Chapter 12: Transaction price code 3 Chapter 12: Transaction price code 3 Victoria found herself at a loss for a moment, having been too hasty, focusing only on how to delay marrying Arnold and forgetting the inevitable awkwardness that would follow.
“I’m a student right now, so moving out to live with you might be inconvenient. Plus, I have to take care of my younger sisters during the holidays because I don’t want them to know about the deal I’ve signed with you.”
Although Victoria was refusing him, her reasons were genuine.
However, Arnold had his own ways.
“From Monday to Thursday, I’ll have Allen pick you up. The rest of the time you can spend taking care of your sisters.” Arnold’s finger gently brushed a stray strand of hair from her forehead. “Don’t worry, the school won’t give you any trouble.”
Since Arnold had made everything so clear, Victoria didn’t make a fuss and reluctantly agreed. “Alright.”
Victoria looked away and missed the opportunity to make eye contact with Arnold. She found herself staring at the empty tea table beside her. On it was a transparent glass bottle, filled with a large bouquet of camellias, all bright red.
Her favorite flowers were camellias, and her favorite color was red.
As Victoria looked at the flowers, Arnold looked at her.
The room was so quiet that only their breaths could be heard, making the atmosphere a mix of calmness and subtle sensuality.
“You like red camellias?” Victoria whispered softly.
Arnold followed her gaze and looked at the vibrant red camellias. He had spent a lot of effort cultivating them. In his dreams, he seemed to hear someone say, “I just love seeing camellias bloom in the snow.”
“The person I love likes them a lot.” Arnold answered without hiding anything, his eyes twinkling with indiscernible emotions and an unshakable melancholy.
Seeing his candidness, Victoria asked him frankly, “If you have someone you love, why don’t you marry her?”
There probably wasn’t anything Arnold couldn’t have if he wanted it.
Rich, powerful, and good-looking. Plus, he was very handsome.
But Arnold remained silent and didn’t answer her question.
Seeing him fall silent, Victoria’s imagination ran wild, and she assumed she might have touched on a sore spot. Looking at his expression at that moment, her heart ached.
“I think I asked the wrong question.”
Victoria thought to herself that, given Arnold’s character, if it was someone he loved, the reason he hadn’t gotten her was likely that she was no longer alive.
“I guarantee that your mother will be released within 24 hours.” Arnold’s tone was light, but his words carried weight.
Victoria tactfully said, “Thank you.”
“There’s an empty room upstairs. You can rest there for now.” Arnold suggested again, his gaze carrying a hint of something different.
Victoria didn’t refuse, because tonight was Thursday.
“Okay.”
Once she agreed, Victoria quickly moved out of his line of sight and headed for the upstairs room.
Once Victoria was upstairs, Arnold dialed a number and said to his assistant, Keith Lee, “Release Josephine from jail tomorrow and send a car to take her home.”
“Yes, Director Johnson.”
That night, Victoria slept uneasily.
That night, Arnold didn’t enter her room.