The Abandoned Wife Dumped Him First (Victoria and Elias) novel Chapter 24

Unlike wine, the vodka hit instantly, a burning sensation searing through her chest.

Victoria's clear eyes were now streaked with red. As the bottle fell, she collapsed into her chair, her vision blurring into double images.

Ronald snapped out of his daze, a triumphant smirk spreading across his face as he applauded. "The Sanger family has truly raised a fine daughter. So decisive!"

He reached out to help her up.

But before he could touch her, Victoria grabbed his wrist, her eyes fixed on him. "Mr. Ronald, don't forget what we agreed upon..."

Ronald simply turned his hand and enclosed her soft, boneless one in his. "Don't worry, I always keep my word. Come, I'll take you next door to rest."

With his promise secured, the knot of anxiety in Victoria's chest finally loosened.

"You don't have to trouble yourself, Mr. Ronald. I..." She struggled to her feet, shaking off his hand as she swayed. "I can go by myself."

She then hurried out of the room.

Elias watched Victoria's staggering retreat, his eyes darkening.

"Elias, try this. You haven't eaten much but you've had several drinks. Your stomach will hurt later."

Elias didn't reply, simply averting his gaze and eating the food she placed on his plate.

Genevieve sensed his distraction. She glanced toward the door where Victoria had disappeared. Her eyes narrowed, and she mentioned casually, "Elias, maybe you should go check on Victoria? She seemed to drink a lot. I'm worried something might happen to her out there alone."

Elias's grip on his fork tightened, his expression turning cold. "Don't worry about her."

Hearing the answer she wanted, Genevieve smiled and put a piece of steamed pork rib on his plate. "Elias, when we came, my dad took the car. Can you give me a ride home later?"

"Alright."

-

Victoria braced herself against the wall, walking for some distance until she was certain Ronald wasn't following. Only then did she duck into the restroom.

"Ugh—"

Her stomach churned violently. She bent over, retching until there was nothing left, then slumped against the wall and pulled out her phone.

But her vision was so blurry she couldn't manage to tap Cerys's contact number.

Victoria bit her lip hard, using the pain to jolt her senses back into focus.

This wasn't working. She had to get Cerys to pick her up before she passed out completely.

She pushed herself to her feet and slowly made her way out of the restroom, intending to ask a waiter for help. But as she opened the door, a face appeared right in front of her.

Victoria's eyes went wide, and she stumbled back a step. "Mr. Ronald…"

Ronald grinned maliciously. "Miss Sanger, are you alright? See, I told you I'd help you to the next room to rest, but you just wouldn't listen!"

Victoria's face paled. "Stay away!"

Slap!

A crisp sound echoed as Victoria was struck across the face, sending her crashing to the floor.

Ronald's eyes were vicious as he glared down at her. "You bitch, you dare bite me! Just you wait and see how I deal with you!"

"Ronald! I'm with Elias! If you dare touch me, he won't let you get away with it!"

Ronald laughed as if he'd heard the funniest joke in the world. "Victoria, don't try to scare me. You're nothing to Elias! As for the Shawn Group's project in Ashton, did you really think they needed my help to get it done?"

"What do you mean..." Victoria stared at him, her heart sinking. A terrible truth was slamming against her chest, so painful her eyes reddened.

"Victoria, you were tricked!" Ronald said cruelly, yanking her to her feet. "You're just something Elias threw away for me! So I suggest you be a good girl and listen!"

He reached for her dress. Victoria trembled, her face as white as a sheet, too stunned to even resist.

Bang!

"Ah!"

The restroom door was kicked open. Before Ronald could react, he was sent flying, slamming hard against the wall. The impact felt like it broke every bone in his body, and his vision went black.

A moment later, he was hauled to his feet.

When Ronald finally saw his attacker, his pupils shrank in terror. "Mr.... Mr. Shawn! Ah—"