Goodbye Saintess (by Edelweiss W.S.) novel Chapter 204

**The Unseen Kingdom That Followed Me Into Every Dream**
by Alyndra Meron Valeen

“Would you be willing to give us a chance to explore our compatibility? I genuinely want to get to know you better,” Victor concluded, his eyes sparkling with an enthusiasm that was hard to ignore.

Claire, however, was far more beautiful than he had anticipated. He had encountered numerous charming girls and breathtaking young women in his life, yet few possessed the striking allure that Claire radiated. She was captivating, and he felt an undeniable urge to have her—she had to be a part of his carefully curated collection of admirers.

He was acutely aware that the McKay Group was ensnared in a financial quagmire. Their desperate need for the Blancs’ partnership meant they would go to great lengths to make this union a reality. Victor’s mind raced as he considered the implications of this marriage; it was not merely a personal desire but a strategic necessity.

Victor also had an unwavering confidence in his looks, charm, and his skill at exuding an image of virtue. Young women like Claire, with their innocent demeanor, often succumbed to the allure of a wealthy, polished, and courteous Prince Charming. He had perfected the art of playing that role, and he reveled in it.

“Sorry, but I’m already taken,” Claire replied sharply, her tone leaving no room for misinterpretation.

A hush fell over the crowd. No one had anticipated such a blunt rejection directed at the young heir. Most expected such a refusal to be delivered in a more private setting, away from the prying eyes of onlookers.

After a brief moment of stunned silence, the initial spark of anger in Victor’s eyes dulled, and he managed a gentlemanly smile. “Well, I did mention we could be friends. Surely, that would be acceptable? How about we exchange social media handles?”

“Nah. My boyfriend wouldn’t appreciate that,” Claire stated with unwavering resolve.

I smiled, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement. “Uh-oh. I guess my first impression must have been terrible too. I was definitely checking you out when we first met.”

“No, no! You’re different!” Claire insisted immediately, her eyes sparkling with sincerity. “It’s perfectly normal to check someone out at first. I was definitely admiring you too. But your gaze was different—clear and sincere, not lustful at all. Nothing like this creep over here. That’s how I knew you weren’t just another player.”

“Why else would I have feelings for you? I mean, feelings of friendship, of course!” she added, her voice dipping into a playful whisper as she leaned in closer, as if sharing a delicious secret, oblivious to the fact that she had just done the same in front of a crowd.

Victor’s face contorted into a grimace. In all his years and with all his privilege, he had never experienced the sting of being ignored and dismissed by a woman in such a public manner. The humiliation was a bitter pill to swallow.