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ABOUT MARRIAGE AND BUSINESS

Days Earlier

The three-story penthouse in Central Park Tower in New York offered Victoria Sinclair - Ashford a breathtaking view of the city. The blonde was alone, absorbed in her thoughts, looking out through the expansive window as the city sprawled before her like a sea of lights.

At that moment, a journalist entered the penthouse, carrying her interview equipment. She politely smiled at Victoria before starting the conversation.

"Mrs. Ashford, it is an honor to interview you," began the journalist, who only sat down after Victoria's subtle gesture. She adjusted her things and then pressed her recorder to start the interview with the iconic woman. "Your marriage to Damien Ashford has been a success story. How would you describe the magic behind these five years of matrimony?"

Victoria sighed, trying to find the right words to express her complex feelings.

"Well, I believe the success of a marriage involves a combination of love, mutual respect, and commitment. Damien and I share a special connection, and we work hard to keep that flame alive."

The journalist continued to ask questions about Victoria's marriage, exploring the less intimate aspects of her married life.

"Recently, your husband became a partner at Towsand. How did you feel seeing his professional success?"

Victoria smiled with pride, recalling the moment Damien achieved that milestone in his career.

"It was an incredible moment for us. Seeing Damien's effort and dedication rewarded with that promotion was a true joy. We are proud of each other's accomplishments."

The journalist moved on to the next topic, addressing the couple's plans to celebrate their five years of marriage.

"And what do you have planned for this special occasion?"

Victoria pondered for a moment before responding.

"This time, we want something more intimate. After all, love and companionship grow stronger in the little things, in the daily displays of affection. So, we're thinking of having dinner at our favorite restaurant, just a few close friends."

The journalist seemed satisfied with the answer but decided to ask one last delicate question.

"And what about children? Are there plans to expand the family?"

Victoria felt a slight discomfort upon hearing the question. Her expression became tense, and her eyes momentarily averted.

"Well... we haven't reached that point yet. Right now, we're focused on enjoying our time together and building a solid foundation for the future. We'll see what destiny has in store for us."

Before Victoria could elaborate further on the subject, the door opened, revealing Damien entering the penthouse. The journalist adjusted herself on the couch, making her bust more prominent, something that didn't go unnoticed by the host.

"Hello, darling," Victoria said, approaching her husband and giving him an intense kiss.

"Oh, hello, dear," Damien replied, surprised by his wife's gesture in front of a visitor. He looked at the young redhead from head to toe and then turned to his wife. "I didn't know we had a visitor, dear."

"This is Marjory Stewart, a journalist from The Life magazine. She came to interview us," Victoria replied.

"To interview you," Damien corrected.

"No, both of us. I informed your assistant weeks ago," Victoria reminded him, controlling herself not to attract the journalist's attention to the conversation with her husband.

Damien took a deep breath and then faced the journalist, displeased.

"Very well, but she only has three minutes," he said before walking toward the journalist with a wide smile on his face. "Hello, Miss Stewart. It's a pleasure to have you in our home."

"The pleasure is all mine."

The journalist, with a professional smile, began asking questions about the world of investments.

"Mr. Ashford, can you explain to us in simple terms how an investment fund works?"

"Certainly. An investment fund is a way to pool money from various investors to invest in different assets, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate. This diversification helps to reduce risk and maximize returns for the investors. The fund is managed by professionals who make investment decisions on behalf of the investors, aiming to achieve the best possible results."

The journalist nodded, satisfied with Damien's concise explanation.

"I see. Now, let's talk about a more delicate subject. It has recently been reported that you lost over 100 million in a failed acquisition. How would that affect your partnership in Towsand?"

The question made Damien furrow his brow, and his expression quickly hardened, surprising his wife.

"That information is incorrect. I do not publicly discuss my personal business, let alone unfounded speculations. I have a busy schedule today, and I believe it's best to end this interview."

The journalist seemed surprised by Damien's reaction but maintained her professional composure.

"I understand, Mr. Ashford. If you wish to end the interview, we will respect your decision. However, I would like to emphasize that we are here to provide accurate information to our readers."

Her serious and determined look made it clear that he would interrupt the interview.

"Our schedule is full today. We appreciate the interview, but it's time to leave."

The journalist stood up, promptly collecting her equipment.

