[13]

The hospital room was cold, colder than usual. Dazzling white lights glowed on the pale gray walls, creating a silent and depressing atmosphere. The machines in the corner of the room hummed with a monotonous rhythm, reminding us how fragile life is.

Victoria stood at Abigail's bedside, clasping her daughter's small, pale fingers. Abigail lay with an IV attached to her arm. Today was an important day, a blood transfusion that would determine her health condition. Victoria promised to be by her side from the beginning.

“Mom... it hurts,” Abigail whispered in a weak voice. Her big eyes were glazed over, trying to look strong even though her little body convulsed for a moment as the needle began to work. Victoria couldn't bear to see the pain on her daughter's face, but she had to be strong.

Victoria gently stroked Abigail's hair, trying to hold back the tears that were welling up. “Mommy's here, sweetie. It's okay. You're doing great. Abby's a brave girl.”

Abigail gave a small nod, though her face was red with pain. A faint smile forced its way onto her lips. Seeing that, Victoria's heart sank. It felt like a thousand needles stabbing into her chest, but Victoria knew she had to be strong. Abigail needed her toughness.

Chris, Abigail's attending physician, stood nearby with nurse Ella. They were watching the procedure closely. After what seemed like an eternity, the procedure was finally complete. Ella smiled gently and patted Victoria's shoulder.

“The process went well. Abigail just needs a lot of rest now,” she said softly. “She's a very brave child.”

Victoria nodded, smiling a little even though her heart was still full of anxiety. “Thank you.”

A tired-looking Abigail finally fell asleep after Victoria helped her back to the hospital room. Her peaceful face as she fell asleep gave Victoria a bit of peace. She kissed her daughter's forehead before exiting the room with heavy steps.

As soon as the door closed, Victoria's body shuddered. She walked quickly to the bathroom at the end of the corridor, trying to stay out of sight. Once the door was locked, the tears she had been holding back finally spilled out. Small sobs could be heard, breaking from her lips.

“Oh my God...” she whispered softly. “I want Abby to be healthy. Please...”

Her cell phone suddenly rang, making Victoria jump. She hurriedly took it out of her bag. Logan's name appeared on the screen and without thinking, she answered the call.

“Yes, sir?” her voice sounded hoarse but Victoria tried to sound calm.

“Are you crying?” Logan asked directly. His tone was even, but there was a faint concern that flashed through.

Victoria was stunned. She looked at the phone screen, confirming that it really was Logan. “No, sir,” she replied, hurriedly wiping away tears. “Is there anything I can help you?”

“Are you at the hospital?”

“Yes. Thank God, Abby's condition has stabilized after the transfusion.”

Logan was silent for a moment before clearing his throat softly. “Breakfast was... good,” he said simply.

Victoria was surprised to hear that sentence. This morning's breakfast had been a vegetable omelette with toast and green smoothies. And it was noticed by the man.

“Thank you, sir. I'm glad you like it.”

“Don't be too happy,” Logan cut in, but his tone softened slightly. “Make sure Abby gets the best. I don't want half measures.”

“Yes, sir. I'll do my best,” Victoria replied sincerely.

Logan didn't answer, just ended the call. Victoria stared at the now-dark screen of her phone, but subconsciously a small smile appeared on her face. At least, there was a little warmth she felt from Logan.

After a few minutes to compose herself, Victoria came out of the bathroom. She was surprised to see Chris standing by the door.

“Abigail's stabilized,” he said with a small smile. “If she continues to improve, she should be able to go home in two days.”

Victoria breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Chris. I hope everything goes well.”

“Take care of your health too, Tori. You look thin,” Chris said with a joke. “Then I'm off.” Chris left Victoria alone in the hospital corridor.

Victoria didn't keep Chris too long. The man must be busy with another schedule. She let out a long breath, feeling a little relieved. Her eyes continued to stare However, the relief didn't last long.

Her cell phone rang again. This time, Grace's name appeared on the screen. Victoria stared at the screen hesitantly, but finally she answered the call. “Hello, Aunt Grace?”

