Chapter 3 Selling Daughter for Glory
Xavier raised his wine glass, his eyes locked on Victoria, unmoving.
The glass partially hid his face, adding a mysterious and sinister touch to his refined features.
'Scumbag!'
Victoria cursed inwardly, her eyes shooting daggers at Xavier.
If looks could kill, Xavier would've been six feet under by now!
Victoria clenched her fists and turned away, heading backstage.
Dealing with Xavier always made Victoria feel like she could commit murder.
The Chase family and the Cole family had a long history together, and Victoria and Xavier had been childhood friends, growing closer as they got older.
When the Cole family faced tough times, Victoria not only stuck by Xavier but also supported him in every way she could.
That's why Xavier and David had started a company together.
But when the company went belly up, all the blame fell on David, leaving Xavier unscathed.
And now, he was cozying up to Emma from Genesis Corporation, tossing Victoria aside like yesterday's news.
A shameless jerk, using the Chase family to climb the social ladder!
"Victoria."
The wolf in sheep's clothing had arrived.
Xavier blocked Victoria's path.
"Long time no see, how've you been?"
"Cut the act, we all know what you've done!"
"I genuinely care about you!"
"Just the thought of it makes me sick, move out of my way!"
Victoria tried to sidestep him.
"If I didn't care, why would I agree to help David and act as a go-between for you?" Xavier's eyes lingered on Victoria's neck and chest.
Her neck was bare, no makeup in sight.
As if checking something, he reached out to tuck Victoria's loose hair behind her ear and peered at the back of her neck.
Victoria quickly swatted his hand away. "Don't touch me with your filthy hands!"
Xavier firmly grasped her raised wrist.
Tall and lean, Xavier looked sharp in his suit.
He leaned in close to Victoria, a reminder of how he used to kiss her.
Victoria quickly turned her face away.
Xavier halted, gazing at her with lowered eyes.
A faint, almost imperceptible smile played on Xavier's lips.
"Victoria, seems like your charm's worn off, Mr. Cross hasn't made a move on you?"
Ignoring his sarcasm, Victoria turned her head and shot him a fierce glare.
"Did my dad really send you to interfere in this?" Victoria's voice quivered as she questioned.
"Why else would I hand you over to Nathaniel randomly? After all, you used to be mine!"
"No way! Don't you dare speak ill of my dad!"
Victoria struggled to break free from Xavier's hold.
Despite David's confusion and unreliability, Victoria had always been provided with the best since childhood!
She refused to believe that David would trade her for money!
"Victoria, whether you believe it or not, that's the truth."
Xavier said nonchalantly.
Victoria's heart raced, and she took a deep breath to steady herself.
She was no longer the sheltered heiress she once was.
If Xavier wanted to see her flustered, she would show him her poise.
So, she smiled.
A genuine smile, unburdened.
"Well then, I owe you a thank you. Mr. Cross is a generous benefactor, and I'm quite content."
With that, Victoria walked away.
Xavier was taken aback by her unexpected response, standing there in disbelief.
Moments later, Victoria halted, turned back, and teased, "Oh, and you have a generous benefactor too. We're in the same boat, so if the chance arises, I'd appreciate your guidance, senior."
Both selling themselves, who could determine who was more honorable.
Veins bulged on Xavier's forehead instantly as he clenched his fists, struggling to contain his emotions.
In the backstage dressing room, Victoria's hands trembled as she gripped her phone.
She wanted to call David and confront him about Xavier's words.
To ask if he truly traded her for money!
But ultimately, she refrained.
What good would it do to ask? Did she have the guts to face the truth?
It would only stir up more trouble.
Besides, David was so clueless, easily swayed by Xavier's smooth talk.
Xavier was a skilled manipulator!
It was better not to ask, so she could use those words to deceive herself.
With that thought, Victoria stared blankly at her reflection in the mirror.
As the banquet neared its end, the staff summoned her to perform the final piece.
It was a challenging piece, at a professional level.
She had rehearsed it countless times, muscle memory guiding her fingers across the keys.
But at such an event, even the most graceful piano piece was merely a tool to please the upper crust.
No one would genuinely appreciate it.
Except for Nathaniel, parked in his luxury car at the entrance.
He had only been passing by but was captivated by the music, instructing his driver to halt the car.
He listened silently for a moment before murmuring, "Step out."
His handsome bodyguard, who had been trailing him, promptly exited the passenger seat and opened the door.
As Nathaniel entered the venue, the atmosphere shifted, and everyone seemed to hold their breath, the tension in the air dropping slightly.
"Mr. Cross!"
"Mr. Cross is here!"
The guests straightened up a bit, gravitating towards Nathaniel as if on a pilgrimage, offering smiles and flattery.
Adrian and Emma also made their way over.
"Uncle Nathaniel, I thought you weren't gonna make it? The feast has already begun." Emma looped her arm through Nathaniel's, speaking sweetly.
"Just passing by, thought I'd peek inside."
Adrian chuckled, "Uncle Nathaniel, should we tell the kitchen to whip up more dishes?"
"No need."
As the crowd chatted, Xavier approached to propose a toast, but Nathaniel's significant look sent a shiver down his spine.
Since Xavier had sent Victoria over, Nathaniel hadn't paid her any attention. Had something gone awry between them?
But from Victoria's reaction and Nathaniel's demeanor, it didn't seem like a catastrophic fallout that would leave him reeling at the banquet.
Xavier could only speculate and adjust his actions accordingly.
Luckily, Nathaniel didn't bring it up later, easing his nerves.
With such a commotion in the venue, it was hard for Victoria not to notice.
She discreetly glanced at the crowd and easily spotted Nathaniel.
He stood out the most.
Tall and commanding, sporting an unbuttoned white shirt and well-fitted pants that highlighted his physique.
Just as Victoria stole a glance, her eyes met Nathaniel's.
They locked gazes.
Victoria's heart skipped a beat, causing her to hit a wrong key on the piano.
It was a situation she had never faced during a performance, her mind going blank.
She finished the piece relying on muscle memory, then took her bow and hurried off the stage.
Deep down, she knew no one would catch her mistake.
Back in the dressing room, she packed up her belongings, getting ready to leave.
As she reached the dressing room door, she saw the evening's bodyguard who had escorted her out, standing tall and straight.
"Miss Chase, Mr. Cross wants to see you."