Departure with a Belly (Alaric and Victoria)

Chapter 236

Henry’s remarks made Victoria extremely uncomfortable. Moreover, his confident

expression and tone made it seem as if what he sald was indeed true. What did not

exist was being spoken of as if it had become a reality.

“If you have truly moved on from him, you should be nonchalant upon hearing me

say this. After all, when a wound is healed, you don’t feel anything when touched.”

“Is that so?” She chuckled lightly. “Mr. Poole… While a healed wound may not hurt.

when lightly touched, if you take a stick and forcefully strike it, can you be certain it

won’t hurt?”

After hearing her response, he raised an eyebrow. “Just making a casual remark. Is

it necessary to take it so seriously? Or perhaps, you’re implying that the wounded.

hasn’t fully recovered from their severe wounds.”

As Victoria heard this, a cold smile gradually appeared on the corners of her lips.

“You’re mistaken. I honestly don’t mind.”

Henry shrugged. “Miss Selwyn, if you can move on and focus on your career, it

would be the best outcome for employees like us.” At this point, he decided not to

probe further and stopped the conversation. “The materials are on the desk, but I

suppose you don’t require them anymore. I’ll step out and attend to my duties. By

the way, we have a new candidate today, though I’m unsure if they’ll join. If you need

any assistance, feel free to reach out.”

After he left, Victoria remained alone in the office. The emotions stirred up by his

remarks gradually calmed down. Once she settled her mind, she began to see some

validity in what Henry had said, albeit his infuriating words.

Since she had already decided to move on and treat Alaric as a stranger, why would

she be repulsed by cooperating with him? However, she was worried about another

point–her children, Nicole and Nathan.

Once she collaborated with Cadogan Group, she knew there would be inevitable

interactions with Alaric in the future, and as time passed…

While others might not have noticed, she was keenly aware her children bore a

subtle resemblance to him. However, due to their young age and still–developing

features, their similarities were not pronounced.

If people were to recognize the parent–child relationship, it would undoubtedly be

remarked upon how strikingly the children resembled their father. However, if they

were unaware of the connection, they would not perceive any resemblance

between these two children and him.

If he were to discover the children’s existence, would he try to take them away from

her? In theory, he should’ve already moved on with Claudia after I left, and they

might even have children by now, right? It’s unlikely he’ll come and try to take my

children away, isn’t it? But who knows if there’s a possibility?

Victoria was deeply concerned. She had initially believed that starting her company

in Jasea would enable her to overcome all obstacles, but she already felt like

surrendering at the first sign of difficulty. Regardless, the mere thought of that

possibility was enough to make her feel utterly unwilling to accept it.

Never mind, I’ll come up with another solution.

The interviewee was informed about the company’s recent establishment and lack

of resources. Despite acknowledging Henry’s impressive credentials, the

interviewee shook their head and decided to leave. Just before departing, they

expressed their opinion to Henry, saying, “I believe it’s more dependable to work for

a well–established company. Your small startup lacks support, and what if it fails in

the future?”

After saying that, they simply picked up their briefcase and left without mercy.

When Victoria came out, Henry was still watching them leave.

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“Didn’t work out?”

He shook his head and sighed. “They preferred a well–established company over our

small startup.”

She stood quietly in place for a while, then suddenly leaned on the desk with both

hands and asked, “Mr. Poole, what do you think about finding a prominent

international conglomerate to support us?”

“Even if we can’t secure one, it’ll still be beneficial to find someone who can support

1. us. However, as a small company, we must consider the current job market. Many

people here are seeking stable employment. Even if we approach a big international

conglomerate, they might not be familiar with the local business landscape. While

we may find a few individuals willing to join us, the number may not be significant.”

At this, Victoria had some preliminary ideas. “So, you’re saying this could still be a

viable option as a last resort?”

“Yes, that’s right. So, are you implying that you have some potential overseas

backing?” Henry’s expression turned curious. “If you don’t mind, may I ask a

personal question?”

She already knew what he wanted to ask, so she immediately rejected him after he

finished speaking. “I do mind.”

Hearing that, he could not help but chuckle. “Well, what I wanted to ask is whether

you have remarried or are still single.”

Speechless, Victoria looked at him helplessly. “I refuse to answer this question.”

“Alright, fair enough. I just can’t resist a little gossip since nobody else is around to

chat with.”

Indeed, no one was coming to work. She glanced at the time and noticed it was

almost time to pick up her children from school. She turned to Henry and said, “If

you don’t have any pressing tasks today, you can leave early.”

“Okay, then I’ll take off early today. I won’t be considered leaving too early, right?”

“What do you think?” Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

The two talked and laughed as they left the company.

Afterward, Victoria headed to school by car to pick up her children. As she arrived,

the teacher immediately approached her and said, “Miss Selwyn, are you here to

pick up Nicole and Nathan again? Their dad has already collected them. Was there a

miscommunication?”

At the mention of ‘dad‘ today, she was no longer nervous as she could already guess.

it was Bane. “I was busy with work and forgot to answer the phone,” she casually

explained and left.

As Victoria returned home, she was greeted by the sight of Bane sitting on the

couch in the living room, helping the kids with their homework. Seeing this scene,

she pondered what Summer had made her consider and the unsettling possibility of

Alaric attempting to separate her from her children.

If… If I were to be with Bane… If Alaric discovered the children’s existence, would he

merely perceive them as mine and Bane’s without suspecting his relationship with

them? But if I were to do that, wouldn’t it be incredibly unfair to Bane? He genuinely

cares for me, yet I’m entertaining thoughts of using him here. However, I would need

a man if I intended to conceal the truth. So, it would be the same no matter whom I

used. Should I follow the principle of proximity?

No.

Victoria pushed aside those unrealistic thoughts in her mind and bit her lip.

Chapter 236 Shameless

Five years ago, when she decided to bring these children into the world, she

resolved to raise them independently, no matter the circumstances. What was she

thinking by having such thoughts now?

Besides, Bane had been exceptionally kind to her. She could not repay kindness

with enmity. In the worst–case scenario, she could consider starting a new company

in a different city.

Despite the challenges of starting anew, she had just laid the foundation for her

current company. Surely, if she relocated to a different city, Alaric would not pursue

her there, would he? He would not stoop so low for the sake of the people around

him, right?