Victoria was lucky to get a cab soon after leaving the Jameson Manor. By the time she got back to Zion Estate, it was almost 9:00 pm.She showered and changed into a comfortable set of clothes. Then, she poured herself a glass of red wine and sat down on a cushion in front of the full-length window.The night view in Danube City was beautiful. As it was New Year's Day, bright lights lit up the entire city. There were even people setting off fireworks. It was a lively sight. Victoria sipped on the wine and set her glass down. Then, she tapped the WhatsApp icon on her phone and sent a message to Benjamin."Happy New Year, Mr. Harper!" She even added several smiley emojis at the end of the message.After visiting the Jamesons' today, she realized the value of Benjamin Harper's name. She reminded herself to hold on to him tightly and never let go of him.And if she were to do that, how could she possibly forget to send him festive greetings? She needed to make him feel like she
Victoria smiled. "Well, if you're so worried, why don't you personally send her to school?"Ginny scoffed. "Don't think I don't know what tricks you have in store. You'd better not think about them. Colette is my only daughter, and I'll never—"Victoria had stayed up late the previous night, so she slept without charging her phone.The call was disconnected before Ginny could complete her sentence. Victoria's phone had gone dead.Ginny heard the beeping sound on her phone. She thought that it was Victoria who had cut off the call. Her expression darkened.She wasn't even done speaking, and Victoria had ended the call. How could such a rude person be her daughter? She would never let anyone know that she had such a daughter.Victoria felt somewhat disappointed when she saw the black screen on her phone. She hadn't even insulted her back yet. Ginny had lucked out.Victoria went and charged her phone. Then, she went out with the bank cards Roman had given her.Based on what a calc
When Victoria arrived at the college, Colette was waiting for her by the doors with Cindy by her side.Cindy wasn't particularly good-looking. She was tall, awkward, and inelegant. Compared to her, Colette was like a goddess.Colette was popular with everyone in college. Most students and parents stopped to greet her when they saw her.When Colette saw her, she excused herself from the crowd and went up to her. "Victoria, my sister!""Sister?" Victoria gave her a dry smile. "Do you really want me to air out our dirty laundry in front of the entire college?"Colette's smile froze.Cindy ran over to them. "Colette is just being gracious, Victoria. Don't be such an ungrateful … Oh my God, what is that on your back? What kind of bag is that? Are you a child? That's hilarious!" Cindy pointed at Victoria's backpack and laughed.Colette also noticed Victoria's bag. When she saw the cartoon printed on it, she said, "You have a pretty unique taste in bags. It suits you."Victoria knew
No one spoke to Victoria for the rest of the day.Victoria relished in the peace.That evening, Victoria took a tour of the campus before heading home, as she had nothing else to do.As soon as she stepped out of the entrance, a car stopped in front of her. The window rolled down, revealing Colette. "Do you need a ride?"Cindy appeared as well. "Did you not hear Lettie?" she said in a commanding tone. "Get in!""No thanks." Victoria pointed in the direction of Zion Estate. "My house is only a few minutes' walk from here. Drive safe."Cindy scoffed disdainfully. "Your house? You probably rented it. How long are you going to flaunt that tiny fortune of yours?"Victoria adjusted the straps of her backpack. "It's not like I can't buy the house in cash if I like it."After all, she would be getting two hundred million dollars soon.Colette pursed her lips. Her hands were clenched tight on her knees.Meanwhile, Roman had returned home early today.When Colette arrived home, the
Beatrice's mind was blank. She said stiffly, "She … she's allergic to peanuts. We've been very careful with her food …" Then, she stopped her tears as her expression grew chilly. "Someone must have slipped something into her food on purpose. When I find out who it is, they will pay."Colette, who was hiding behind Ginny, shuddered in fright.Normally, Megan ate very little. Colette was concerned she wouldn't get the desired effect. Hence, she added plenty of powdered peanuts to her coffee.She wanted to put her out of commission so that she wouldn't be able to perform at the commencement ceremony. She wanted to steal her thunder. But she hadn't expected it to be so serious.If something happened to Megan, both the Jenkins and Homer families would investigate. It wouldn't take long for them to find her.This was all Victoria's fault. Why did she have to poke her nose into someone else's business?Colette bit her lip and hesitated for a moment before stepping up. "Megan drank som
Two men stood on the second-floor mezzanine facing the stage. They were leaning against the rails.One was wearing a long-sleeved shirt and holding a string of rosary beads. He radiated an air of tranquility and purity. The other was dressed in a suit and a tie, sporting a pair of gold-rimmed spectacles. He looked chivalrous.Both men were good-looking in their own way.They were Benjamin and Simon.Yves, eager to find pretty ladies, had gotten them to come early. As a result, they stood witness to Megan's incident.They had seen everything that had happened from where they stood.Simon pushed up his glasses and laughed. "Your nephew's wife has medical knowledge. Not bad."Benjamin's smile was slightly strained. He glanced at Simon. "My nephew's wife?" he said coldly.Simon laughed and corrected himself. "Sorry, not your nephew's wife. Your wife. I'm rooting for you.""Where's yours? I heard from Yves that she ran away and went abroad again. Aren't you going to find her?"S
Victoria took off her thick black jacket and tossed it to Colette. It landed on her face.Colette was disgusted and mortified as she ripped the jacket away, but her smile was kept intact.She couldn't show her anger. The ruder Victoria was, the more dignified she would look in contrast.Victoria would embarrass herself soon, and Benjamin would stop helping her. When that happened, she would have ample opportunity to shame her.With that thought in mind, Colette's anger subdued.Her smugness disappeared when she saw what Victoria was wearing.Underneath her jacket, she was wearing something that resembled a school uniform.Her skirt reached her knees, showing off her long and slender legs.Her white T-shirt left none of her curves to the imagination.Most importantly, her pale skin seemed to glow under the bright lights. She looked like she was born to be in the spotlight.Victoria was brought up in the countryside. She was supposed to be ugly!How could she look so beautif
The banquet was held in the only seven-star hotel in Danube City—Avon Hotel.The parents and guests departed in their cars. Meanwhile, the students who performed during the ceremony took the school bus.Throughout the bus ride, Colette kept turning back to stare at Victoria, who was sitting in the last row. She fought the urge to yell at her.Victoria had a quick wit and absolutely no filter. Colette didn't want to embarrass herself.Beside her, Cindy also looked livid. "She's just a country bumpkin," she said through gritted teeth. "She would do anything to gain attention, including that slutty dance she did. She should have been expelled."Victoria should have known better. They had performed right before her. If she knew what was good for her, she would have faked a fall during her performance.Not only did she not do that, she even danced wonderfully and showed off her skills.That was just telling everything that Cindy was less capable than a country bumpkin.Victoria had