As Victor nced over, Isadora seized the moment.
She ignored the well-meaning hostess who tried to help dab her dress and hurried away, her steps swift and determined.
All Victor caught was the fleeting image of a woman in a white coat-slender, her loosely pinned hair tumbling in soft waves. She slipped past like a gust of wind, vanishing through the doorway.
His dark eyes shifted, lingering on the entrance for several seconds, unreadable and shadowed, reluctant to look away.
Mrs. Fitzgerald followed his gaze, peering outside, but saw nothing but an empty corridor.
"What is it?" she asked.
Victor turned back, his expression even. "Nothing," he replied quietly.
Tonight''s dinner was a formal affair: a long-awaited meeting between the Fitzgerald family and Eric and Julissa, the president and firstdy of LS Capital Holdings.
Eric, of mixed European heritage, came from a powerful family whose legacy had flourished overseas, growing into one of the most influential financial dynasties abroad. Yet, despite their reach, their influence had never quite prated the local market. That was why, twenty years ago, they''d sought an alliance through marriage with the Fitzgeralds.
"Mrs. Fitzgerald, Victor has done a remarkable job with the family business. You''re truly fortunate," Eric observed.
With Dorian bedridden, Mrs. Fitzgerald represented the family as matriarch tonight.
Deanna, pleased, smiled warmly. "Not to brag, but my grandson has a brilliant mind for business. In just a few years, he''s multiplied the Fitzgerald Group''s assets several times over-more than his grandfather ever did. No one in Capitolion can match us now."
Eric and Julissa exchanged a knowing smile.
Deanna pressed on, "So, where''s Gemma? I haven''t seen her in ten years. She was such an adorable little princess back then."
Julissa''s face softened, brimming with maternal pride. "She just graduated and has been traveling the world ever since. But it''s about time she found a good husband to keep her grounded."
As she finished, Julissa cast a meaningful nce at Victor.
Victor listened to their reminiscing with an air of detachment. He lifted his ss, took a sip of water, and set it down with a quiet but resolute thud.
Atst, his voice broke through the conversation-low, steady, and more serious than usual. “Uncle, Aunt, I''m afraid the engagement between the Fitzgerald Group and LS Capital Holdings can''t go forward."
The cheerful atmosphere evaporated, tension creeping in as everyone turned to stare at him in shock.
Eric was the first to recover. "Victor, what do you mean by that?”
Deanna hurried to intervene. "Victor, darling, what are you saying? This is the official meeting with your uncle and aunt-don''t ruin it."
Victor''s handsome face was unreadable. He spoke clearly and firmly. "I mean, the engagement is off. It''s canceled."
Eric''s brow furrowed. He pped his palm on the table. "This marriage agreement was settled more than twenty years ago! Do you think you can just call it off on a whim? Is this all some sort of joke to you?"
At his outburst, several burly bodyguards-armed and unmistakably foreign- swept into the room.
Mrs. Fitzgerald gasped, clutching her chest, herplexion turning pale.
Victor didn''t flinch. Seated calmly, he met Eric''s re, his voice quiet but unwavering. "Years ago, the Fitzgerald Group and LS Capital Holdings co- founded GL Group overseas. Today, GL is worth over a hundred billion dors. The Fitzgerald Group will withdraw, handing over our entire share to you-aspensation for canceling the engagement."
Eric''s stony expression finally softened a shade. He waved his hand; the bodyguards melted away as quickly as they''d appeared.
Still, Eric turned to Deanna, his tone sharp. "Mrs. Fitzgerald, my daughter is ady of noble birth-European royalty have lined up to marry her. If you don''t value this alliance, LS Capital Holdings won''t beg for it."
Deanna rose in rm. "Eric, no, you''ve misunderstood-this isn''t what we want at all!"