The Abandoned Wife Dumped Him First (Victoria and Elias) novel Chapter 22

Genevieve reflexively glanced at the man beside her.

His expression was cool and distant as always, showing no intention of denying the comment.

"No... that's not it, Mr. Ronald. Elias and I are really just friends," Genevieve said, shaking her head. But deep down, she was thrilled by his silence, and a blush crept onto her cheeks.

Anyone who reached the position of Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce was shrewd. Ronald simply chuckled knowingly. "My mistake, then. I'll drink to that."

Victoria found an empty seat and watched the scene unfold. Her hands had clenched into fists without her realizing it, her nails digging into her palms. The sharp sting of pain brought her back to the present.

She had thought that once her heart was dead, it could no longer ache.

But she'd forgotten that her secret love for Elias was a tree she had spent twelve years watering with her heart and soul. Even if it had withered, uprooting it completely couldn't be done overnight.

"And who might this young lady be? Which family is she from?" Ronald's voice suddenly sounded beside her.

Victoria composed herself and stood up gracefully. "Mr. Ronald, my name is Victoria."

"Victoria? That name sounds familiar." Ronald thought for a moment. "Are you related to Grady?"

"Grady is my older brother."

Victoria was born when Grady was five. As the daughter of the family, both Garnett and Grady had protected her fiercely, rarely bringing her to the endless banquets of the upper crust. Most people knew the Sanger family had a daughter, but few had ever seen her.

Upon learning she was the Sanger heiress, everyone at the table was a little surprised. Garnett's imprisonment two years ago had been a major scandal, severely damaging the Sanger Group's foundations. It was a mystery how the company had managed to hold on for this long.

"So it's Miss Sanger. I had no idea you were so beautiful." Ronald's gaze was unabashed as it roamed over Victoria, his eyes behind his glasses turning murky. "Mr. Sanger certainly kept you hidden away."

Victoria wasn't naive. She could feel the way Ronald was looking at her; he was clearly interested in her looks.

And she knew that to close this deal, the key was getting Ronald on her side.

"You flatter me, Mr. Ronald," Victoria said calmly.

Ronald laughed heartily but said nothing more.

"But you're right. It's hard for a young woman like you to find common ground with us old men." Ronald had a long, thin face and wore glasses, giving him a scholarly appearance. "How is your father's health?"

"I was saddened to hear what happened to your father. I've seen Mr. Grady at a few events these past two years. It's tough to see a young man working so hard." Ronald adopted a paternal tone, his hand landing on Victoria's shoulder, his thumb rubbing it suggestively.

"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Ronald. He's doing well," Victoria replied, subtly stepping back to dislodge his hand.

Ronald's eyes narrowed for a second, but he acted as if he hadn't noticed her evasion.

"I'm not much older than Mr. Grady. You can just call me Ron."

Victoria forced a thin smile. She suddenly realized Ronald's thick skin must have been a key asset in his career. He was old enough to be her father, yet he was asking her to call him 'Ron' without a hint of shame.

But tonight, she couldn't afford to offend Elias or Ronald.

"Of course, Ron."

"For that alone, we must have a drink!" Ronald grinned, immediately pouring a glass and holding it out to her. When she didn't take it, he pushed it closer, raising his eyebrows in a clear gesture for her to accept.