The Abandoned Wife Dumped Him First (Victoria and Elias) novel Chapter 5

Inside the car, Hawk glanced at the rearview mirror, watching Victoria's shrinking figure being left further and further behind. A flicker of complicated feeling passed over his face.

He hesitated, then finally spoke, "Mr. Shawn, I think your wife might not be feeling well."

Elias shot him a cold look.

A chill ran down Hawk's spine, the crushing pressure from his boss making him immediately regret speaking. "Sorry, Mr. Shawn. That was out of line."

Elias's gaze returned to the mirror, catching the small, crouching figure just before it vanished from sight. Something seemed to click in his mind. "Is it supposed to rain tonight?"

"Yes, sir. The forecast called for a heavy thunderstorm."

Elias's expression darkened. "Turn around. Go back..."

He didn't finish his sentence. His phone vibrated.

A text message banner appeared at the top of the screen.

[Elias, let's get a divorce.]

A divorce? Ha. So this was her new game, trying to play hard to get.

Anger flared in Elias's eyes. "Never mind," he said coldly. "Keep driving."

...

Victoria walked slowly down the mountain road.

It was well past midnight by the time she finally reached the edge of the residential area.

With the last of her phone's battery, she managed to call a cab to take her back to The Imperial Crest Estates.

"Ma'am!"

Anne, the housekeeper, heard the sound at the door and came out from the kitchen. She was shocked to see Victoria soaked to the bone and swaying on her feet.

Anne rushed forward to support her.

The moment she touched Victoria's arm, she felt a searing heat.

"Ma'am, you have a fever!" Anne quickly helped her to the sofa and placed a glass of water in front of her. "I'll call the doctor!"

Victoria stopped her, her voice barely a whisper. "Don't call him. I think we have some fever medicine in the house. Just get me that."

"But..." Anne was still worried, but Victoria had already slumped onto the sofa, exhausted.

Then, the scene shifted.

"Dad!"

Young Victoria's eyes widened in shock. She rushed forward, trying to pull the man kneeling on the floor to his feet. "Get up! Please, get up!"

Garnett pushed her hand away. "Victoria, have you forgotten what I told you? Be good. Stand over there and be quiet."

Young Victoria's eyes were red with unshed tears. After a moment of resistance, she finally relented under her father's pleading gaze, letting go of his arm. She looked up at the old man seated behind a massive, imposing desk.

"Mr. Sanger, please get up. Whatever you need, if it's within our master's power, he will certainly help. There's no need for this," said the butler beside the old patriarch as he bent to help Garnett up.

But Garnett remained motionless. "Old Mr. Shawn..."

"Garnett, you know I've always thought of you as a son. But when you make a mistake, you must have the courage to face the consequences," Old Mr. Shawn said, his voice deep and resonant as he rubbed the smooth, polished head of his cane.

"I know. I know I must answer for my mistakes, and I know I have failed you, Old Mr. Shawn. I shouldn't have the face to even see you. But I'm not here for myself today. I'm here for my daughter, Victoria."

Garnett bowed his head, his forehead hitting the floor with a dull thud. "Old Mr. Shawn, I'm here to ask for your help—"

"To have Elias marry my Victoria!"