Queen Of Revenge And Glory (Victoria and Jackson) novel Chapter 43

Hector walked over from behind, his face calm but his voice unwavering. “Darell, you said it yourself. Victoria just came back.

“You’re only her uncle. How well do you really know her, to go around telling people she doesn’t know how to behave?”

“Since you’ve never spent a single day teaching Victoria, you have no right to judge her,” Hector said, his words directed at Darell with a hint of reproach.

Julia, standing nearby, couldn’t help but complain, “Hector, that’s not fair. It’s your attitude that makes Victoria act like she can do whatever she wants, with no sense of propriety.

“All the guests are here, and she’s still not showing up. She doesn’t even bother with basic etiquette.”

Of course, Julia knew the real reason Victoria hadn’t arrived yet.

Julia was certain Daisy had told Victoria to swap out the dress she’d prepared.

Those custom gowns were a nightmare to deal with. With so many complicated details, there was no way Victoria could manage it alone.

All that hassle would definitely eat up a ton of time.

Julia sneered inwardly, ‘All the guests here tonight are the top families in Benwig City. If Victoria keeps everyone waiting, she’ll piss off a lot of people.

Calvin would feel embarrassed and be displeased with Victoria.

Or, Victoria could just rush over without changing her dress, and then she’d end up wearing the same thing as Angelica.

It would be obvious who was the real princess and who was the ugly duckling.

Either way, Victoria had already made the Binder family lose face before the welcome party even got started.

Gerry’s face stayed blank, but he cast a meaningful glance at his grandson Jackson.

Jackson remained calm as ever. He knew something must have delayed Victoria. She’d never leave herself open to gossip without a good reason.

Whatever emergency Victoria was facing, Jackson was confident she’d figure it out.

Victoria sounded, her voice calm but laced with challenge. “Uncle Darell, Julia, I was just a little late because something came

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“But you trashed me right in front of the Thornton family and all these distinguished guests? Isn’t that a bit too much?

“You two are acting just like those gossipy women who love to run their mouths behind people’s backs. And as for your manners, I wouldn’t say they’re anything worth showing off.”

When that bold, confident voice echoed through the hall, Jackson, sitting in his wheelchair, motioned for Ollie to turn him

toward the entrance.

Almost everyone in the room glanced over as well.

With everyone staring in shock, Victoria entered the banquet hall, walking steadily with her hand on Calvin’s arm, making

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their way in together.

The banquet hall instantly erupted into a buzz of whispers and chatter.

“What the hell? She’s wearing the same dress as Angelica,” someone blurted out.

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“As far as I know, there’s only one of those gowns. It’s the latest masterpiece by Brianna, the world–famous designer. So one of them is wearing a fake,” another guest whispered.

“Seriously? Who would dare show up in a knockoff at an event like this? Is she insane?” someone else gasped.

Sure enough, Victoria was wearing the same gown as Angelica.

Hector glanced at Daisy, who was walking alongside Victoria.

Daisy knew Hector must be worried and confused, so she walked quickly to his side and stood next to him. She was calm, her earlier anxiety gone.

Hector said, worry etched across his face. “What’s going on? Victoria knew the gown had definitely been tampered with.

‘So why would she still show up wearing it, right in front of everyone, and open herself up to all that judgment?”

Daisy whispered, “Relax. Just watch how Victoria handles this.”

Hector still didn’t understand what was happening, but seeing Daisy so composed, he was sure Victoria had figured out a way to turn things around.

Julia’s expression soured after Victoria’s comeback, and she snapped, “What could have delayed you? We’ve been busting our asses to make sure your welcome party goes off without a hitch.”

Victoria replied, “Grandpa got a headache on the way here. I happened to see him, so I gave him treatment and stayed with him until he felt better.

‘But you didn’t even bother to ask what happened before jumping all over me for not following the rules.

Julia, it looks to me like you’re just itching to make our family look bad in front of everyone.”

Then Victoria turned to Calvin. “Grandpa, you’re feeling better now, aren’t you?”

Calvin nodded with a smile. “Yeah. The headache is gone.”

Calvin marveled inwardly, ‘I never imagined Victoria’s medical skills would be this extraordinary

He remembered how Victoria had always spoken with confidence, claiming her abilities, especially her medical expertise, were what others sought her out for.

He’d doubted her before, but when his chronic headache suddenly struck, she just gave him acupuncture treatment, and to his astonishment, the pain vanished.

Gerry spoke up, “Calvin, I have to say, Victoria’s medical skills are truly impressive.”

Calvin looked at Gerry, his face beaming with pride. “Honestly, I’m amazed myself. These chronic headaches have plagued me for years, but today, I’ve never felt so clear–headed and energized.

“My health’s always been a bit shaky. Last time things got worse, Jackson pulled out all the stops at an auction and paid at hefty price for a rare herb, which finally eased my illness,” Gerry said.

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“From now on, whether Victoria’s busy or not, she can check up on you. Since we’re going to be family soon anyway,” Calvin added with a warm smile.

As the two elders chatted, Victoria glanced at Jackson, meeting his deep gaze. She gave him a playful wink.

Jackson held her gaze. Seeing her playful expression, a faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips, a hint of happiness surfacing in his usually calm eyes.

Angelica, who’d been keeping a close eye on Victoria the whole time, saw everything. Her resentment grew stronger, mixed with a baffled disbelief.

Angelica wondered, her thoughts spinning. ‘Did Victoria and Jackson already meet in private?

‘How are they already giving each other those looks?

Jackson was always so distant and polite with me, but now he’s all tender and affectionate with that unruly Victoria.

Victoria glanced away from Jackson and fixed her eyes on Julia, her voice cool and confrontational. “I was late because Grandpa had a headache, so, Julia, do you still have something to complain about?”

Julia was stunned, left speechless. ‘Seriously? She actually managed to talk her way out of this just like that?‘

Calvin shot Julia a disapproving look. “Tonight is Victoria’s welcome party, and as her aunt, you went around spreading rumors about her without even bothering to get the facts straight. If anyone here is out of line, it’s you.”

Julia got put in her place, scrambling to explain, “Calvin, I was just worried Victoria might embarrass the Binder family in front of everyone…”

Calvin cut her off. “That’s enough! Zip it. If anyone’s embarrassing the Binder family tonight, it’s you.”

Julia didn’t dare piss Calvin off any further, so she had to bite her tongue and hold back all her frustration.

Victoria wasn’t finished yet. She kept going, “Grandpa, I swear Julia is just hoping I’ll embarrass myself, so you’ll think less of

me.”

Julia thought she could brush this off and hit Victoria with the dress drama later, but Victoria wouldn’t let it go, keeping her backed into a corner.

Julia’s temper boiled over as she barked, “Victoria, watch your mouth. How can you slander me in front of all these people?”

Victoria shot back, her voice sharp and unwavering. “Julia, you know perfectly well whether I’m slandering you or not.

“If you weren’t hoping I’d embarrass myself at my own welcome party and make Grandpa dislike me, why did you have Angelica, the family’s adopted girl, show up tonight wearing the same gown as me?”

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