Chapter 4

Victoria POV

The crystal chandelier in the living room shone brilliantly, but my eyes were ice cold.

Emma wore a brand new maid's uniform. Seeing me, she immediately stood up and bowed respectfully: "You're home."

And that boy named Alex was taking a limited edition model car and smashing it on the floor.

It was from my favorite collection series. I'd put in so much effort to complete the set.

"What is going on here?" My voice was cold as ice.

Michael hurried down from upstairs, forcing an unnatural smile: "Victoria, you're back. This is... a nanny Mother sent over. She said we're too busy and need someone to take care of us."

He pointed at Alex, telling a clumsy lie.

"This child's... father passed away. It's been very hard for them..."

I was shaking with anger.

"His father passed away? Michael, do you think I'm an idiot?" I pointed at the child who looked almost exactly like him, my voice trembling. "Do you think it's fun to carve out my heart piece by piece like this?"

Seeing I was truly angry, Michael panicked and grabbed my hand.

"Victoria, don't be angry," he said urgently, making his position clear. "If you don't like it, I'll have someone take him away immediately!"

His false show of love only made me sick.

"Waaah—"

Alex seemed frightened and suddenly burst into tears, pointing at me and screaming: "Bad lady! You're bullying my mom!"

"Alex!" Michael scolded sharply.

Emma immediately rushed over and held her son, saying to Michael with red eyes: "Alpha, please don't blame him. He's just... just shy around strangers."

Michael's tone softened as expected.

Watching this painfully glaring scene, I felt cold all over.

I shook off Michael's hand forcefully and walked upstairs without a word. The bedroom door slammed shut, cutting everything off.

Michael stood outside the door for a while, murmuring a few soothing words. Hearing no response, he turned and left.

Soon after, my phone received a message.

It was from Emma: [Miss Victoria, if you keep Michael locked outside, don't blame him for coming to me for comfort.]

I deleted the message and got up to leave the bedroom.

The villa was very quiet. Somehow I ended up at the door to the basement wine cellar.

The door was ajar, warm yellow light spilling out.

I walked closer and clearly heard a woman's panting and a man's muffled groans from inside.

"Michael... slower... it hurts..."

"Isn't this what you wanted? Afraid of pain but you still dared to seduce me here?" Michael's voice was husky, tinged with impatience, but his movements didn't stop.

"I'm warning you, Emma, don't provoke Victoria anymore, or else..."

The woman's moans drowned out the rest of his words.

I stood frozen in place, my whole body ice cold.

By dawn I was lying back in bed, staring at the ceiling with empty eyes.

Nine years of passionate love, his grand pursuit of me.

All of it shattered in this moment.

This time, I was the one who didn't want him anymore.