Chapter 198
"You keep complaining that she ruined your happiness, but what did you do?" Henry's eyes were exceptionally cold. Despite the bright, warm sunlight, Sarah couldn't feel an ounce of warmth. She shrank back, her gaze darting away.
"Do I need to say it again? I gave you a chance, Sarah. Five years ago, I prepared for our wedding, but you chose to leave the country".
"Since you chose a different path, you have no right to resent anyone. Everything that happened was your choice. You must bear the consequences yourself."
Henry's voice was completely devoid of warmth, the coldness emanating from him even more intense than before.
"I warned you last time to behave yourself. Clearly, you took my words as empty threats. From now on, don't appear before me. Unless it's a matter of life and death, I won't interfere in any of your affairs."
Saving her life in critical moments would be enough to give Tiffany closure.
Henry turned and walked away, his back straight but his demeanor cold and resolute.
Sarah sat stunned on the concrete ground, her tears all dried up. As she watched his figure grow distant, her hands gradually clenched into fists.
She turned back to look at the radiant girl in the photograph, her gaze dark and sinister. Suddenly, a twisted smile spread across her face. "Fine then. If I can't be happy, everyone else can be miserable, just like me. What I can't have, no one else will get, either."
Victoria returned to the studio.
Evie, who had been pacing back and forth, rushed to meet her and looked her up and down. "How did it go? Did that bastard give you any trouble?"
Victoria suddenly wrapped her arms around her in a tight embrace.
Evie froze for a moment, then patted her back. "He bullied you, didn't he? Tell me what happened. I'll fight him myself this time."
"No," Victoria said softly. "He agreed to the divorce."
Evie's eyes widened in shock. "Really? Are you serious?"
"Yes." Victoria nodded. "It's true. There's just one last piece to take care of."
Evie was absolutely thrilled. "Oh, Victoria, you're finally free from all this suffering. What else do you need? Tell me. I'll handle it."
Victoria shook her head with a smile. "I've already found some leads. You don't need to do anything."
Evie was so excited she almost jumped up. "This is the second piece of great news today! Everyone's going to Night Club tonight. Drinks are on me. I'm just so happy!"
Victoria's eyes glistened as she replied helplessly, "You're this happy about my divorce?"
"Of course!" Evie exclaimed. "You're finally free from that jerk who tortured you for five years. Victoria, this is your rebirth. Soon, you'll have your pick of wealthy, handsome men. Just live your best life!"
Tina nodded frantically beside her. "Yes, exactly!"
Pete watched from the side, grinning ear to ear as he said, "Am I included in that pool of handsome men?" he asked.
Evie waved her hand dismissively. "Get in line."
Pete asked with a helpless expression, "Then, may I ask, how can I cut in line?"
Evie and Tina both turned to look at him, thinking he was joking, but were surprised to see how serious he looked.
Victoria raised her eyebrows in surprise and playfully said, "What's this? Don't tell me you've had a crush on me since I was a teenager."
Evic and Tina's faces lit up with curiosity as they waited eagerly for Pete's response.
Pete gazed at Victoria with an amused tone. "Who would be interested in a teenage girl covered in acne and occasionally puffy–faced?"
Evie startled. "What? Victoria used to look like that?"
Tina's eyes widened. "Really? Is that true?"
Victoria looked exasperated. "Can we not talk about my embarrassing past?"
Pete blinked. "Oh? They didn't know? Sorry, I thought they did."
Victoria helplessly rubbed her forehead.
"Seriously?" Evie turned to her. "Your teenage years were that rough?"
Victoria shrugged helplessly. "It was because I was researching fragrances. I was allergic to some of them, which caused that reaction."
Evie nodded. "Oh, I see."
"Vika, you even know how to make perfumes?" Tina asked curiously.
Victoria smiled gently, "I just like to experiment with it sometimes. I'm not really an expert."
"Oh." Tina nodded, not pursuing the topic further.
Just then, her phone rang. Victoria took it out and saw Edward's name on the screen. Only then did she remember her earlier promise to him.
"Hello, Sir Caldwell," Victoria answered her phone as she walked toward the office.
"Do you have time now?" Edward asked. "If so, come over directly."
"Yes, I do," Victoria replied. "I'll head over now."
"Good."
After hanging up, she informed Evie and the others about her plans.
"Let me go with you," Evie said. "Jayce seems dangerous."
Victoria shook her head. "No need, I'll go by myself. You all enjoy yourselves, and we'll have dinner together tonight. Take this time to think about what you'd like to eat. It's my treat."
She smiled as she turned to leave.
"Who's Jayce?" Pete asked, puzzled.
Evie explained the situation to him. After hearing it, Pete lowered his eyes thoughtfully. Things were getting complicated.
At Caldwell Manor, the servant was already waiting at the main gate. Upon seeing Victoria, they led her inside to where Edward sat on the living room sofa, his wrinkled face full of worry.
"Sir Caldwell." Victoria walked in and greeted him.
Edward saw her and sighed helplessly, "Come with me."
He led Victoria upstairs to a room at the end of the hallway. Delia was standing at the doorway, with Sunny lying on the floor beside her.
"Sir Caldwell," Delia called out when she saw them approach.
Edward said, "Thank you for your help. You should get some rest." But Delia refused to leave and said, "I'm staying with Mr. Jayce Caldwell."
Hearing this, Edward didn't force her to leave. Instead, he turned to Victoria. "He's inside, and his condition is very unstable. Victoria, if you have any reservations, you can leave now. I won't blame you. I understand."
Victoria looked at the closed door, remembering how Jayce had reacted when he saw her during his previous episode. "I'll give it a try," she said.
Edward nodded. "Alright."
Delia took out the key and unlocked the door. Her eyes were red as she said, "Mrs. Harrison, please help him."
Victoria gave a gentle smile, her gaze calm and composed. The deep fear she had felt before was no longer there.
She entered the room.
The darkness enveloped her, with only a sliver of light from the doorway penetrating inside. She stood at the entrance, waiting for her eyes to adjust before she could make out the interior layout.
The entire room was shrouded in black, like a lifeless hell devoid of any brightness.
The atmosphere was suffocating, making anyone want to flee.