I called for an ambulance myself. When the paramedics arrived, they asked if I had any family to accompany me.
“No,” I replied numbly, tilting my head back. “They’re all gone.”
On the way to the hospital, Julian sent me a message, “Victoria, Averil was so upset by you that she fainted. You need to come to the hospital immediately to apologize in person. Bring an appropriate gift; there will be reporters present. Don’t worry about your reputation. This mess is your fault to begin with.”
My hands trembled as I typed a two-word reply, “Keep dreaming.”
Then I turned off my phone, shutting myself away in solitude.
While waiting in the hospital hallway for my X-ray results, I unexpectedly heard a familiar voice:
“Mr. Watson, I’m Victoria’s boyfriend. If there’s anything she needs moving forward, feel free to contact me directly.”
I looked up, locking eyes with Julian as he walked in.
His steps faltered for a moment, his movements stiff, but he quickly acted as if he didn’t recognize me. Continuing his conversation with Benjamin Watson, he passed me without a second glance.
The faint citrus scent clinging to him twisted my stomach in knots.
I almost bolted, but Julian turned back.
He seemed to have rushed over, and when he noticed I was still there, a flicker of exasperation crossed his face.
“Victoria, have you thought it through?”
“I told you to keep dreaming.” I pushed past him, limping away in the opposite direction.
I felt Julian’s gaze linger on my injured leg for a moment, growing colder by the second.
“Victoria, are you really stooping to this kind of ploy just to avoid apologizing?”
I didn’t want to respond. All I wanted was to get away from this hallway, thick with the scent of Averil’s perfume.
A large hand grabbed my shoulder, yanking me back.
I stumbled, barely able to steady myself as a sharp pain shot through my leg.
“Ah!”
I couldn’t hold back a cry of pain.
Julian’s brow furrowed in irritation, his tone laced with displeasure. “You’ve really let me down.”
With practiced ease, he reached into my pocket and took my phone.
“Give it back!”
I stretched my arm to snatch it, but Julian, clearly annoyed, gave me a firm shove.
“Hank, hold her.”
The bodyguard, tall and imposing, pinned me effortlessly. I couldn’t break free.
“Julian Ford!!”
