Filed to story: Unmasking the Billionaire: Don’t Mess with the Ex (Victoria & Carter) Book PDF Free
Was this more of Victoria’s influence?
“This circus has gone on long enough.” Victoria took Robert’s hand, shot Carter a look of pure disgust, and declared, “If you’re gonna act this shameless, might as well go all the way!”
“Victoria, what are you talking about?” Carter looked lost.
Ignoring him, Victoria turned to Keith, pulling Robert forward. “Hello, Mr. Pena. I’m Victoria Lewis, Robert’s mother.”
Keith looked at her, a polite smile forming as he extended his hand. “A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Lewis!”
Victoria shook his hand briefly.
This scene struck the other parents dumb. Moments earlier, Tracy had been completely ignored, yet now Keith had initiated the handshake with Victoria.
Tracy stood frozen, watching the exchange in disbelief. What was happening?
Releasing his hand, Victoria spoke firmly. “Mr. Pena, I assume you’ve already reviewed my son’s qualifications. Since you’re here today, I’d like to formally address these baseless accusations against him.”
Her directness took everyone aback. She still wanted to fight back? Was that even possible?
The security footage seemed clear, and children had testified. Was Victoria really going to try and defend Robert?
Surely Keith, as a board member of Sunny Group, wouldn’t ignore the facts and accept a child like Robert.
“Robert bullied Jenarth and nearly caused a serious incident. That’s what everyone witnessed. What is there left to argue?” A parent spoke up, supporting Tracy.
“Exactly. Mr. Pena’s a board member at Sunny Group – super prestigious. But him showing up here specifically for Robert… Ain’t there some shady business going on between them?” someone else muttered, starting rumors about the handshake.
Victoria just scoffed at that.
“Mr. Pena, my apologies that you have to see this. So this is the kind of kids and parents Eaton Kindergarten churns out? Impressive!”
Keith showed no reaction to the gossip. He looked intently at Victoria and asked seriously, “Ms. Lewis, are you stating that all accusations against Robert are false?”
“Yes,” Victoria stated without hesitation.
“How can you prove it?” Keith pressed.
“Yeah, the evidence is clear. How do you plan to prove it?” another parent shouted. “My child saw Robert yell at Jenarth and even hurt his hand. Are you calling my child a liar?”
“She’s still trying to prove it? The security footage is right there! If you want to clear his name, take this case to the police! Stop wasting our time. Mrs. Campbell, if you’re expelling him, just do it already!” another parent mocked. “Sunny Kindergarten is supposed to be world-class. If they just take Robert like this, I seriously question their standards! It’s a joke!”
“If you’re all so desperate for proof, I’ll give it to you.” Victoria’s voice was sharp and clear. Her cold gaze swept over the parents who had just spoken.
The parents on the scene returned her look with pure contempt.
Isabella, still holding Jenarth, finally spoke up. “Victoria, things have gone this far, and you’re still trying to fight?” she said, her voice dripping with false concern.
Victoria looked at Isabella and sneered. “Isn’t this exactly the scene you were hoping for?”
“I…” Isabella’s face tightened instinctively. She pulled Jenarth closer, adopting a pitiful expression. “Victoria, I know you despise me, but your divorce had nothing to do with me.
“You were the one who insisted on leaving Carter. Now you’re so full of bitterness, taking it out on my child and letting your son bully Jenarth. I ain’t just gonna stand by and do nothing!”
The parents at the scene listened, finally piecing together the backstory. Some were surprised by the revelation of Carter and Victoria’s past relationship, but most had concluded that Victoria was simply acting out of spite.
“Stop making a scene here. The security footage is clear, and all the children witnessed your son bullying Jenarth. If this can still be reversed, I’ll apologize. But come on – like that’s ever gonna happen?!” one parent snapped, clearly annoyed at the time being wasted.
“Make Robert kneel down and apologize to everyone. He’s wasted so much of our time. Let him kneel and say he’s sorry, and maybe we’ll consider letting it go,” another parent added.
