Filed to story: Billionaire Bride’s Revenge (Vera & Howard)
Lily, trailing behind, listened intently, her hands balled into fists. Seizing the moment, she excused herself and quickly called Howard.
“Lily? What’s wrong?” Howard’s concerned voice filled her ear.
Lily measured her words, asking tentatively, “Howard, has the financial division between you and Vera been resolved? Did you allocate half of your assets to her?”
Lily lingered on the thought that Howard was the most likely source of the funds. If it was true, she needed a plan to reclaim those funds. Once married to Howard, his wealth would become hers. She needed to make sure Vera got nothing.
Howard, who was in a meeting, signaled for quiet before stepping into the hallway to respond. “Why do you bring this up? Vera left without a single penny.”
Lily was taken aback. “How is that possible? Could Vera really have opted for such an unwise move?” she thought.
After a moment’s thought, she softened her tone. “Howard, perhaps you should check your financial statements. Vera has come into a significant amount of money. How could she, a homemaker, amass such wealth?”
The implication was clear-Howard had to see her point. What other explanation could there be for Vera’s sudden wealth if not theft?
Howard paused, his expression turning grave. “Alright, I’ll look into it.”
Three days later, Vera was discharged from the hospital. Aimee handled the formalities early that morning. As they were packing up to leave, an unexpected visitor entered the room.
Vera looked up, taken aback by Victor’s sudden presence.
“Why are you here?” she asked.
Today, Victor had swapped his usual suit for a light gray casual outfit, softening his typically intimidating presence and making him seem more friendly and approachable.
He smiled slightly, his voice calm. “I heard you were discharged today, so I thought I’d come and help.”
Vera was visibly startled. Victor, known for his relentless business acumen and lack of romantic entanglements, was the last person she expected to see.
His presence alone was enough to stir anxiety in her. She glanced at her luggage and then back at him. “Please, there’s no need. Aimee and I can manage.”
Victor arched an eyebrow playfully. “Are you trying to send me away?”
His question left Vera momentarily at a loss for words. She quickly tried to clarify, saying, “That’s not what I meant. I’m just busy and don’t want to impose on your time.”
“It’s no trouble at all,” Victor responded smoothly.
Vera found herself without words again.
Beside them, Aimee observed their exchange intently, her smile growing wider. She always sensed a curious and elusive tension between them whenever they met. Despite being a billionaire with extensive daily commitments, Victor had made time to visit Vera in the hospital, which sparked curiosity and mischief in Aimee’s gaze.
Deciding to create a moment for them to be alone, Aimee pulled out her phone, feigning urgency. “Kat, I need to handle an emergency immediately,” she announced.
Before Vera could say anything, Aimee turned to Victor. “Mr. Adams, Vera is still quite weak. Could you be so kind and take her home?”
Without waiting for a response, Aimee quickly exited, leaving Vera to watch her disappear down the hallway. Vera’s expression tensed, puzzled by Aimee’s sudden urgency.
Meanwhile, Victor appeared thoughtful, clearly intrigued by Aimee’s behavior.
After a moment, Victor composed himself, stepped forward, and lifted the luggage.
“Your manager has entrusted me with this responsibility, and I must fulfill it,” he stated firmly.
Given Victor’s commitment, Vera knew that any refusal would come across as rude. She gratefully responded, “Thank you, Mr. Adams.”
“You’re welcome,” he replied smoothly.
Victor led the way out with the luggage, Vera trailing behind. The bag was lightly packed, containing only a few clothes and personal items.
Victor initially moved swiftly, prompting Vera to quicken her steps. Noticing her struggle, Victor consciously slowed his pace to match hers. They reached his car, a sleek black limo, parked at the hospital’s entrance.
Victor gracefully held the car door open for her, and she acknowledged with a nod, “Thank you, Mr. Adams.”
Once settled in the backseat of the car, Victor glanced over and casually asked, “Where to?”
“Evergreens Garden,” Vera answered.
It was more than just a house-it was a personal milestone, bought as she stepped into adulthood. She had tailored its interior long ago to suit her tastes. Though she had moved in with Howard after their marriage, she had never truly lived there. It stood as her sanctuary.
Victor remarked casually, “It’s a nice location. I’ve heard the scenery is quite impressive.”
Vera smiled and replied, “I’m also quite fond of the environment there.”
After her comment, she turned to gaze out the window. A gentle spring breeze wafted through the half-open window, playfully tousling her hair.
The car was filled with the soft tones of piano music, lending an air of tranquility to their ride. Despite this being only their second encounter, Vera felt an unexpected familiarity with Victor, as if they had known each other for a long time.
Victor glanced at Vera and inquired casually, “Have you come up with any new designs for that jewelry batch?”
Vera, looking healthier than she had in days, her natural beauty evident even without makeup, responded sincerely, “I’ve based the next designs on the Milky Way theme. I’ve finalized the ideas and will send you the drawings once I return.”
Victor tapped his fingers on his lap thoughtfully and commented slowly, “Is working with you genuinely enjoyable, Miss Montgomery?”
Vera smiled softly. “Thank you for the kind words, Mr. Adams.”
As they neared Ever-spring Garden, just two blocks away, an unexpected event occurred. A cyclist suddenly swerved in front of their car.
Reacting swiftly, the driver steered sharply to the right. Caught off-guard, Vera was thrown slightly off balance, leaning involuntarily towards Victor, nearly making contact with his lips.
The incident unfolded so abruptly that neither Vera nor Victor had time to react. Their lips nearly touched.
Vera immediately sat up straight, her pulse quickening. “Sorry, that was unintended.”
Even though she had been discharged from the hospital, she was still weak.
Victor adjusted his posture smoothly. “It’s alright,” he murmured soothingly.
The driver, flustered, blurted out, “I’m sorry, Mr. Adams.” A bead of cold sweat trickled down his forehead. He was well aware of Victor’s aversion to physical contact, and anxious thoughts clouded his mind about his uncertain position.
Victor remarked coolly, “Focus on your driving.”
The driver, caught off guard by Victor’s lack of anger, felt a chill fill the air. He was utterly baffled but ceased his worrying under Victor’s piercing stare.
Vera gazed out the window at the passing scenery, seeking a diversion from her turmoil.
Victor remained quiet, the tension palpable, yet somewhat alleviated by the soft strains of the radio.