“Victoria, I'd like to see you. Right now. At the cafe near the hospital,” Grace said matter-of-factly. Her tone was sharp, as if she left no room for rejection.

Victoria was silent for a moment before replying, “Okay. I'll be there.”

***

Victoria arrived at the café fifteen minutes after the call ended. She confirmed the name of the café Grace was referring to, then stepped inside with hesitant steps. The café wasn't too crowded, but the atmosphere was quite calm. A waitress greeted her kindly, asking if she had come alone or with someone.

In the corner of the room, Grace was already sitting waiting. She was wearing an elegant beige dress that made her look younger than her age. However, there was something behind her smile that made Victoria feel uncomfortable.

“Victoria,” Grace called in a soft but sharp tone. “Sit down.”

Victoria complied, pulling the chair in front of Grace carefully. The woman's piercing gaze made the atmosphere even more tense.

“Order something before we talk,” Grace ordered, pointing to the menu on the table.

Victoria nodded, then ordered a cup of hot tea from the approaching waiter. As soon as the waiter left, Grace looked at her intently, making Victoria feel like she was being interrogated.

“I have something to ask you,” Grace said, finally breaking the silence. “About who paid Abigail's hospital bill.”

The question made Victoria pause. Her face changed, and she looked down, trying to hide her anxiety.

“Auntie...” she tried to speak, but Grace cut her off quickly.

“That should be my part, shouldn't it?” Grace's tone rose slightly. “I promised you.”

Victoria swallowed, trying to choose her words carefully. “It was... Logan did it, Aunt Grace. He said it was his responsibility. He couldn't bear to see how we were doing.”

Grace paused, looking at Victoria with an unpredictable expression. Then, she leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms over her chest. Her smile was faint, but far from genuine.

“I didn't expect this to happen,” she said, her voice full of irony. “Logan really changed in your hands. Normally he wouldn't do something like this.”

Victoria didn't know how to respond, so she opted for silence.

“Good,” Grace continued, her tone full of satisfaction. “You know what, Victoria? It's good luck for you... for me, of course. Logan is more 'docile' in your hands. He's willing to listen, even willing to help. Keep it up. Help me make sure Logan stays this way. You're my best pawn.”

Best pawn. The words cut through Victoria like a dagger. She knew Grace only saw her as a means to an end. However, she had no choice but to nod.

It was just as Victoria suspected; she was the one Grace was using to achieve her goals. If she hadn't guessed wrong, it had to do with the power to lead the Xeon Group. While studying Logan's medical records as well as some of the books that were referenced, Victoria also researched the Xeon Group. The company held quite an important position in the city. As far as Victoria had checked, there were no publicly visible problems but things were much worse than I thought.

That's why Victoria concluded, if she wasn't careful with her steps and decisions, she could get into big trouble. On the other hand, Victoria didn't want to be blamed for something she hadn't done except under Grace Ashford's orders.

“Yes, Aunt Grace,” she replied quietly.

Grace smiled, wider this time. “Clever. You know your place. Remember, Victoria, I don't like things getting out of control.”

Victoria just looked down, trying to hide her raging thoughts. Inwardly, she felt more and more trapped in Grace's game.

“Finish your drink,” Grace said as she glanced at the tea that had just been served to Victoria. “After this, come with me. I have something I want to give you as a gift.”

“Auntie, I don't need-”

“Don't refuse, Victoria,” Grace cut in firmly. “I don't like refusal.”

Victoria was silent. She stared at the teacup in front of her, then gave a small nod. “Yes, Aunt Grace.”

Grace smiled with satisfaction. “Good. We won't be long.”

Victoria sipped her hot tea slowly, trying to calm herself. However, the chill in her chest did not go away.

***

Grace Rapael really meant what she said.

The boutique they entered felt so luxurious, it almost made Victoria feel alien. Crystal chandeliers hung majestically from the ceiling, reflecting light that danced on the gleaming marble floor. Mannequins stood elegantly, wearing the latest collections at prices that would have cost her several months' worth of living.

