Chapter 150
Agnes was sobbing uncontrollably, her body shaking as she choked out. "It was all Sophia's idea! I've already been fired! Please, can you let me go? I'm begging you..."
Victoria took a deep breath, turning to Jayce. "Let her go."
Jayce nodded, but his gaze remained gloomy.
His striking features seemed paler, and the beauty mark beneath his eye took on an eerie, haunting quality.
Once they were back in the car, shielded from the cold wind, Victoria felt her limbs gradually warming up.
She glanced at Jayce and said, "Thank you for standing up for me, but I hope you won't do something like that again."
Jayce asked, confusion shadowing his face, "Why not? When someone hurts you, shouldn't you retaliate?"
That was a fair point, but the violence wasn't the answer.
Victoria opened her mouth, wanting to explain, but as she met his clear, questioning gaze, the words fell away.
She thought, "He did that for me. To criticize him would be a mistake on my part."
After a moment's hesitation, she finally said, "This might make your insomnia worse. It could aggravate your condition."
She knew Jayce was dealing with more than just depression. His obsessive tendencies ran deep, revealing a dark side that lurked beneath the surface.
Just the way he had so calmly wielded that knife was telling, The more he was involved in such situations, the more twisted his character became.
Edward truly cared for his grandson, and Victoria respected him. Having promised to help an elderly man in need, she felt it was her duty to try her best.
Yet, Jayce's reaction caught her off guard; he suddenly smiled, "You really care about me. That makes me so happy."
Victoria's heart skipped a beat–something felt off.
She thought, "Is it really right to interpret it that way?"
"Mr. Caldwell, you..."
Jayce interrupted her, sincerity flooding his voice, "I'll remember what you said. If you don't want me to do something, I won't."
Victoria was left speechless.
This definitely wasn't the direction she'd expected this to take. She slowly averted her gaze, realizing that whatever she said now wouldn't change anything.
Silence enveloped the car as they drove back, the atmosphere thick with tension, quite the opposite of the trip there. Inside, her emotions swirled–fear, shock, and an unexpected heaviness weighed on her.
When she returned to Starlight Terrace, the familiar sight of a figure in the lobby drew her attention.
Victoria hesitated for a moment, a chill of detachment creeping across her face as she recognized the man.
Henry strode towards her with purpose, reaching out to touch her pale cheek. "Where have you been? You look awful."
Victoria stepped back, avoiding his touch. "It's none of your business."
With that, she turned and headed for the elevator.
Jayce followed closely behind, his expression now blank as he threw a quick glance at Henry.
Henry's attractive features were marred by an indescribable emotion; despite her icy demeanor, he seemed only slightly annoyed. He didn't react much beyond that.
As for Jayce? Henry completely ignored him. The spacious elevator suddenly felt cramped with three people inside, mainly due to the towering height of the two men taking up a lot of space.
Victoria stood there, pulling out her phone to check her messages, trying to find a distraction.
As the elevator slowly ascended, it paused first at Jayce's floor, but he didn't step out when the doors opened.
Seeing this, Victoria raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "Mr. Caldwell, aren't you going home?"
Jayce replied, "I haven't been to your place yet."
She thought, "Uh... does he really just want to visit my home? That doesn't seem likely."
Still, it was hard to refuse him, especially after he had stood up for her not long ago.
Victoria forced a smile and said, "Isn't it a bit late? Maybe you could come over tomorrow instead?"
Jayce said, "You'll be busy tomorrow."
Well, that was true. She needed to check on the renovations at her studio and oversee some details in person.
Glancing at the time, Victoria sighed, "Alright then, you're welcome to come to my place."
As soon as the words left her lips, the elevator doors slid shut. The confined space felt increasingly heavy with a tense atmosphere, an unsettling chill creeping up from the floor.
Just a few seconds later, the elevator doors opened again, and Victoria stepped out, glancing back at the two men following her.
Jayce had explicitly said he wanted to visit; what about Henry?
Her clear eyes met his as she asked, "Do you need something from me?"
"I do," Henry replied, his face devoid of any real emotion though his eyes were fixed on her.
Victoria wasn't in the mood for a lengthy conversation.
"Let's talk tomorrow," she said, moving to close the door.
Henry's expression darkened as he caught the door with one hand, pushing it open with a slight force and stepping inside without invitation.
"Hey..." Victoria frowned, clearly annoyed by his brazen behavior.
Henry, however, seemed completely unfazed. He shrugged off his coat and tossed it over her shoulders, then strolled into the kitchen as if it were his own home, pouring himself a glass of water.
Victoria yanked the coat off her shoulders and tossed it straight into the trash without a second thought.
Henry caught the movement but didn't seem bothered. He turned to Jayce and asked, "What do you want to drink?"
"Just water," Jayce replied.
Henry poured him a glass and plopped down on the couch, saying, "Make yourself at home."
Then he smirked, adding, "It's a bit rude to visit someone's house without bringing a gift. Don't forget to bring something next time."
Jayce paused, taken aback. He thought, "Bring a gift? For her?"
Confusion flickered in his eyes before a spark of realization lit them up. Jayce turned to Victoria. "What do you like?"
Henry's gaze turned icy. "That's not how it works. She won't just tell you what she wants. It's about your thoughtfulness."
Jayce persisted, his eyes still on Victoria.
With a resigned sigh, Victoria said, "I don't need anything. We're neighbors and friends; I don't care about gifts."
Henry chimed in, "That's your perspective. If he doesn't bring a gift, it just shows a lack of manners. Sir Caldwell didn't teach him well, but I will."
Victoria was at a loss for words.
Jayce's gaze dropped to the ground, and he said softly, "You don't see it, do you? She doesn't want you here."
Henry scoffed, saying, "What couple doesn't argue? I'll make her feel better, but you, as a friend, should keep your distance."
The message was clear, he had no right to interfere in their relationship.
Jayce's expression darkened as he thought, "I don't have the right now. When will I? After she divorces? When will that be?"
The tension in the room thickened, and Victoria felt increasingly uncomfortable.
Glancing at the clock, she said, "It's getting late; I think I need some rest."