Chapter 138
She forced an awkward yet polite smile and stepped into the room.
Despite being a single–story design, this floor was styled in a minimalist fashion, dominated by black, exuding an air of gloom and oppression.
Victoria paused for a moment before saying, "Mr. Caldwell, your living space could use some added color–it might be better for your overall well–being."
Living in such an oppressive environment could easily affect his mood. With his depression, it would make his nerves even more fragile.
Jayce looked at her seriously and asked, "What colors would you suggest?"
Victoria asked, "What's your favorite color?"
"Black."
Charlotte remained silent. Well, that wasn't helpful.
Delia chimed in, "Mrs. Harrison, would adding warm tones help?"
"It probably would." Victoria nodded, though she wasn't entirely sure–she wasn't a psychologist, after all.
"Then we'll go with your suggestion," Jayce said before turning to Delia. "Take care of it."
"Understood," Delia replied.
Delia had ordered food from a restaurant, and when Victoria took her first bite, she immediately recognized it as the place they went to on her first meal with Jayce.
When she unintentionally glanced up, her eyes met Jayce's intense gaze. Flustered, Victoria quickly looked away and focused on her food.
Jayce wasn't about to let her off that easily. "Does the food taste familiar?" he asked.
"Yes." Victoria nodded. "It's pretty good."
"It's from the place we went to for our first meal together. You seemed to like it a lot," Jayce said.
Victoria lowered her gaze slightly and paused before replying, "There are a lot of good restaurants in Lanceser, Mr. Caldwell. You should try more of them."
"Alright." He nodded. "I'll go. Will you come with me?"
Did he not realize she was politely trying to decline?
Victoria's delicate brows furrowed slightly. "I won't. I'm busy," she said.
Jayce nodded. "Then we'll go when you're not busy."
Victoria was speechless.
Delia glanced at them and said, "Let's eat, or the food will get cold."
Victoria quickly finished her meal and stood up. "It's getting late. I'll head back now," she said.
Jayce nodded. "Alright."
She turned and left, her steps quickening slightly.
After the door closed, Jayce took out his phone and made a call.
"Hello? Jayce, I was just about to call you. Why did you move out without saying anything?" Edward's concerned voice came through. "You should come back. I don't feel comfortable with you living alone."
Jayce replied, "Delia will be staying with me."
Edward couldn't help but sigh. "But..."
"I think I like a woman," Jayce said bluntly.
"W–what?"
Edward was stunned. "Which family is she from? What's her name? When did this happen?"
He was thrilled. Jayce's condition was unique, and he'd never dared to bring up such topics, but now his grandson mentioned it on his own!
It was both an incredible surprise and a huge delight!
The Caldwell family would have an heir!
As long as Jayce named the woman, he'd immediately arrange a proposal and set the date. Status and background didn't matter -he just wanted someone who'd treat his grandson well!
"Her name is Victoria," Jayce said in an unnervingly calm tone.
On the other end of the line, there was the distinct sound of something falling to the floor.
"W–What? What did you say? Say that again!"
Edward's voice trembled, as if he couldn't believe his ears.
"Victoria? Isn't she Henry's wife? Has he lost his mind? He and Henry were supposed to be friends! And now he likes Henry's wife?" Edward thought, finding it shocking.
The shock was overwhelming; Edward could hardly process it, and his chest began to ache.
Jayce only added fuel to the fire. "Yes, you heard me right. I like Victoria, and I'm going to pursue her."
"No way!" Edward snapped, "She has a family! Don't you know that?"
Jayce replied, "She's going to get a divorce."
Edward almost choked in disbelief. There was a commotion on the line, as if someone was helping him steady himself or giving him medication.
After a long pause, Edward's voice came through, strained. "Jayce, have you no regard for your relationship with Henry? That's his wife. Don't even think about it."
Jayce's reply was unnervingly calm. "I don't care."
Edward went completely silent.
Delia, having overheard everything, quickly interjected, "Mr. Caldwell, even if you like Mrs. Harrison, you can't pursue her right now. She's still married. Wait until after the divorce, okay?"
Jayce frowned slightly, pausing before answering, "Alright."
Delia said, "Then give me the phone. Let me talk to Sir Caldwell."
Jayce nodded and handed her the phone.
Delia spoke gently to calm Edward down. "Sir Caldwell, please don't get too worked up. I've already talked to Jayce, and he won't do anything reckless."
"Delia..." Edward started coughing violently after saying her name. "You're that brat's bodyguard. I'm counting on you. If he does anything wrong, you must stop him!"
"I will," Delia promised quickly.
Edward seemed to catch his breath. "It's good he has you by his side. Keep me updated about him."
"Alright."
After hanging up, Delia returned the phone to Jayce, biting her lip as she said, "Mr. Caldwell, you shouldn't be so forward. It'll put too much pressure on Sir Harrison."
"Is that so?" Jayce looked at her with calm eyes. "Then tell me, what should I do? It's my first time liking someone, and I'm not very good at this."
Delia felt a pang of bitterness but still said, "At the very least, wait until Mrs. Harrison gets divorced. Once she's free, no one can stop her".
"Alright, fine." Jayce nodded. "I'll listen to you."
Victoria went upstairs, feeling emotionally drained.
She went into her study and began editing photos, but when she opened the file, she noticed some pictures were missing.
They were outtakes–random shots she had taken. The subjects and scenes were all blurry.
Huh? Where did the photos go?
She thought carefully. She didn't remember deleting them.
She checked the camera's deletion history, but there was nothing.
Her suspicion deepened. She called Tina. "Did you use my camera?"
Tina replied, "No, I didn't. Is something wrong?"
"That's odd," Victoria said, staring at the camera as her brows furrowed.
She remembered Sophia grabbing her camera earlier, but what could Sophia have done in such a short amount of time?