Filed to story: Billionaire Bride’s Revenge (Vera & Howard)
Both of them spoke at the same time, trying to get a word in.
After a brief silence, they tried to speak simultaneously again.
“You go first,” Vera said.
“No, you,” Victor replied.
Vera took a deep breath, seeming to decide to speak her mind. “Never mind. Let me speak first.”
Victor nodded in agreement.
With a heavy sigh, Vera massaged her forehead. “Adams, please make time to clear things up with your mother. This misunderstanding is too profound. I can’t bear it.”
“Sorry about that,” Victor replied. “Rest assured, I’ll make sure to explain everything to her.”
Relieved, Vera nodded. “That’s good.”
Yet, their conversation did little to ease the awkwardness that lingered between them.
Vera bit her lip and inspected her blouse, wondering if she could leave the hospital by covering the tear with her arms. But the rip in her blouse ran too deep, from collar to hem.
What made it worse was that a strip of fabric had come away completely. So even if she tried to cover it with her arms, it would be noticeable and likely spark conversation.
Resigned, Vera decided to wait for new clothes.
Silence enveloped the ward, and the tension seemed almost tangible.
Vera didn’t know how long she had waited. Finally, Samuel arrived with the clothes.
Vera immediately turned around.
Samuel passed the large bag to Victor. “Adams, here are the clothes,” he said.
Victor frowned. “Why are you the one bringing them?” He hadn’t called Samuel earlier.
Samuel explained, “Mrs. Adams asked me to bring them.” As he spoke, he glanced at Vera, clearly puzzled. He sensed the odd atmosphere in the ward but couldn’t pinpoint the cause.
Vera twisted the torn fabric of her blouse to cover herself, grabbed the bag, and rushed into the bathroom. Watching her, Samuel asked, “What happened to Miss Montgomery? She was expected to visit Victor here.”
Samuel was puzzled by her need to change.
Victor glared at him, his expression filled with warning. “Don’t ask questions you shouldn’t,” he cautioned.
Samuel silenced himself at once.
Vera quickly changed into the dress Samuel had brought and came out of the bathroom. She stuffed the torn blouse into the bag. Though now more presentable, she still couldn’t face Victor.
“Mr. Adams, I need to leave now,” she said quietly.
After a moment, Victor responded calmly, “Okay. Be careful out there.”
Vera gave a quick nod, clutched the bag, and walked briskly out of the ward. She hurried as if chased by some unseen force.
Despite being married to Howard for three years, they had never shared moments like this-Victor had seen her half-naked. She barely knew him, and now this. Feeling acutely embarrassed, Vera exited the room.
Only Victor and Samuel remained in the ward. Samuel, watching the way Vera had left, was filled with doubts.
“Mr. Adams, do you find Miss Montgomery’s behavior odd today? She seemed rushed and anxious when she left. I’m worried something serious might have occurred.”
Leaning against the head of the bed, Victor said coldly, “Maybe she was busy.”
Samuel nodded thoughtfully and glanced at him, still unsure.
After the surgery, the gunshot wound was covered with thick gauze. The first two buttons of his hospital gown were undone, revealing the edge of the gauze.
Victor’s complexion was still pale, his fine features giving him the appearance of a man from a painting.
Rubbing his chin, Samuel pondered for a moment before finding the right words. “I don’t know why, but Mr. Adams, you somehow seem fragile now, and it makes me want to protect you.”
Victor glared at him, snapping, “Shut up!”
With an embarrassed smile, Samuel quickly changed the subject, reporting on the investigation.
“The mastermind behind the gunshot is still under investigation. It appears this person is also responsible for the murder of the head of the design department. All vehicles are now equipped with bulletproof designs, each armed with at least ten pistols and three submachine guns.”
Victor responded with a cold nod. “You’re fully in charge of those matters.”
A second later, his phone rang. When he saw the caller ID, his expression turned icy.
Victor answered Howard’s call with visible annoyance. “Hello, Mr. Adams,” Howard greeted immediately.
Victor leaned against the bed’s headboard, his voice indifferent. “What do you want, Mr. Shaw?”
Howard hesitated before continuing. “My company is facing challenges, and we need to collaborate with Iris. Could you help me get in touch with her, Mr. Adams?” His tone was polite, almost pleading.
Victor’s lips twisted into a scornful smile. “Sorry, but that’s not possible. Iris chooses her own business partners, and I don’t interfere with her decisions.”
Howard’s voice grew anxious. “Mr. Adams, all I’m asking for is an introduction. Honestly, I’ve tried contacting Aimee several times without success.”
Victor’s eyes remained cold and unyielding. “I understand your company’s predicament, but I can’t assist you. You’ll need to find another way, Mr. Shaw.”
With Victor’s firm refusal, Howard reluctantly ended the call.
Victor hung up and stared at the phone screen, contemplating the potential chaos if Howard were to discover that Vera was Iris.
Meanwhile, Samuel, unable to restrain his curiosity, was slicing an apple next to Victor’s bed. “What is Howard thinking? Why would he try to poach from you? Doesn’t he realize that his ex-wife is Iris? It’s amusing to see how poorly he and his ex-wife coordinate.”
This comment drew a stern look from Victor.
“I think you’d be suitable for that,” Victor suggested, his tone sharp.
The suggestion was enough to make Samuel stop in his tracks. It seemed that Victor was about to give him more work if he didn’t shut up now.
Samuel straightened up and suppressed a smile. “I promise to keep out of things that don’t concern me, Mr. Adams.”
The thought of being sent on an inspection assignment for the next few months meant Samuel wouldn’t see the town again for at least three months and would likely endure considerable hardship.