Chapter 13
Blake…”
Victoria chased after him, unwilling to let him go.
Marcus remained seated, suspecting Blake’s uncharacteristic reaction had something to do with Julian. But had those two ever actually clashed about anything?
Blake had already reached the entrance of the bar when Victoria caught up to him, her voice cracking with emotion.
“Your hand is bleeding like crazy and you won’t go to the hospital? Are you TRYING to worry me to death? Blake, is Julian pulling some shit behind the scenes again?”
Unlike everyone else, Victoria didn’t buy Julian’s good-guy act.
She’d met Blake during his most difficult year, when he was desperately seeking investors. He’d been in a private lounge drinking until he developed a stomach hemorrhage. He’d had an absolutely guaranteed investment deal that suddenly fell through the moment Julian showed up-the investor completely changing
their tune.
Victoria had sensed it then-Julian was deliberately sabotaging Blake.
she suspected Julian already knew about Blake’s true identity. As the one sitting comfortably in the Westwood family for years, positioned as the favored heir, a brother returning would threaten his position.
Of course, Victoria only figured this out later. After Julian had left that night, she’d put in a good word for Blake.
The Reed family carried significant weight in New York, and with persistent rumors about a Reed-Westwood marriage alliance, the investor had respected her nough to eventually sign that crucial contract with Blake. She’d taken Blake to the hospital that night.
she’d done him a huge favor, falling for him at first sight. Later, he’d helped her once too.
But back then, Blake had felt nothing but pure gratitude toward her.
Victoria’s eyes reddened as she wrapped her arms around his waist from behind. “Blake, everyone else thinks Julian’s such a saint, but I know better. He’s all ake smiles and secret daggers. Has he done something to hurt you again?”
3lood was still dripping from Blake’s palm as he used his uninjured hand to pry her arms away.
Vicky, let go. I need to leave.”
I won’t. Blake, I don’t care what anyone else says-you’re the one I trust most. You need someone to confide in. I know you’re bottling up so much inside.”
Amber was the kind of woman who only knew how to bask in his adoration back then, never helping shoulder his burdens. She deserved the mess their
elationship had become.
Blake stood motionless, staring at the horizon, taking several seconds before forcefully removing her hands.
‘Blake!”
Victoria stood frozen, watching helplessly as his car pulled away.
A figure emerged from behind a column, sighing. “Why are you so fixated on him? He’s just not that into you. Why not turn around and see what’s right in front of you?”
Victoria didn’t turn around, her gaze locked on Blake’s departing car as she let out a cold laugh. “He and Amber fight like cats and dogs. They’re completely over. He has feelings for me now-he’s just temporarily held back by those stupid promises he made to Amber years ago.”
“Vicky, I just don’t want to see you get hurt. My door is always open for you.”
In the retreating car. Blake leaned back and closed his eyes, blood still dripping from his palm, looking horrifyingly severe.
Devon was driving, and after some consideration, took the liberty of calling Amber.
“Mrs. Westwood, the boss is injured. It’s pretty bad.”
Amber, half-asleep, heard Devon’s voice and instinctively started to get up.
For three years, whenever she heard news about Blake, she’d rush to his side immediately. But someone always beat her there, and everyone would mock her for assuming she still mattered to him.
This had happened so many times that she’d grown numb to it.
She slowly lay back down. Her tone remained as gentle and detached as always, but the concern was gone.
“If he’s injured, he should see a doctor. Calling me won’t help.”
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