Chapter 2 Unexpected Encounter
The hot water running over Victoria's skin brought some warmth back to her cold body.
As she showered, her foggy mind started to clear.
Then, it hit her - the huge decision she had made.
Making a deal with mob boss Nathaniel!
It felt like walking a tightrope on a cliff, one wrong move could send her tumbling down.
But now that she was in this mess, she had no choice but to keep going.
After she finished her shower and stepped out of the bathroom, Nathaniel was gone, giving her a chance to take in the suite's decor.
The style matched Nathaniel's rough personality, with an industrial feel of black and white metals.
The walls were adorned with fancy knives and submachine guns she couldn't even recognize.
Victoria took a deep breath, sensing the danger that surrounded Nathaniel.
She heard a creak from the door, and in walked a tall, lean, handsome young man with a crew cut that highlighted his sharp features.
Dressed sharply, he had a gun and a walkie-talkie at his waist.
Victoria figured he was Nathaniel's bodyguard.
Knowing their relationship was purely physical, she didn't bother asking about Nathaniel's whereabouts, expecting no further involvement.
"Can I get my bag back, please?"
When she was brought into the suite, her bag had vanished.
"Mr. Cross said Miss Chase needs to leave first. I'm sorry."
Instead of returning her bag, the young man came closer and put a black hood over her head.
Plunged into darkness once more.
Feeling like she was being guided by two people, Victoria was led to a car, and they drove off.
The car started moving, swaying slightly.
It all felt surreal to her. Apart from knowing Nathaniel was helping her, she was completely in the dark about everything else.
She had no clue where he lived, how to reach him, or what kind of favors she might be asked for in the future.
It hit her hard that to Nathaniel, she was just a call girl at his disposal.
After what felt like a lengthy drive, the car finally came to a stop.
The hood was taken off, and the door of the fancy car swung open.
The young man stood there, polite but distant. "Miss Chase, please step out."
He handed her the handbag.
"Thanks."
The car drove off into the distance.
Looking at the bustling city, Victoria started to feel grounded again.
She checked her phone quickly, seeing several WhatsApp messages and missed calls.
There were calls from her dad and so-called "friends" trying to rope her into money-making schemes.
Victoria sighed.
In the past, David had groomed her to be a socialite, claiming her hands were perfect for a musician.
Now, she worked as a piano teacher at a school, tutoring wealthy kids and playing at events occasionally.
Tonight, she was treated like a hooker.
Victoria chuckled bitterly, hailed a taxi, and rushed to the event she was late for.
In the cab, she called David back.
"Dad, I'm okay. Did someone come by today causing trouble?"
"No."
David's voice crackled through.
Usually, debt collectors would show up during dinner, banging on the door like crazy in the dead of night, disturbing the whole neighborhood.
At first, the neighbors felt sorry for the Chases, then they found it amusing, and eventually, they avoided them altogether.
But today, there was an unusual absence of them?
"Victoria, I'm sorry for everything. Why don't you leave, the farther the better, don't come back."
"Leave? Where to? And..."
She almost blurted out the question but decided it was best not to confront David about it.
In reality, she wanted to say, "You don't have to pretend anymore. Nathaniel is reliable and has already started helping resolve the Chase family's issues."
In a way, Nathaniel's sudden appearance had actually been a lifesaver for her.
"Okay, Dad... I have work, I'll hang up now."
She didn't dare dig deeper into today's events just yet.
Was it David who, to solve the Chase family's problems, used Xavier's connections to sell her?
After all, Xavier was now linked to Emma Cross of Genesis Corporation!
Otherwise, she couldn't understand why she and Nathaniel had this kind of connection tonight.
The taxi pulled up at the hotel, and Victoria rushed backstage.
As soon as she walked in, she was bombarded with scolding.
"Who do you think you are, acting like some wealthy person from the past? Ignoring calls and messages. If you hadn't shown up last minute, where would I find a replacement? That piece isn't something just anyone can play!"
Victoria just kept apologizing with a forced smile.
"If I didn't feel sorry for you, why would I suggest such a great opportunity to you?"
Victoria thought to herself, 'You yourself said the piece is difficult and that most people can't play it. This opportunity is rightfully mine; I don't need your pity.'
But she had long shed her former arrogance, letting the criticisms slide off her back, ignoring the judgmental looks.
"Wow, Genesis Corporation is really something. This event is so extravagant, I've never seen such luxury!"
Someone walked into the backstage area, amazed.
Victoria was surprised. "Whose event is this?"
"The Cross family's! The family gathering is even more lavish than the evening banquet, truly extravagant."
"I heard that the CEO of Genesis Corporation, Adrian Cross, will be here. He's more handsome than a movie star!"
"If one could get in with the Cross family, it could really change their fate."
Victoria's mind raced with thoughts. It truly was a small world!
For some reason, Victoria felt a twinge of fear towards Nathaniel.
If she were to bump into him at the evening banquet, she wasn't sure how she'd handle the situation.
"Too bad the mastermind behind the Cross family won't be here."
"Huh? Mr. Nathaniel Cross isn't coming? I was looking forward to it, his imposing figure and cold gaze are totally my type."
"Mr. Nathaniel Cross never shows up at events, of course."
Victoria breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing that.
It was probably best not to cross paths with him.
Little did she know, there was a subtle hint of disappointment in her heart.
After slipping into her evening gown and finishing her makeup, the banquet was already in full swing.
Victoria had two pieces to perform tonight, one at the start and one as the grand finale.
She donned a flashy red sequined strapless gown, her long golden waves flowing down.
With confidence, she made her way to the piano tucked in a corner of the banquet hall.
Her performance that evening was merely background music for the event, a far cry from the days when she was the center of attention during her past performances.
She sat down composedly, her fingers gliding over the black and white keys, skillfully starting to play.
In those fleeting moments of playing the piano, she found solace, a sanctuary where she could escape life's troubles and lose herself in the enchanting world of music.
Occasionally, she still dreamed of reigniting her musical ambitions in the future.
As the notes leaped, a man amidst the clinking glasses paused with his wine glass, his gaze falling on Victoria.
"Xavier, what are you staring at?"
A flirtatious voice chimed in as Emma leaned against Xavier's arm.
"I spotted someone I know, thinking of going over to say hi."
Xavier casually averted his gaze from Victoria.
"I'll come with you."
"No need, it's not someone important. What matters now is being with my darling Emma."
When Victoria finished her piece and rose to bow, she lifted her head and locked eyes with him.
In that instant, sparks flew, and intense hatred erupted from her eyes.
Xavier!