The Abandoned Wife Dumped Him First (Victoria and Elias) novel Chapter 145

One percent of The Shawn Group's shares!

Victoria's eyes widened in shock. "Grandpa…"

Old Mr. Shawn frowned and grumbled at Chuck, "You just had to run your mouth."

Then, he turned back to Victoria with a kind, gentle smile. "Don't you worry. Your grandpa won the bet. That old codger's chess skills are no match for mine."

Victoria looked down at the manuscript, her lips pressed into a thin line. After a moment of silence, she said in a hushed voice, "I thought you were angry with me, Grandpa Shawn. I thought you wouldn't want to see me again."

"What kind of nonsense is that?" Old Mr. Shawn gave her a light tap on the head. "I'm not blind like that foolish boy Elias. I've seen everything you've done these past two years. Besides, I promised your father I would take care of you. Even if you're no longer Mrs. Shawn, I'll still be your grandpa."

"Unless you're planning on disowning me?"

Victoria shook her head vigorously.

Seeing this, Old Mr. Shawn let out a hearty laugh.

A sudden knock at the door. Chuck glanced at Old Mr. Shawn, then went to open it.

"Chuck." Outside stood Genevieve, dressed elegantly. When she saw Chuck, a bright smile spread across her face as she lifted the gift box in her hand. "I heard from Elias that Grandpa Shawn wasn't feeling well and was in the hospital, so I came to visit."

Chuck was taken aback to see Genevieve.

"Chuck, who is it?" Old Mr. Shawn and Victoria, still in the inner room, had heard a woman's voice but couldn't see who it was. The old man called out.

Chuck hesitated, then turned back toward the room. "Sir, it's—"

"Grandpa Shawn, it's me, Gen," Genevieve chimed in, her eyes twinkling. Before Chuck could finish, she slipped past him, walked through the sitting area into the inner room, and greeted him warmly.

The smile on Old Mr. Shawn's face vanished the moment he saw her. He shot a reproachful look over her shoulder at Chuck.

"My apologies, sir," Chuck said, knowing he had been too slow to stop her.

Genevieve stood there, her smile faltering as she realized Old Mr. Shawn was completely ignoring her. The sight of Victoria in the room only made it worse. Her hand tightened around the gift box, her nails digging into her palm.

Victoria remained silent. She knew Old Mr. Shawn was saying this for Genevieve's benefit.

As shrewd as Genevieve was, she understood the jab perfectly. The smile on her face became stiff and strained.

The truth was, Elias hadn't told her about Old Mr. Shawn's hospitalization; she had overheard Laurel mention it. After she had texted Elias that she wasn't feeling well, he had been completely absent. Whenever she asked Hawk about him, the answer was always that he was in a meeting or on a business trip.

Laurel liked her, but the fact that Genevieve had been married and pregnant with another man's child made Laurel's support ambiguous. She never fully endorsed or opposed the relationship, always deflecting by saying it was Elias's decision to make.

With Laurel being no help and Elias so difficult to reach, Genevieve had decided to target Old Mr. Shawn. He had been the one who pushed for Victoria and Elias's marriage two years ago. If she could win him over and change his opinion of her, surely he would support her relationship with Elias.

Genevieve said, "Grandpa Shawn, I've studied chess. Why don't I play a few games with you too?"

"No, thank you. I'm old. Just a few games wear me out. Victoria is my grandson's wife. Having her with me is all I need. I don't need anyone else," Old Mr. Shawn replied, his rejection absolute.

Having her kindness thrown back in her face time and time again, Genevieve could no longer force a smile.

"I heard you lost your child recently. You should take care of your health. It must be tiring to stand for so long. You should go home now," Old Mr. Shawn said, dismissing her outright. Before leaving with Victoria, he added, "Oh, and don't forget to take your things with you when you go."