The Abandoned Wife Dumped Him First (Victoria and Elias) novel Chapter 49

Victoria froze.

She recognized the ointment. It was highly effective for treating bruises, which made it expensive and hard to find.

As a child, she had been a tomboy, always coming home with bumps and bruises from playing outside. Garnett used to have someone buy it for her to keep at home.

It wasn't surprising that they had this ointment at The Imperial Crest Estates. What was strange was how it got here.

Who brought it? Elias?

The thought flashed through her mind for a second before she dismissed it, remembering his words from last night.

Elias wouldn't be that kind.

It must have been Anne. She probably noticed Victoria was walking stiffly last night, guessed she was injured, and brought the ointment in. Anne was always very thoughtful.

With that settled in her mind, Victoria put the ointment away and went downstairs to the dining room.

"Ma'am!" Anne saw her and came over, her face full of concern. "Is your injury any better? I noticed you seemed to be having trouble walking last night."

Her words confirmed Victoria's suspicion that Anne had given her the ointment. "It's nothing serious. A few days of ointment should do the trick. Thank you, Anne."

As she spoke, she instinctively scanned the living and dining rooms.

Elias was nowhere to be seen. He had probably left early.

Anne looked a little confused by Victoria's thanks but didn't have a chance to ask before Victoria added, "Anne, I have plans tonight, so you don't need to prepare dinner for me."

"Alright."

Victoria walked into the dining room and noticed the table was set with four or five different breakfast dishes. She was surprised. "Anne, why did you make so much this morning?"

"I didn't make these," Anne explained with a smile. "The sir hired a nutritionist. She came over early this morning to prepare them."

Victoria frowned. "A nutritionist?"

Genevieve smiled faintly and pushed a menu towards her. "Take a look. What would you like to drink?"

"I don't need anything. I didn't come here to have coffee with you." Victoria had no patience for pleasantries and cut straight to the point. "My competition application was rejected. That was your doing, wasn't it?"

Genevieve took back the menu and waved a waiter over. "A warm milk and a cappuccino, please."

Only after the waiter had left did she turn back to Victoria, saying slowly and gently, "The cappuccino is for you. I remember the first time you brought me here, that's what you ordered. I fell in love with it then, and I missed the taste all the two years I was abroad."

"Unfortunately, I can't have it now, so maybe you can have one for me."

"If you asked me here to reminisce about old times, then you're wasting your breath, Miss Vale. There's nothing for you and me to reminisce about." Seeing her avoid the question, Victoria's expression turned cold. She stood up to leave.

"Alright, yes, I was the one who rejected your application." Genevieve hadn't expected Victoria to be so blunt. A flicker of malice crossed her eyes as she admitted it. "Victoria, I told you I'm on the preliminary review committee for the Euro-American Architectural Design Awards. As long as I say no, you will never be able to successfully register for this competition."

"Now, can we sit down and have a proper conversation?"