"Of course, Mr. Ashford. Thank you for the opportunity to interview the Sinclair-Ashford couple. It was a pleasure to meet you both."

She left the coverage, leaving Victoria and Damien alone. Victoria looked at Damien, a mix of gratitude and curiosity in her eyes.

"Damien, why did you interrupt the interview? There were still questions to be answered."

Damien approached, gently holding Victoria's face in his hands.

"Darling, our private life is just that: private. We don't need to share every detail of our intimacy with the world. I want to protect what we have, our happiness."

Victoria hesitated for a moment but eventually yielded to Damien's will. She nodded, trusting her husband and the decision he had made.

"Alright, Damien. If that's what you want, I understand. Our happiness is the most important thing."

Damien smiled and then walked towards the couple's office. Ashford's office was elegant and well-lit. A stunning view of the city could be seen through the large windows. He sat behind his mahogany desk, while Victoria, his wife, stood on the other side, watching her husband shuffle through the papers on the table.

"Victoria, there's something important we need to discuss," Damien began, catching his wife's attention.

"What is it, Damien? It sounds serious."

Damien leaned forward, picking up a significantly valuable document from the stack of papers on the table.

"It's nothing to worry about, I need you to sign this release document for the withdrawal of funds from our investment account," Damien explained, holding up the document.

Victoria frowned, looking at the document with surprise.

"Withdrawal of funds? Why?"

Damien nodded, maintaining a serious look.

"Victoria, my dear, I have an incredible investment opportunity. But for that, I need to make this withdrawal. It's a risky move, but I have confidence that it will be worth it. However, I believe it will exceed 100 million dollars. To proceed, I need you to sign this release document."

Victoria looked at the document with a curious expression.

"Damien, is what the journalist said true? Did you lose that much money in an acquisition?"

Damien, somewhat evasive, responded with a forced smile.

"Don't worry, Victoria. The news can be distorted or exaggerated. There are always ups and downs in business."

Victoria became even more surprised and cautious.

"And this amount... Are you using it to cover the 100 million dollars?"

Damien took a deep breath and looked into Victoria's eyes, confidently.

"Yes, it's also for the 100 million dollars."

Victoria approached the table, placing her hands on it.

"What's going on, Damien?" Victoria asked, suspicious.

Damien took a deep breath before responding, trying to remain calm.

"Victoria, you need to understand that these recent investment opportunities require significant capital. I believe this is a unique chance to multiply our wealth." Damien explained.

"And what if something goes wrong? You still have no sense of value, Damien. Don't you think it's too risky?" Victoria asked, concerned.

Damien stood up and approached Victoria, gently holding her shoulders.

"I understand your concerns, my love. But I have thoroughly researched, consulted with experts, and I believe this is an opportunity we can't let pass. I have confidence that it will enhance our future together. I just need your vote of confidence," Damien requested with affection.

Victoria looked into Damien's eyes, seeing a mixture of determination and enthusiasm. Damien touched Victoria's face, caressing her tenderly.

"Please, Vicky, trust me."

He handed the document and the pen to Victoria, who hesitated for a moment. She looked into Damien's eyes, searching for signs of sincerity. After a moment of reflection, she sighed and reached out to take the paper and pen.

"Alright, Damien. I trust you."

She signed the document and handed it to Damien, who smiled satisfactorily, taking the signed document. He turned around and kissed his wife's forehead as he said,

"Thank you, Victoria. I want you to know that I would never do anything that could harm our finances."

"Let's move forward, but I want to be involved in every step and decision."

"As you wish," Damien agreed, relieved.

"Do you have an idea of when we will know the value of this investment?"

"I think the most important question of the day is, who are you having lunch with?"

Victoria realized that Damien was avoiding the question and felt a pang of suspicion. However, she chose not to insist on the matter at that moment.

"I'm having lunch with Amelia. Do you want to join us?"

Damien, smiling again, shook his head.

"I appreciate the invitation, but I have some work commitments to take care of. We'll meet later, my dear. Have fun with Amelia."

Despite the lingering doubts, Victoria decided to set the subject aside for now and moved forward with her plans for lunch with Amelia, trying not to let her worries spoil her special day.


Victoria entered the elegant restaurant in Central Park, where she had arranged to meet her friend Amelia for lunch. The sophisticated and pleasant atmosphere conveyed a sense of calm and tranquility.

