The Abandoned Wife Dumped Him First (Victoria and Elias) novel Chapter 146

Genevieve's face went pale. After a long moment, she forced a smile. "Well… in that case, Grandpa Shawn, I'll come visit you again another time."

With that, she grabbed her gift box and fled.

Just as the door was closing, Old Mr. Shawn's voice followed her out. "Chuck, from now on, see who's at the door before you open it. Otherwise, any riff-raff will feel free to waltz in here calling me grandpa."

"Yes, sir."

The door shut abruptly. Genevieve stood in the hallway, wearing the same elegant outfit, but now looking utterly humiliated.

Inside the room, once Genevieve was gone, Old Mr. Shawn released Victoria's arm and slowly made his way back to the sofa with his cane.

Victoria and Chuck exchanged a knowing smile.

She walked over and teased, "Grandpa, I thought we were going to play chess."

Old Mr. Shawn huffed. "I played chess with that old fool for two months straight overseas. I'm sick of it. Whoever wants to play can play, but not me."

The whole act had just been a ruse to make Genevieve leave. As an elder, he couldn't just yell at a visitor who came bearing gifts, no matter how much he disliked them. So he had resorted to being passive-aggressive until she took the hint.

"She fell and lost her own child but offered no explanation. Even an old man like me can see right through her intentions. Only Elias is blind enough to be fooled by that two-faced schemer."

His voice softened with sympathy. "Victoria, you've been wronged."

Victoria just smiled and changed the subject. "Grandpa Shawn, let me get you some of that bone broth while it's still hot."

"Alright."

As Victoria went to serve the soup, Old Mr. Shawn watched her, sighing deeply. Her lack of denial just now confirmed it: she was truly ready to let go of the past and this forced marriage. The injustices she had suffered no longer mattered to her.

***

After finishing the broth, Old Mr. Shawn chatted with Victoria a little longer before he started to grow tired.

Sensing this, Victoria took her leave.

She had just left the room and was nearing the elevators when she saw someone standing there, clearly waiting for her.

Victoria's steps faltered for a second, but she quickly composed herself and continued forward, walking past the person without a glance.

Having said her piece, Victoria had no intention of wasting any more time on Genevieve and stepped toward the elevator.

Genevieve's eyes burned with hatred. Seeing Victoria about to leave, she lunged forward and grabbed her. "Victoria, we're not finished here! You're not going anywhere!"

Victoria's eyes flashed with cold anger as she shook her off. "Genevieve, you and I have nothing to talk about."

"I said you're not leaving!" Genevieve was like a madwoman, blocking the elevator doors and glaring at Victoria. If looks could kill, Victoria would have been torn to shreds.

Suddenly, a flash of pink caught her eye.

Genevieve's expression changed dramatically. She strode toward Victoria, roughly pushed her hair aside, and exposed the earring on her earlobe.

It was Starfall.

The gift she had been waiting for Elias to give her was now in Victoria's ear.

"Where did you get that?!" Genevieve shrieked, pointing at the earring.