Grace strides confidently, like a ruler inspecting her territory. Her fingers nimbly touched silks and fine wools, occasionally selecting an outfit that was directly addressed to Victoria.

“Victoria, you must try this on,” Grace said, handing over a burgundy dress. “The cut is perfect for your body.”

Victoria looked at the dress skeptically. “Auntie, this is too much,” she muttered, feeling awkward in the middle of a pile of expensive clothes.

Grace waved a hand dismissively. “Don't be stupid. Logan would love to see his wife looking good. You deserve it.”

Victoria could only look down, holding back a growing sense of unease. She had no idea how to get out of this situation.

“Come, ma'am,” a boutique staff member said kindly, directing Victoria to the dressing room. However, the atmosphere suddenly changed as a loud, familiar voice echoed through the air.

“Oh, it's really you, Victoria. I almost didn't recognize you,” the voice taunted in a high-pitched tone.

Victoria stopped dead in her tracks. She recognized the voice. Lucy.

Her sister stood in the doorway of the boutique, wearing an expensive coat that looked like it belonged to a famous designer. Her hair was perfectly styled, and her makeup exuded glamour. The lopsided smile on Lucy's lips made Victoria feel small.

“Lucy,” she greeted in a low voice, trying to remain calm.

Lucy walked over, her eyes sweeping the entire boutique with a sharp gaze before stopping at Victoria. “Since when do you like shopping in places like this? Aren't you more suited to discount clothing stores?”

Victoria tightened her grip on her hand, trying to hold back the feeling of humiliation. “I'm just accompanying Aunt Grace,” she replied softly.

“Oh, so you're just a follower, huh?” Lucy chuckled, folding her arms across her chest. “I thought you'd changed. But, it seems like some people just can't make the grade, even when given the chance.”

Victoria clenched her fists, trying to control the emotions that were beginning to burn in her chest. But before she could reply, Grace stepped forward, breaking the tension.

“Lucy, enough,” Grace said firmly, her gaze piercing.

Lucy turned her head, looking surprised. “Oh, Aunt Grace. I was just joking,” she said with an obviously forced smile.

Grace crossed her arms over her chest, her face showing the firmness of a leader. “Joke or not, I don't like you underestimating Victoria. You know, Logan is very lucky to have a wife like her. Victoria is kind, obedient, and knows how to treat her husband.”

Lucy was silent for a moment, but her smile soon returned, albeit more stiffly. “Of course, Auntie. I just didn't expect Victoria to be in a place like this.”

“And what's wrong with that?” Grace challenged, her eyes looking coldly at Lucy.

Lucy snorted softly, but chose not to answer this time.

Grace smiled a little, then glanced at Victoria. “If I were Logan, I'd make sure Victoria had everything she needed. You know how Logan is-he's very caring.”

Lucy looked like she wanted to reply, but Grace spoke again. “Oh, right. If you hadn't refused to marry Logan, you might be in this position right now.”

Lucy's face reddened instantly, but she tried to remain calm. “No problem, Auntie. Besides, I have someone better than Logan. He's from the Anderson family. You must know that, right?”

Grace chuckled. “Of course I know. The Anderson family is... interesting.” Her eyes turned sharp. “But, I heard that Gideon Anderson is involved in a big scandal. If they're not careful, the whole family could be ruined.”

Lucy paused, her face turning sour. She finally walked away without another word.

Victoria let out a long sigh, feeling a little relieved although her heart remained uneasy.

“See?” Grace said with a satisfied tone. “You don't have to be afraid of anyone, Victoria. As long as you're with me, everything will be fine.”

However, Victoria knew. Behind that sweet promise, Grace was implying something much deeper. That she must continue to do whatever Grace told her to do. And if she resisted...

Victoria swallowed. Damn... Why was she stuck in a loop like this? She shouldn't have replaced Lucy, right?