The Abandoned Wife Dumped Him First (Victoria and Elias) novel Chapter 38

"Lead designer?" Victoria was taken aback.

The Shawn Group project was one of the largest contracts the entire institute had ever landed. A project of this scale was typically led by a senior designer.

A rising star like her, with only a few years of experience, would usually serve as an assistant at most.

"That's right. As you know, I've been promoted to director, which leaves the associate director position for Team Three vacant. The leadership team and I would like you to take that role. However, you have less experience than some of the other designers, so promoting you directly would be difficult for others to accept. That's why we've made an exception and assigned you as the lead designer. Once this project is successfully completed, the promotion will be official, and there will be fewer objections."

Felice paused, frowning. "But based on what you just told me about what happened at The Shawn Group, I'm worried they might be difficult to work with if they know you're in charge..."

"Director Donald, I will do my best," Victoria said, her gaze resolute.

Felice looked at her and smiled. "Good! If you run into any trouble, let me know right away. I'll help you talk with them."

...

Inside a private room at The Cloudscape.

"Let's raise another glass to Director Donald! Congratulations on your promotion!"

Someone stood up to propose a toast, and the others quickly followed suit, their voices joining in a chorus of congratulations.

"Victoria, are you not feeling well?" Sunny, sitting next to Victoria, noticed her pressing a hand to her stomach, her face slightly pale. "Should I take you to the hospital?"

"I'm fine."

Victoria shook her head and whispered, "I'm just stepping out for a minute."

Without waiting for Sunny to reply, she stood up and slipped out of the noisy room while everyone was distracted.

She hadn't told Sunny the truth.

From the moment she had walked into The Cloudscape, a sense of revulsion had washed over her. Her mind kept replaying the humiliating events of the last dinner party she had attended here.

Lost in thought, Victoria wandered toward the rooftop garden, completely unaware that someone was following her.

In another room.

The large private suite was filled with the thrum of soft music and the dizzying reflections of colorful LED lights. The air was thick with the smell of alcohol.

The door opened, and Jonah Chase walked in.

Everyone knew that Victoria meant nothing to Elias.

If Genevieve was the one etched in his heart, Victoria was a speck of mud he wouldn't even deign to look at.

Drinking over her was simply unthinkable.

"Hey, let's stick to the topic and leave the personal attacks out of it," Jonah pouted. "If you want to know if it's because of her, just ask Cerys. Isn't she good friends with Victoria? You're her brother, she'd definitely tell you."

Lucian said nothing.

While true, given the strained relationship between Elias and Victoria, he had never asked Cerys a single thing about her.

"Fine, don't ask. I have another way to test it." Jonah smirked, downed his whiskey in one gulp, and sat down, slinging an arm over Lucian's shoulder. He raised his voice dramatically. "Lucian, guess who I just saw?"

Lucian shot him a look that clearly said "you're an idiot" and shoved his arm off.

"I saw Victoria!" Jonah continued, unfazed, leaning back with his hands behind his head. "And some guy was confessing his love to her in the garden! Seriously, Thorne, say what you will about her, but you can't deny she's a knockout. I was drinking with some of those rich kids the other day, and they were saying she had a ton of admirers back in school..."

Lucian glanced toward the bar. Elias was still motionless.