Chapter 9: Marriage of Convenience

When Victoria heard the staff's congratulations, she blushed for no reason.

She pretended her throat was scratchy, coughed, and turned to leave.

Alexander, in a great mood, said to the staff, "Thanks, my wife's just a bit shy. Don't mind her."

The staff smiled, "Of course not."

The staff watched the couple leave, feeling a bit envious.

Even though Alexander was cold and had an air of nobility that kept people at a distance, it was clear he treated his wife very well.

Alexander quickly caught up with Victoria and instinctively grabbed her slender wrist.

"How about lunch together?" he asked.

She hadn't fully recovered when she heard Alexander's deep, pleasant voice.

"Even though we're in a contract marriage, we shouldn't make people suspect it's fake, right?" Alexander explained.

Victoria's cool almond-shaped eyes narrowed slightly. He had a point. It was just a meal, and she wasn't one to make a fuss.

"Okay," she agreed hesitantly.

"I'll pick you up at noon, alright?" Alexander asked, sounding like a gentleman.

Seeing she was about to refuse, Alexander quickly interrupted.

"To make my grandparents believe we're really together, I have to do this. But I'll always ask your opinion. If you refuse, it's okay."

Victoria was silent for a moment.

She had wanted to refuse, but after hearing him out, it felt ungrateful to do so.

His gentlemanly approach was unexpected.

Last night, after she went back, she felt his name was familiar, so she looked him up. What she found surprised her.

Alexander was the head of Vertex Holdings Group, a century-old enterprise, and a legend in the business world. He was the heir to the top and mysterious Howard family.

He controlled the economic lifeline of Stellaria, a symbol of power and wealth.

Such a noble person like Alexander actually sought her opinion on a small matter?

His gentlemanly elegance didn't quite match the ruthless and decisive Alexander in the rumors.

In some ways, he was just like her, which was why she agreed to the contract marriage with him.

"Okay."

Alexander thought she would refuse, but she agreed.

Then he didn't say anything else.

She really wouldn't say an extra word if she didn't have to.

Victoria's aloofness and indifference gave Alexander a bit of upset and helplessness.

However, there was a long way to go, and he believed she would change.

"Go on off to work then, I'll pick you up after work."

Alexander's deep eyes gently gazed at her, speaking softly and with affection.

Victoria was silent again.

This tone was like a husband deeply in love with his wife.

Inexplicably, Victoria's heart skipped a beat.

She didn't know what to say, broke free from his grip on her wrist, and quickly walked to her car.

Alexander watched her slender figure, a hint of a smile in his eyes, his palm still holding onto her warmth.

Horizon Group.

Three days ago, they had just launched the new Time series of perfumes, achieving an unprecedented result in sales.

And this time, they also saved a considerable amount on advertising costs.

Victoria's plan made everyone's original respect for her grow instantly.

Meanwhile, the Kennedy Group was caught off guard by Horizon's launching of their new product.

In the past, the Kennedy Group's Orchid perfume brand always launched new products before Starry perfume. They didn't expect Victoria to take the initiative and use the strength of her own publicity to launch it first.

As soon as Victoria returned to the office, Wesley reported the sales of the Time series over the past few days to her.

After a while, her phone rang. She glanced at it indifferently and answered.

"Victoria, you ungrateful wretch! What do you mean by launching a new product without a word? What do you take us for?" Simon’s furious voice came through as soon as she picked up.

Victoria couldn't help but roll her eyes.

She replied coolly, with a hint of mockery, "I thought you called me for something big."

Simon, now enraged, spoke more harshly with each sentence.

"And why did you throw your sister into the pond? Are you even human? You're simply too vicious!

"I should have strangled you back then to prevent you from unscrupulously stealing the Kennedy family's business and trying to kill your sister! You're simply a venomous wretch!

"You're a curse to the Kennedy family, why don't you just die!"

Victoria listened to the insults, her expression calm and emotionless.

She was long used to the Kennedy family's hatred and loathing for her.

"Do you need me to send you a dictionary?"

Simon, in his rage, heard Victoria's inexplicable words and was puzzled.

Then came the busy tone of a hung-up call. He looked at the phone and saw it had been disconnected.

After hanging up, Victoria went back to work.

She was very busy and had no time to listen to their nonsense.

It wasn't until twelve o'clock that she stopped working.

Just as she stretched, the phone on her desk rang.

It was an unfamiliar number.

She thought it was someone from the Kennedy family and answered coldly, "You better come up with new insults this time! Or just get lost!"

On the other end, Alexander was slightly stunned, then his deep, gentle voice sounded, "It's me."

Victoria was silent.

This voice wasn't from anyone in the Kennedy family.

Yet, the voice was so familiar.

After a few seconds, a handsome face flashed in her mind, and she froze. It was Alexander.

"Sorry, I didn't know it was you."

Victoria immediately lowered her tone, somewhat embarrassed.

"It's okay, it's my fault for not giving you my number in advance," Alexander remained gentlemanly, speaking in a deep, gentle voice.

"How did you get my number?" Victoria asked, puzzled.

She regretted asking right after. Someone as powerful as Alexander could easily find out her number.

She heard a soft laugh from the other end, followed by Alexander's pleasant voice, "Come downstairs, I'll take you to lunch. I'm waiting near your company, in the car I drove last time. You should be able to find it."

Victoria checked the time; he was indeed punctual.

She didn't dawdle, quickly tidied up, and went downstairs.

Alexander, keeping his promise, didn't wait in her company building but chose a more discreet location.

However, his limited edition Maybach was still quite conspicuous.

To Victoria's surprise, he had driven here personally.

Alexander's well-defined fingers gripped the steering wheel, looking very attractive.

Victoria glanced at his hands, blinked, and casually asked, "Where are we going?"

Alexander focused on driving and replied, "Starlight Diner."

"Okay."

Victoria wasn't good at making conversation, especially since she hadn't known Alexander for long, so she didn't say much.

Instead, the rumored cold and unapproachable Alexander started the conversation.

"Can you tell me what your grandmother likes?"