"Gwyn will be fine with Violet. Maybe the teacher''s just being biased. Let''s leave it for now-I''m busy."


    He hung up before Victoria could say another word, leaving her wondering just what he was so busy with.


    The Langford Group had been running smoothly for six years now, thanks to their joint efforts. McNeil had secured absolute control over thepany, and most things no longer needed his direct involvement.


    But ever since she''d uncovered the truth about Violet, he''d only grown more excessive-less patient with her. Now, even when she tried to discuss serious matters, McNeil''s irritation bled through.


    A message from Ailie popped up on her phone:


    "I can''t take it anymore. Violet just mangled the proposal we discussed-turned it into aplete mess-and your precious Mr. Garcia encouraged everyone to give her a round of apuse. What a pair-he''s hopeless, she''s shameless. Seriously, a match made in hell."


    Attached was a photo from the event: McNeil gazing at Violet with an adoring look, while Violet beamed back at him. Curtis and the other executives were all pping along the sidelines.


    Victoria understood instantly.


    So McNeil was busy ying up Violet''s reputation-no wonder he hadn''t answered her calls, and when he did, he was downright unpleasant.


    Violet was the one he couldn''t bear to see criticized. Rather than face their daughter''s issues, he''d rather believe Victoria was lying, just to hurt Violet.


    Her grip tightened around her phone, then loosened again.


    He was probably still with Violet.


    It was gettingte. Surely McNeil woulde pick up Gwh soon; after all, he hadn''t messaged Victoria to handle it herself.


    Their daughter belonged to both of them. Still, if McNeil didn''t want her involved, Victoria wasn''t about to give him any more reason tosh out.


    She still needed his signature on the divorce papers. If she provoked him and he decided to make things difficult, ending this marriage would be anything but easy.


    Victoria returned to the Simms'' ce. She''d promised Curtis she''d attend the wee party that evening, so she needed to start getting ready.


    Yasmine was waiting at home. When Victoria slipped into the evening gown, Yasmine-herself a woman-couldn''t help but stare in awe.


    The strapless blue dress hugged Victoria''s slender, curving figure perfectly. Her dark, wavy hair was swept up into a chignon, secured by a circle of pearl pins. Her fair skin had just a touch of concealer making it look practically luminous. A sweep of eyeliner elongated her eyes, adding a hint of mystery and allure.


    Yasmine handed her a lipstick. Once her makeup was finished, Victoria


    caught a glimpse of herself in et


    mirror her innocence seemed a distant memory. The reflection was all womanly grace and subtle seduction, without a trace of vulgarity.


    For a moment, Victoria hardly recognized herself. She''d never looked this way in front of anyone-not even herself.


    "Wow, Ms. Turner-you look absolutely stunning," Yasmine breathed.


    Night had fallen in a cascade of city lights. A car horn sounded at the gate.


    Haley walked in.


    "Ma''am, someone''s here for you."


    Gathering her skirt, Victoria stepped outside. She found Ailie, already waiting in a simple ck dress, having just gotten out of Curtis''s car.


    Apparently, Curtis had sent his driver to pick Ailie up first, thene to fetch Victoria.


    "Victoria? Oh my god-I barely recognized you!"


    Ailie, with her delicate features and minimal makeup, looked much the same as always. She''d never cared for dressing up; besides, she wasn''t the star of the night.


    Victoria was a different story. Even with barely any makeup, she was striking tonight, with her haute couture gown and wless look, her natural elegance was impossible to hide.


    The driver cast a nce at the grand house behind Victoria.


    He couldn''t help but wonder: Was Ms. Turner being kept as Mr. Garcia''s hidden treasure?