’t like reading! It’s boring. I prefer playing with cars.”

Alexander raised an eyebrow, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Why? You’re still young, and people your age only focus on reading their books.”

“I am different. I love cars and when I grow up, I will own a big place where I can sell plenty of cars!” He said dreamily, his face laced with determination.

Alexander nodded, encouraging. “You can do it, only if you set your mind on it,” he smiled, ruffling his hair. “But for now, you need to focus on your study and pass out with flying colors. That’s the only way to achieve your dream, okay?”

Noah nodded, his expression unwavering.

Myself, on the other hand, watched the tender scene before me, and a small smile played on my lips as I observed Alexander’s soft side.

Noah’s mother stepped forward, taking him from Alexander’s arms and apologized again, her voice still glinting with fear before rushing out of the room.

The room suddenly fell silent, and the only sound was the soft click of the clock on the wall.

Alexander turned slightly, his eyes still flickering with warmth as he locked gaze with me.

“You seemed to appear too serious, but it seems like you adore kids,” I said, my voice low and steady.

And, as soon as those words left my mouth, his expression changed in an instant, his face distorting in disgust.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Ms. Henshaw,” he spat, his tone cold. “If there’s anything I hate having in this world, it’s kids. I detest having them. They’re waste of time.”

My fist clenched tightly around the hem of my dress, feeling a pang of disappointment at his harsh words.

I stared at him, my eyes searching for any hint of insincerity, but his gaze was cold and unyielding.

He continued, his voice dripping with confidence. “I’m a confirmed bachelor, and I’m never going to get married or have children in this lifetime. I don’t see the point.”

I remained silent, my eyes locked onto his, my mind racing with pain at his sudden outburst. I hadn’t expected him to react this harshly.

I swear, I was taken aback by the intensity of his emotions.

Suddenly, his gaze narrowed, his eyes searching mine with a piercing intensity. “Don’t tell me… You’re pregnant? You’re not, right?” He asked, his voice cold and suspicious.

I clenched my fist tightly, feeling a surge of annoyance at his question, but I kept my expression neutral.

“Don’t think you’re so good that you will succeed on the first try,” I said, my voice calm and dismissive.

However, his expression didn’t change, his eyes still penetrating deeply into mine with an unyielding gaze. He was like a predator, watching its prey, waiting for it to make a move.

I shifted uncomfortably under his glance, a sense of uneasiness washing over me. I didn’t like being under his gaze at all.

I sighed, trying to maintain my composure. “That day, I took a contraceptive pill, so you have nothing to worry about” I said, my voice flat.

His expression instantly softened, and a hint of relief flickered across his face.

He nodded. “Good. I wouldn’t want any complication.”

As soon as he said, I found myself tightening my fist even more.

What was I thinking?

That he was going to accept the child?

I need to wake up from my slumber.

I met his gaze and nodded, my mind made up already. “About your offer, I accept it,” I said, sealing it with a small nod.

He smirked, a hint of triumph in his eyes. “Good. I will have my assistant draft the contract as soon as possible, and let you know when it’s ready.”

I nodded. “Thank you, Mr. Blackwood, and do have a great day.”

I got up from my seat, and as I turned to leave, I heard him called out. “Ms. Henshaw.”

I halted on my steps, waiting for him to speak. “Just a friendly reminder that you still owe me money. I hope you haven’t forgotten that?”

I felt an instant flush rise to my cheeks as he said that.

How could he casually said that, like it’s nothing?

Slowly, I turned to him, and before I could say a word, he sprung up from his seat.

He walked toward me and leaned in close, his warm breath fanning against my skin. “You only gave me $3,000 the other time, you still owe me $97,000, you shouldn’t forget that” he whispered.

My face burn with embarrassment after realizing he was right. I had given him the money that day as a… Ahhhh, whatever, it doesn’t matter anymore.

Without saying a word, I quickly pushed him away from me and walked out of his office in a hurry.