Departure with a Belly (Alaric and Victoria) novel Chapter 244

Chapter 244 

“It’s not that I’m reluctant to withdraw,” Victoria instinctively retorted. “I’m just busy 

with work. The company needs to operate, and development requires finding 

investments. Mr. Poole used to be a manager in a big company, and Cadogan Group 

is indeed the best choice. Besides, I’ve already put it behind me; I don’t care 

anymore. So what harm is there in collaborating? It won’t affect me. Am I supposed 

to run away every time I encounter him in Jasea?” 

“Is that so? Are you sure you won’t be affected anymore?” 

“I’m positive.” 

“Very well. You’ll say yes then.” 

“To what?” Victoria asked. 

“To being with me.” 

For the first time, there was no smile or gentleness on Bane’s face. 

Victoria gazed dazedly at him, stunned that he would suddenly press her on like 

this. “You…” 

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“Didn’t you say you won’t be affected anymore? What were you going to tell me in 

the car before Mr. Poole’s call? “Bane bore into her. “You said you won’t be affected. 

Now tell me, has your mindset changed since then?” 

2/8 

Victoria fell silent, for she realized she couldn’t retort to him. 

One thought arose, and one thought settled. 

At that time, she did want to tell Bane that she could try dating him if he was okay 

with it. But now, she was having second thoughts. 

As for why, she didn’t know either. 

Then again, thoughts change over time. 

“Victoria,” Bane urged, seeing that she remained silent. “Say something.” 

Victoria couldn’t utter a word but only lowered her gaze, feeling somewhat 

disheartened. “You’re right,” she said. “I have indeed been influenced, but this 

influencé is only related to the passage of time. It has nothing to do with anyone.” 

“Nothing to do with anyone?” Bane scoffed. “Is that what your heart really tells you?” 

“Of course!” 

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Chapter 244 Be Careful Around Him 

The next second, Bane cupped her cheeks tenderly and held her chin, raising her 

head. 

3/8 

Everything went dark before her eyes as Bane leaned down, pressing his gentle, thin 

lips against her forehead. 

Victoria froze, and when she finally reacted and tried to struggle, Bane clasped her 

wrists. 

As she looked up, she met a pair of injured eyes. 

For the first time, Victoria saw the expression in Bane’s eyes through the lenses- 

hurt, unease, and fear. 

“Don’t keep pushing me away, Victoria. Five years… All I want is a chance to stay by 

your side. Even if you don’t like me, at least take a couple more glances at me, 

please? He’s hurt you. He’s no longer worthy of you. Don’t look back anymore. Say 

yes, will you?” 

His plea moved Victoria, and her eyelashes trembled slightly. “I… I have to think 

about it,” she finally said after a long moment of silence. 

“How long?” Bane asked, his voice low and deep. “I don’t want to wait anymore, 

Chapter 244 Be Careful Around Him 

Victoria.” 

This side of Bane made Victoria somewhat helpless, especially when faced with his 

usually gentle and smiling eyes that were now filled with immense pain. She 

couldn’t help but feel that she owed him a lot. 

“O–One week?” she uttered with hesitation. 

“No.” Bane, who was usually easygoing and accommodating, shook his head and 

rejected her proposal this time, causing the young woman to widen her eyes 

slightly. “Six days then?” 

4/9 

“Three,” Bane asserted firmly despite sounding gentle. “I will only wait for three days, 

Victoria.” 

He wouldn’t retreat any further, regardless of what her thoughts would be after three 

days. 

Three days is a little tough, but… it’s still better than where I am now. 

At that, Victoria nodded with drooped eyelids. “Alright, three days.” 

Having obtained the answer he wanted, Bane finally released her. Following that, his 

usual smile returned. 

Chapter 244 Be Careful Around Him 

“It seems like you have something to discuss with Mr. Poole. I’ll go and call him in.” 

With that, Bane walked out. 

As soon as he left, Victoria’s originally tense body instantly relaxed, and she also 

breathed a sigh of relief. She was like a fish on the verge of death on the shore, 

suddenly returning to the water, finally able to breathe normally. 

Victoria leaned back on the couch and closed her eyes, feeling somewhat 

exhausted. 

Bane… He’s really changed a lot. I always thought he was gentle and easygoing, but 

he is so assertive and dominant today. It feels like he won’t let me go easily if I don’t 

go along with him. 

Noises came from outside, and Henry entered. “Boss?” 

After entering, Henry took a peek outside and wanted to say something to Victoria. 

But afraid of being heard, he quickly ran outside the door. 

Once he was certain Bane wasn’t outside, he finally closed the door and walked up 

to Victoria enigmatically. “You okay, boss?” 

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Chapter 244 Be Careful Around Him 

His sudden closeness startled Victoria. “What are you doing?” 

“Nothing. Just checking to see if you’re okay.” 

Victoria was speechless. “I’ll be okay if you keep your distance.” 

Henry didn’t heed her advice and instead sat down next to her. Still, he maintained 

an appropriate distance between them. 

“So? Are you going to say yes?” 

Victoria frowned at once. “Were you eavesdropping?” 

“Correction, I wasn’t eavesdropping. I was right outside, and you two were speaking 

quite loudly. So, you can’t blame me for overhearing.” 

Victoria was rendered at a loss for words at that. 

“Are you really going to be with him and not give Mr. Cadogan another chance?” 

“Another chance? For what?” 

“It looks to me that Mr. Cadogan wants to win your heart back.” 

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Victoria smirked in response. “Now that sounds like a joke.” 

Me, go back to Alaric? Have I not learned enough lessons from him?! 

“Does it? But look at that friend of yours. He looks to be in such a panic that he’s 

desperate for you to be with him. But…” At that, Henry let his words trail. 

“But what?” 

“But I can’t help but think there’s something off about your friend.” Henry clicked his 

tongue, causing Victoria to frown. “What do you mean?” 

“Don’t get me wrong. I just think something’s not right with him after overhearing 

your conversation with him.” 

The more she listened, the more Victoria felt that something was wrong. She had a 

feeling that Henry was badmouthing Bane. 

“I mean, he keeps saying he’s waiting for you, pretending to be generous and all, but 

in reality, he’s pressuring you step by step, trying to use your sympathy to be with 

him. Try and think about it.” 

“That’s enough.” Victoria stood up abruptly and gazed at Henry with displeasure. Mr. 

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Poole, I hope you’re just the manager I hired to take care of the company and that 

you won’t interfere in my personal affairs or pass judgment on my friends” 

Henry wasn’t upset at all. In fact, he shrugged nonchalantly and said, “Okay, I’m just 

letting you know because I overheard it. Since you don’t like hearing it, I won’t bring 

it up again.” 

That said, Henry still couldn’t help reminding her, “But I still have to warn you to be 

careful around him. 

Victoria said nothing in response.