The Heir novel Chapter 16

A LONG silence ensued after Victoria revealed the contract in front of everyone.

So, this is the sweet taste of success, she thought.

She was about to speak again when Franklin laughed mockingly, breaking the silence no one dared to do.

“Victoria, Victoria, my dear cousin, Victoria,” said Franklin.

She did not like the tone of his voice. It seemed like there was a hint of evilness in it. Well, wasn’t this cousin of hers evil? The devil might feel ashamed if she started to count Franklin’s wicked deeds.

“What now?” She still held her head high. But hid her hands inside her pocket when she felt them trembled.

“Do you really think we are dumb to buy this charade of yours?” Her cousin sneered.

She felt all her blood went up to her head. Victoria was not dumb, too, not to understand what Franklin meant by that.

“Charade?” Maximillian chimed in. “Don’t you have anything—”

“You better shut your mouth, Maximillian. You may be Victoria’s husband, but when it comes to business and internal family matters, you have no right to interfere,” Franklin cut him off without looking in his direction.

Victoria’s hands clenched inside her pockets. She could feel her fingernails dug on her palms.

Iris grabbed the folder. She opened it and scanned through the pages. “You mean to say… this contract is fake?” Her cousin raised her head and looked at her with eyes wide open. “Oh, my gosh, Victoria! Tell us the truth!”

Maximillian moved from his spot, and Victoria knew very well what he was about to do. And before her husband could even reach Franklin and Iris, she met him halfway and blocked his way.

“Max.” She shook her head.

“But—”

“Please, don’t do it.” She grasped his arms. “Don’t do it for me…”

She was well aware that all he ever wanted was to avenge her. However, she also knew the weight of the consequences if she let him do what he wanted.

“Victoria,” her grandmother said firmly.