“Kneel down and apologize? Fine.” A cool smile touched Victoria’s lips as her gaze landed on the group of parents and Tracy, who was still grinning like a fool. “But if my son is proven innocent, shouldn’t you guys be the ones kneeling down and saying sorry to him?”
A couple of parents’ faces fell. They couldn’t believe Victoria still had the gall to be so bold – especially when things looked this bad for her.
The evidence seemed undeniable. How could she possibly turn this around?
Tracy remained silent, just staring at Victoria. She couldn’t understand how the gentle mother who used to quietly pick up her son had developed such a sharp, piercing gaze.
“Victoria, is causing all this drama really worth it, just for a bit of attention?” Isabella said coldly. She looked down at Jenarth in her arms and asked softly, “Jenarth, are you feeling any better?”
Jenarth gave a weak nod. “Mommy, I’m okay now.”
He then put on a little show, making a big deal of trying to get down from her arms. When Isabella moved to help, he stopped her.
“Mommy, I’m fine,” he said, his voice shaking and his face the picture of hurt. “It’s my fault everyone’s upset.”
“Jenarth!” Carter reached out to steady him too, but Jenarth gently refused.
Jenarth took a few steps forward and looked at Robert. He spoke in a soft, fragile voice, “Robert, I know you don’t like me. I did all this… I just wanted to be your friend. You’re like my big brother, and I’ve always looked up to you. If you really hate everything about me… then maybe I should just disappear.”
His words brought tears to the eyes of a few parents.
What a thoughtful child, knowing he wasn’t liked but still trying so hard to win favor. Even after being hurt, he was still speaking up for the bully. It was truly heartbreaking.
So young, yet so mature. Compared to him, Robert seemed like a spoiled brat, a bully who threw his weight around because he could.
“Mommy, his acting skills are award-winning. He deserves an Oscar!” Robert tugged on Victoria’s sleeve and whispered, just loud enough for others to hear.
Victoria replied coolly, “Well, look who his mother is.”
She directed the comment straight at Isabella, whose face turned a blotchy red with anger.
“You two… Don’t go too far!” Isabella moved to step forward, ready to argue, but Jenarth blocked her path.
“Mommy, it’s fine. We’ve been wronged so many times before. What’s one more?” Jenarth offered Robert a fragile smile. “Robert, if insulting me makes you feel better, then go ahead! I can take it!”
“Insult you? Don’t flatter yourself. You’re not even worth my words.” Robert sneered, turning his head away dismissively, unimpressed by Jenarth’s performance.
“Enough!” This time, it was Carter who exploded.
He strode forward, placing himself protectively in front of Jenarth and Isabella. He glared at Victoria and Robert, his fury palpable.
“Victoria, Robert, you’ve crossed a line. Just because you left the Myers family, you think you don’t need any basic decency? Can’t you have a little self-respect? You’re in the wrong, and you won’t even offer a simple apology?” Carter’s voice trembled with rage.
“Victoria, is this really the example you want to set for Robert?”
Listening to Carter’s relentless lecturing, Victoria felt a headache coming on. She’d had more than enough.
Could someone please remove this fool so they could all have some peace and quiet?
“Carter, Mr. Myers,” Victoria’s voice cut clearly through the noise. “You keep insisting that those who make mistakes should apologize. Fine, I agree with that principle.” She paused, letting her words sink in. “If my son truly did something wrong, forget a simple apology – I would kneel down and beg for your forgiveness.”
Carter stiffened at her words. A knot of anxiety tightened in his chest, though he couldn’t pinpoint why her declaration unsettled him so deeply.
“But!” Victoria’s gaze locked onto Carter, a sly smile playing on her lips as she suddenly shifted her stance. “If my son is innocent, then shouldn’t everyone here follow that same principle? Shouldn’t you all kneel down and apologize to him?”
“Victoria, are you serious? You’re still being unreasonable at a time like this? How long are you going to keep this charade going?” Carter let out an exasperated sigh. “Do you really think causing all this drama just to get my attention will work?”
