Chapter 64
Emily scowled. "What does your camera getting soaked have to do with us?"
Victoria turned her gaze to Ethan with a half–smile. "So, it's your doing then?"
Ethan's face was ashen, his glare sharp as a knife. "It's got nothing to do with me. Go ahead and call the police."
"If you insist." Victoria pulled out her phone and dialed the police without hesitation.
Ethan clenched his fists. This incident truly had nothing to do with him, as he wasn't the one who spilled the water.
Brittany observed the scene and frowned. Noticing Emily's evasive expression, she rapped her knuckles on the table. "What's going on?"
No one responded.
The car had no cameras, and the water could easily have washed away fingerprints. Even if they found out who did it, the culprit could claim it was an accident rather than intentional. At most, they'd be liable for compensation.
This was no big deal to them. It was just a slap on the wrist.
Victoria glanced at them coldly. Without another word, she reported the incident.
After 30 minutes, the police came. Among the group, the driver was the first to crack. Nervously, he stammered, "I... I was chatting with Ethan. I got thirsty and took a sip of water. I didn't mean to spill it. I swear it was an accident!"
Victoria said calmly, "My camera is worth one million dollars. It's completely ruined now. Just pay me back in full."
Ethan's face twisted in disbelief. "Didn't you say earlier it was 500 thousand dollars?"
Victoria blinked. "Did I? I must've remembered wrong. It's one million dollars. I can show you the receipt if you'd like."
Ethan's expression turned grim. He thought, "500 thousand dollars is manageable, but one million would drain more than half of my savings!"
The driver panicked at Victoria's words. "I'm just a driver! Where would I get that kind of money?"
Victoria smiled slyly, "So, are you sure it was an accident?" The driver glanced nervously at Ethan, only to see him avoiding eye contact.
Realizing Ethan had no intention of backing him up, the driver blurted out, "It was him! He told me to pour water on Vika's camera bag and promised me one thousand dollars afterward. I let greed get the better of me, but I swear, I'll never do it again!"
"You son of a..." Ethan exploded in rage. He hadn't expected the driver to sell him out so easily. He lunged forward to strike, but
"You're acting this bold in front of us? Come with us!" one of the police officers said. Ethan was shoved into the police car, his hands cuffed.
Victoria told Ethan, "You have one week to pay me back. Otherwise, I'll take you to court. Do you think anyone will still work with you if word gets out?"
Ethan let loose a string of curses, only to be silenced by the officers.
The meeting room fell quiet.
Emily's face turned pale. Avoiding Victoria's gaze, she slipped out.
Still processing everything, Brittany sighed, "I never thought he was like that. No talent, just dirty tricks. I won't be working with him again."
Victoria smiled faintly, "Well, that wraps this up. I'll leave then. See you the day after tomorrow."
"See you," Brittany replied.
Leaving the magazine office, Victoria and Diana got into the car, ready to grab some food.
But before they could go, Diana's phone rang. Glancing at the screen, Diana raised her eyebrows. "It's Henry's assistant."
Victoria arched an eyebrow in surprise. "What's she calling your for?"
Diana answered the call and switched it to the speaker. "Hello, Ms. Johnson. Is there something you need?"
Grace replied, "Ms. Ortiz, I heard Vika is back. The Harrison Group would love to collaborate with her. May I know when she would be available for a meeting?"
Victoria was surprised, thinking, "Diana just contacted this magazine company. How did the Harrison Group get to know the news so quickly?"
Diana looked at Victoria, asking for her opinion.
Victoria touched her long hair and nodded, then held out a finger.
Diana kept silent for a while before she said, "We can discuss the cooperation."
Grace said, "Do you have time now? Let's meet and talk."
"Okay," responded Diana.
After a brief conversation, Diana looked at Victoria. "Are we going work with Harrison Group?"
"Of course. Why not?" Victoria said, "You have to earn the money that comes to your doorstep."
The two went to have dinner first, and Diana then went directly to meet Grace.
Victoria went home to organize the materials and prepare for the filming the day after tomorrow.