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The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 84
Victoria’s POV
Taking a deep breath, I dialed Alexander’s number.
Alexander picked up on the fourth ring, his voice distracted. “Hello?
“Alex, are you busy? I made sure my tone was light and airy, with just the right touch of sweetness.
There was a pause. “Um, yes, I have some work. What’s up?”
Perfect opportunity. “I’m actually right outside Fortune Corp! I brought lunch for you,” I glanced down at the empty space beside me where an imaginary lunch would be. I’ll pick something up on the way “Can I come up and see you?”
“Victoria…” He sounded exhausted. “I’m in the middle of something
“Alex,” I injected a slight tremble into my voice, “I know this week has been crazy. I’ve been… struggling. I just need to see you, even for a minute. I bit my lower lip hard enough to make my eyes water though of course he couldn’t see that through the phone. The emotion in my voice was real enough, though.
He sighed heavily. “Fine. You can come up.”
“You’re the best! I’ll be there in twenty.” I hung up before he could change his mind.
Step one complete.
I walked through the imposing glass doors of Fortune Corp, holding a perfectly arranged meal in an elegant white box. The security guard recognized me immediately – not surprising, given how often my face had been splashed across entertainment news this week.
“Miss Taylor,” he nodded, trying not to stare.
As I waited for the elevator, I became acutely aware of the whispers around me. Office workers pretended to be occupied with their phones while stealing glances in my direction.
“That’s her
–
Victoria Taylor…”
“Didn’t you see the photos? She totally slept her way…”
“I heard she sabotaged that actress from the Netflix show…”
My fingers tightened around the lunch box handle until my knuckles turned white. Fucking vultures.
The elevator doors opened, revealing a mercifully empty car. I stepped inside, my smile dropping the instant the doors closed. “Just breathe, Victoria. Remember why you’re here.
Alexander was hunched over his desk when I entered, surrounded by stacks of papers. His usually immaculate appearance was slightly rumpled – tie loosened, hair mussed as if he’d been running his hands through it repeatedly. He glanced up briefly as t walked in.
“Alex I infused my voice with warmth. “Look what I brought you!” I held up the Jean–Georges bag.
He barely looked at it. “You can set it down. I need to finish these reports first.”
Chapter 84
In his shoulders. The scandal had hit him I’d heard whispers that his family was
“Surel” I studied him as he worked, noting the dark circles under his eyes and the tension i too, though not nearly as hard as me. The Stark name had shielded him somewhat, b pressuring him to reconsider our engagement.
Not a chance. I needed this marriage more than ever now. The Taylo name had taken enough hits lately I needed the stability and protection of becoming a Stark.
After fifteen excruciating minutes, Alexander finally closed the file ‘d been reviewing and set down his pen with deliberate precision.
I leapt to my feet immediately, rushing over to the side table to pou him a glass of water from the crystal decanter. I handed it to him with a demure smile, then grabbed a tissue from the box on his lesk and offered it to him.
“Here, wipe your hands before you eat,” I said, already unpacking the gourmet lunch. The containers released mouthwatering aromas as I arranged everything perfectly, setting out the silverware with practiced grace.
“Alex, you must be starving,” I smiled warmly. “I specifically ordered from Jean–Georges
your favorite!”
Alexander’s gaze sharpened, a slight frown creasing his brow as he looked from the food to me.
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