The Abandoned Wife Dumped Him First (Victoria and Elias) novel Chapter 53

"Yes, I just got it." Her steps didn't falter, and a small smile played on her lips. "Thank you, Professor."

"You were more than qualified to begin with; no thanks are necessary. Though, for someone of your caliber, a competition like this is a bit beneath you," the old man said. "If you wanted to test your skills, you could aim for something much more prestigious. I can help you..."

"Thank you for the kind offer, sir, but it's been a long time since I've competed. I'm not sure if I've gotten rusty, so I'd like to start with something smaller."

"Alright then." The old man sighed. "You always did have a mind of your own. I don't know what you've been through, but I'm thrilled that in one year, you'll be ready to take my place! I've been waiting for years! And since you've agreed, you are now my one and only protege. So stop with the formal 'sir.' It feels too distant!"

Victoria couldn't help but picture the old man's expression as he said this, and she smiled as she said warmly, "I get it."

"Good!" The old man laughed with satisfaction, then his tone grew earnest. "Victoria, while I don't know what happened in your past, I hope you never sell yourself short."

"I've told you before, you are the most gifted architectural designer I have ever met. I believe that one day, your achievements will surpass my own. So, don't you ever give up, you hear me? You've always got me in your corner!"

Victoria felt her throat tighten. "I'll remember that. Thank you."

At a red light, a Maybach pulled to a stop at the line.

"Mr. Shawn, I think that's Ms. Sanger up ahead," Hawk said, glancing at the woman crossing the street before looking back at the rear seat.

"Hawk, do you have too much time on your hands lately?"

A chill ran down Hawk's spine, and he immediately lowered his head in apology. "My apologies, Mr. Shawn."

Just then, the light turned green, and the Maybach began to move.

Elias kept his eyes on the documents on his tablet. But as the car passed through the intersection, his peripheral vision caught a glimpse of her standing on the median strip.

She was on the phone, a gentle smile gracing her lips, her eyes soft with warmth—a stark contrast to the cold, mocking woman on the stairs the other night.

Elias's dark eyes turned icy. Who was she talking to?

Justin?

Or that childhood friend, the doctor, Tobias?

Before he could finish the thought, Victoria had crossed the street and was walking in the opposite direction.

"Turn around," Elias commanded abruptly.

Hawk paused, then saw Victoria's shrinking figure in the rearview mirror. A guess formed in his mind, and he asked tentatively, "Mr. Shawn, should we follow Ms. Sanger?"

Elias said nothing.

Not far behind, the temperature inside the Maybach had dropped to arctic levels.

Hawk swallowed nervously. "Mr. Shawn, your dinner meeting with the CEO of Summit Group is about to start. We should—"

"Follow them," Elias cut him off, his voice cold.

Hawk and the driver exchanged a look. In an instant, the Maybach was in motion, trailing the Bentley carrying Victoria and Tobias at a steady, discreet distance.

Suddenly, after passing through an intersection, the Bentley accelerated.

The driver was caught off guard, and just as he was about to speed up, the light turned red.

"Mr. Shawn, I'm sorry, I didn't expect that car to—"

The air in the car grew even colder.

Elias stared at the Bentley's taillights as it sped away, his features frosting over. His lips parted, and he issued a chilling command:

"Run the light. Force them to stop."