Spotting Amelia seated at a table near the window, Victoria approached with a smile on her face.

"Amelia! So good to see you! Sorry for being late, I had an interview today."

Amelia smiled back and stood up to greet Victoria with a warm hug.

"Don't worry, Vicky! Sit down, and let's enjoy our lunch. How was the interview today? I'm sure you nailed it."

Victoria sighed and settled into her chair, asking the waiter for a moment before responding to Amelia's question.

"Well, the interview went well overall. But there was a somewhat awkward moment when the journalist asked about children. I felt a bit embarrassed since Damien and I have been trying, but we haven't had any success so far. Luckily, Damien arrived and he interrupted the interview later... It wasn't because of that topic..."

Amelia tilted her head in understanding, but her words didn't convey the same level of empathy.

"Oh, Vicky, don't worry about it. You're no longer in your twenties, so it's natural that conception may take more time. But there are other options, like surrogacy, if you decide to go down that path, right?"

Although Amelia tried to be comforting, her words left Victoria somewhat uncomfortable. She nodded, seeking to dispel the negative feelings.

"Yes, it's an option to be considered, but I would like to explore all the other possibilities before making such an important decision."

Amelia, realizing the impact of her words, tries to lighten the mood of the conversation.

"Sorry if I was too direct, Vicky. I believe everything happens in its own time. And if it doesn't, that can be an option too."

Victoria nodded, grateful for Amelia's support and understanding.

"Yes, I know there are alternatives. Let's see what the future holds for us."

Amelia then changed the subject, wanting to ease the tension in the air.

"And what happened with Damien abruptly ending the interview? I'm curious."

Victoria sighed again, feeling bothered by the situation.

"He didn't like it when the journalist asked about the loss of over 100 million in a wrong acquisition. He got upset and asked to end the interview. I didn't understand why he reacted that way."

Amelia shrugged, trying to downplay Victoria's concern.

"Oh, these things happen, Vicky. Sometimes, interviewees don't want to discuss certain topics or feel uncomfortable with specific questions. I don't think you should worry about it. It's just a trivial matter."

Victoria smiled faintly, appreciating Amelia's attempt to reassure her.

"You always know how to make me feel better, Amelia. Thank you."

The two friends continued their lively conversation, setting aside their momentary worries and enjoying each other's company as they indulged in a delicious lunch amidst the sophisticated atmosphere of the restaurant until Victoria's phone began to ring. She looked at the screen and was surprised to see the name Matthew Johnson, her accountant, flashing on the screen. She answered immediately, feeling a knot in her stomach.

"Sorry, Amelia. It seems my accountant is calling me. I need to take this call. Do you mind waiting until we finish our lunch?"

Amelia nodded, showing understanding.

"Of course, Vicky. Go answer your call. I also have other matters to attend to. Don't worry."

Victoria quickly got up and moved away from the table, seeking a quieter spot to speak on the phone. As she walked, concern began to settle in her mind, leaving her anxious to find out the reason for the accountant's urgent contact.

"Matthew? Is everything okay?"

"Mrs. Ashford, could you come to my office as soon as possible?" the accountant asked.

"Matthew, please call me Victoria. We are on a first-name basis, remember?"

"Victoria, we need to talk in person. It's a serious matter related to your finances. I'd prefer if you came to my office as soon as possible."

Matthew's voice sounded tense and worried, which heightened Victoria's apprehension.

"Matthew, what's going on? Can you give me at least an idea of the reason?"

Matthew sighed, hesitating before responding.

"Victoria, it's better if we discuss this in person. I really prefer to explain everything calmly and in detail at my office. Please come as soon as you can."

Victoria felt a knot forming in her chest. The worry and mystery surrounding Matthew's call increased her anxiety.

"Alright, Matthew. I'm on my way. I hope it's not something serious."

Matthew promised to be waiting for her in his office and ended the call. Victoria stood there for a moment, trying to process what she had just heard. A sense of apprehension enveloped her as uncertain thoughts raced through her mind.

Victoria hurriedly walked toward her car, which was promptly opened by her driver. She needed to find out what was happening with her finances and why Matthew seemed so concerned. The journey to the accountant's office felt long and tense, filled with questions and fears.

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