Second Vows Adored by the Billionaire novel Chapter 12

Anita bit her lip harder, her voice thick with grievance.

"Yes. That dog ruined Beatrice's dress. Beatrice got angry and hit it a few times, and Eloise said those things on purpose. How could she do that to a child?"

"She's so bad," Beatrice cried into Victor's shoulder.

"Daddy, she said she'll only adopt the baby brother and won't want me. She said I'm getting more annoying."

"That's not possible," Victor said instinctively.

He sat Beatrice on his lap and wiped her tears with careful fingers.

"You must have misunderstood. Your godmother has always been gentle. She doesn't lose her temper. She's always liked you, and she's bought you so many clothes and toys since you were little. You can't call her bad just because you're upset."

Anita's eyes widened in disbelief. "So you think Beatrice and I are accusing her?"

"Victor!" Her voice rose sharply. "You've changed."

A flare of irritation rose in Victor, but he forced it down when his eyes landed on her rounded belly.

"Anita, I haven't changed. You've been far more volatile lately. You knew last night was a performance for business, but you still made a scene in front of Mr. Dean. You should learn some restraint."

Tears slid down Anita's face.

"So now you're saying I'm not as considerate as Eloise, and I don't have her temper, is that it?"

"I know it was an act," Anita pressed, voice trembling, "but you never lost control like that before."

"Was it because that girl looked a little like Eloise?" she demanded. "Did you get drunk and forget yourself? Victor, tell me the truth."

Victor had always believed he could balance both sides.

Between Eloise and Anita, he had always thought he knew exactly what mattered more.

Victor's expression darkened. "Anita, I've never compared you to Eloise."

Then his tone shifted, defensive and almost impatient. "If we're talking about what matters, you have my legal status. Isn't that enough?"

Eloise had approached the door quietly, and she happened to catch that sentence in full.

Victor looked at her steadily. "After what you did last night, I don't even know how to explain our relationship. Eloise going is exactly what we need. She can smooth it over."

"But..." Anita bit her lip hard, unwilling to accept it.

"Enough," Victor cut in. "Stay here with Beatrice. I have work to do." He pulled his hand free and left.

He caught up with Eloise downstairs, and as if it were his natural right, he slid an arm around her waist.

"Eloise," he murmured, his gaze hot and pleased.

She looked up. "Yes?"

"You handled this well," he said. "You're thoughtful."

Eloise smiled lightly. "We can't let a small incident ruin Clarkson Group's billion-dollar deal with Seafort Group."

Victor nodded, then hesitated, as though weighing how far he could push.

"Then I'll need you to clarify something to Mr. Dean," he said carefully.