She thought it over-Curtis had always treated her fairly, and since she needed to stay at Quantum Core Technologies until she secured the core technology, she picked up the call.


    "Ms. Turner, when exactly do you n oning back to work?"


    On the other end was Violet''s assistant, Georgia, her tone as blunt as ever. Before Victoria could reply, Georgiaunched right in.


    "It''s been over two weeks since youst showed up at the office. Your leave was signed off by Mr. Garcia, so there''s not much we can say. But the Investment Department is now under Ms. Marchand''s management. From now on, if you need time off, clear it with her-your absence only counts if Ms. Marchand approves it."


    Victoria''s lips curled into a faint, cool smile. She didn''t argue. "Understood."


    Her crisp answer caught Georgia off guard for a moment, leaving her speechless.


    She had expected Victoria to get defensive, or to throw Mr. Garcia''s name around and pull rank.


    Georgia had even rehearsed some pointed remarks, just in case. In her mind, women like Victoria—married, with a child, and yet still managing to cozy up to Mr. Garcia in hopes of bing the boss''s wife-were the worst. The rumor mill never stopped, and Georgia could never quite stomach the idea of someone leveraging looks and charm to get ahead, while everyone else was scraping by, working themselves to the bone just to make ends meet.


    Why should someone like Victoria, just because she had a pretty face, get to lie back, bat hershes, and walk away with all the rewards? If she wanted Mr. Garcia to keep her, fine-just don''t bothering into work. Otherwise, no one would ever respect her.


    Georgia swallowed her grievances, stewing in silence.


    "Thepany''s arranged for key employees to tour The Langford Group tomorrow. Ms. Marchand will be leading the group, and she specifically said you''re to attend. Make sure you''re on time—don''t bete."


    Without waiting for a response, Georgia hung up, her tone as unfriendly as ever.


    Victoria sat for a moment, thoughtful.


    Quantum Core Technologies visiting The Langford Group?


    No doubt another move orchestrated by Violet to boost her own standing at Quantum Core. If Victoria had been showing up at the office these past weeks, she could have found an excuse to skip out on the tour. But now, with Georgia calling her in the middle of the night to insist she attend, there was no way to refuse.


    Otherwise, Violet would have something on her, and Victoria didn''t want any conflict with Violet before she got her hands on the core technology.


    There was no real reason to make trouble.


    Thinking it through, she realized Violet likely didn''t even consider her, McNeil''s legal wife, as a threat-probably didn''t even care enough to scheme against her. This tour was just another opportunity to parade around, to unt how well McNeil treated her in front of Victoria.


    Victoria put the matter out of her mind. After a quick shower, she climbed into bed, read for a while, and drifted off to sleep.


    The next morning, Victoria arrived at the Investment Department. Ailie showed up a littleter and was genuinely surprised to see her already there.


    "You came in today? It''s the weekend-you''re not just here for a stroll, are you?"


    Ailie had actually heard about thepany-wide tour the day before, but she hadn''t mentioned it to Victoria, worried she might feel ufortable. She hadn''t expected to find her at the office so early.


    "Yeah, Georgia called me. Said we''re visiting The Langford Group today."


    Ailie hesitated, at a loss for words.


    Victoria had brought along a notepad and a mini tablet, ready to jot down anything important.


    Funny-after all these years as Mrs. Langford, she''d never once set foot in The Langford Group.


    McNeil had never allowed her to visit thepany. All she knew was that The Langford Group''s headquarters was andmark in Starfall City, but she had no idea what went on inside.


    "Are you sure you want to go? McNeil''s already here this morning. You''re still officially on leave-if youe back one dayter, it''s not like Violet''s going to eat you alive."


    Victoria smiled faintly. "It''s just work. I''ve got nothing to hide from."