Filed to story: Billionaire Bride’s Revenge (Vera & Howard)
“Tricia, why would you do such a reckless thing? How could your mother and I… We almost lost you.” Perhaps the scare of nearly losing her softened him; Delmar wept openly, shedding his usually stern demeanor.
Overcome with emotion, Tricia began to sob. “This is all my fault. I’ve been so silly, risking my own life.” Only now did she realize the folly of her actions.
She had thought Lily’s plan was sound, but now it became clear that Lily had actually been plotting her death. If Tricia had died, not only would she have been silenced, but Vera would have also been blamed for it for the rest of her life. Even without direct evidence, the court of public opinion would likely have convicted her.
Tricia was merely a tool in Lily’s scheme against Vera. Why would Lily concern herself with the fate of a mere pawn?
From the doorway, Vera and Victor observed the tearful reunion between father and daughter. Vera frowned slightly.
While she felt a pang of sympathy witnessing the scene, she remembered that Tricia had largely brought this upon herself.
Tricia might have been as vile as Lily, though not as cunning.
Victor caught Vera’s reaction, his gaze shifting back to the ward, his dark eyes growing even more intense. At that moment, Tricia noticed Vera standing at the door.
Although she was weak, she clenched her teeth fiercely. “You bitch! How dare you show up here?” Immediately, struggling to sit up, Tricia scolded Vera, her hands flinging items from the bedside table.
The bedside table was hurled in her direction. A glass shattered right next to where Vera stood, her expression cold.
Victor, standing behind her, exuded an overwhelming aura of intimidation.
Tricia’s arrogance vanished in a flash, and her gaze narrowed at them.
“Wait, that’s Victor? How could he be with Vera?”
“You seem to have already forgotten the lesson from your narrow escape from death,” Vera said, her voice steady and cutting. “If I hadn’t intervened to stop Lily from removing your oxygen tube last night, would you still be here yelling at me?”
The shock from Vera’s revelation left Tricia speechless.
She stared at Delmar, unable to believe it.
“Dad, is what Vera is saying true?”
Delmar clenched his jaw and replied, “Yes, it’s true. I never imagined Lily would harm you again. I’ll ensure she pays dearly for this!”
Tricia turned ghastly pale.
She had timed her suicide attempt by slashing her wrist, not expecting to lose so much blood and remain unconscious for so long.
Yet, what shocked her even more was the revelation that Lily had intended to end her life.
With a calm demeanor, Vera said in a chilling tone, “To Lily, you’re a disposable tool. If you were to die, I’d be the prime suspect, and Lily could easily frame me since it’s her word against mine.”
Tricia’s hands clenched tightly as fury sparked in her. “I refuse to be manipulated like a mere pawn.”
Vera cautioned, “Yet, you don’t have any proof to accuse her.”
Tricia’s expression turned fierce. “Who says I don’t have evidence?”
Tricia wasn’t exactly the sharpest tool in the shed, but she was far from stupid.
When Lily had nudged her toward suicide, Tricia sensed something was off. Unable to pinpoint the issue, she decided to save the recording of their conversation. If there were no issues, she wouldn’t need the recording. But if trouble arose, she would have proof to back her up.
That recording now served as the strongest piece of evidence.
Vera’s lips curled into a subtle smile.
She had kept her true intentions under wraps until this moment, aiming to pit Tricia against Lily. Everything seemed to be unfolding perfectly.
They had now become bitter enemies.
Vera was no saint; she had her strategies.
Victor’s respect for Vera grew.
He had anticipated her motives when she provoked Lily to act. No wonder she was the partner he had chosen. Her judgment was impeccable.
Now, Vera could leave the rest of the matter to Tricia. Back in Victor’s hospital room, she settled on the sofa and pulled out her phone, prepared to enjoy the drama as it unfolded.
Victor was seated across from her, dressed in a light gray casual suit. This attire gave him a more approachable air than an authoritative one.
“Well done, the strategy worked,” he commented.
Startled, Vera looked up at him.
Their eyes locked, and she felt as though he could see right through her.
Vera hadn’t felt this way since she was a child. Victor’s piercing gaze left her feeling utterly exposed, as if he could see every thought in her mind.
Surprisingly, she didn’t resist this sensation but openly embraced it.
“You always see right through me, Mr. Adams.”
“Miss Montgomery,” he replied with a grin, “your insight and intelligence are too valuable for just design work. Have you considered joining my company?”
“You can name your position and salary, and I’ll make sure you’re satisfied.”
Vera’s eyes widened as she held back a smile. “Your generosity is much appreciated, Mr. Adams, but being a designer really suits me best.”
“Given your skills and resources, you could certainly carve out a successful career in business too,” Victor said casually.
Upon hearing this, Samuel was stunned. Was Victor actually complimenting Vera on her intelligence? After years of working for Victor, this was the first time Samuel had heard him praise someone with such admiration.
More than that, Victor was ready to offer any position and salary if Vera agreed to join his company.
What was going on?
Was this really the Victor Adams he knew?
Victor stared at Vera with keen interest. Exceptional talents, he believed, would thrive in any industry. Yet, Vera declined his offer once more, still smiling.
“Thanks for the proposal, Mr. Adams. However, I’ve decided to stick with design as my life’s work. Your compliments flatter me, though.”
Victor ceased his attempts to persuade her. He relaxed back into his chair, legs slightly apart. “You are an exceptional woman. Howard has married above himself but fails to recognize that you’re a pearl, seeing you as nothing more than a common bead. He doesn’t appreciate your value.”
Vera’s gaze grew colder as she replied sarcastically, “Choosing such a jerk was my biggest mistake. If I could turn back time, I’d give myself a couple of sharp slaps.”