Chapter 4
Edward was too shocked to react immediately.
His gaze swept over Victoria's hand resting on her knee, which was trembling slightly.
"You are the first person to dare call me by my name."
Edward's voice was cold and imposing.
He leaned against the bed, but it was as if he were leaning on a throne.
Victoria almost lost her composure, her face tense, and she lowered her voice. "Without my permission, do not speak."
"Victoria, there's a limit to jokes. You..."
"Shut up." Victoria forcefully cut off his retort, staring intently into Edward's eyes. "How did the accident happen that day?"
"I see you really have a death wish."
Edward squinted his eyes, the corners of his eyes drooping.
Those familiar with Edward would know this was a sign of his anger.
Victoria ignored it, her gaze and tone were even more resolute this time, repeating. "How did the accident happen that day?"
Victoria slowed her speech, seemingly giving him time to recall.
Edward frowned deeply, resisting as he answered, "Victoria, get out."
The surrounding atmosphere had already dropped to freezing point.
Under such high pressure, Victoria became even more composed. Her eyes darkened, adopting an interrogative tone. "How did the accident happen?"
Edward initially wanted to forcefully drive her away, but his head began to throb, and fragmented memories flashed through his mind.
He remembered how he had set off in a relaxed mood and how he had slipped and fallen.
And the person who was supposed to be responsible for the safety rope just watched him coldly from a distance.
Edward frowned deeply, sweat gradually seeping from his forehead as he struggled to resist the return of his memories.
Victoria sensed something was wrong with him and guided him. "What was the weather like that day?"
Edward pressed his lips tightly together, as if fighting against an unknown force.
"Was the weather good?" Victoria rephrased her question.
"Good."
Finally hearing the first response, Victoria breathed a sigh of relief.
A response meant progress, indicating that the method was working.
Victoria gained more confidence and continued to ask, "Who did you go with?"
The moment the question ended, Edward suddenly looked at her, the sharpness in his eyes startling her.
For a second, Victoria even suspected he might kill her directly.
No, that was not right. Edward wasn't looking at her; it was more like he was looking through her at someone else.
In a brief moment of distraction, Edward regained control, returning to his cold and threatening demeanor. "Victoria, don't let the second day of our marriage become your death anniversary."
Having made a small step forward, Victoria knew when to stop. She immediately stood up, bowed respectfully, and apologized, "I apologize for the offense."
Victoria's quick admission of fault left Edward's anger with nowhere to go.
Just as he was about to say something, a faint itch came from his knee, causing him to pause.
Victoria noticed his reaction, put the chair back in place, walked to the bedside, and adjusted his blanket. "It seems the method is working. I will continue."
It wasn't a discussion.
Edward thought of something and sneered, "In such a hurry, are you doing it for Marcus?"
"What?" Victoria was puzzled and instinctively asked in surprise.
Her reaction wasn't fake. But it wasn't enough to convince Edward.
Edward became even more sarcastic. "It's a pity you're not in Hollywood. Forget about the Skyline Entertainment Complex project; I won't let it go."
He had seen all the bombardment of messages on her phone.
Victoria understood and decided to be straightforward, explaining, "My sister is in their hands. They threatened to persuade you to give up the Skyline Entertainment Complex project. If I can help you walk again, can we make this deal?"
To prove her point, Victoria took out her phone and showed him a photo of Elodie, thoughtfully covering Elodie's face with her finger.
Edward's eyes were deep and inscrutable as he sneered. "Do you think you have the qualifications to negotiate with me?"
She knew he wouldn't agree.
Victoria lowered her eyes, hiding her disappointment. "I'm sorry. Please rest well."
Victoria turned to leave, hearing Edward's reminder from behind, "Change my clothes, and don't touch my things again."
Five minutes later, Victoria came out wearing a wet dress, the fabric clinging uncomfortably to her skin.
But Victoria didn't blink an eye, quietly and silently exiting without making any eye contact with Edward.
Edward watched her close the door, squinting his eyes.
The phone rang. As soon as Edward answered, a loud voice came through, "You really woke up? I almost thought the contract I prepared would be useless. You're amazing. How did you plan it a month in advance?"
Edward interrupted his chatter, "Caleb, make the trap in the Skyline Entertainment Complex contract bigger, and help me investigate someone."
Caleb Jones sighed reluctantly. "Got it, but are you really planning to take down Marcus this time? And who do you want me to investigate?"
Edward's eyes were filled with coldness and cruelty. "This won't take him down; at most, it will hurt him. And the one you need to investigate is Victoria Neville."
Caleb whistled softly. "Investigate Mrs. Hamilton? Does she know? She really..."
"She doesn't need to know."
Edward left it at that, not refuting the title of Mrs. Hamilton, and hung up directly.
Everything was too coincidental.
He wanted to see what Victoria was up to.
Victoria, wearing her dress, had just reached the living room when she saw Aurora sitting on the sofa. The atmosphere was not very pleasant.
"Mrs. Aurora Hamilton," Victoria called out.
Aurora turned her head, noticing her dress, and frowned slightly. "The Davis family just sent over some clothes."
Hearing that the clothes had arrived, Victoria breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you. Where are they?"
"In the trash."
Victoria's expression froze.
What did that mean?
Did Aurora throw away her clothes? Was her earlier kindness just an act in front of others?
Aurora snorted coldly. "I saw the Davis family had no brains, bringing some old clothes in a plastic bag. I couldn't stand it, so I threw them all away."
With that, Aurora stood up, took Victoria's hand, and led the still-dazed Victoria to another house. "From now on, I'll take care of your clothes and jewelry. Come here and pick whatever you like."
The door opened, revealing a dazzling array of clothes and jewelry.
All were the latest seasonal items or custom pieces from major luxury brands.
Victoria was still reeling from the shock when Aurora's phone rang, and she carelessly put it on speaker.
"Aurora, what do you mean by taking all the custom pieces I prepared for my future daughter-in-law!"
"Mrs. Cooper, watch your words. You know that first come, first served. Besides, it's an honor for you to give the clothes to my daughter! Instead of worrying about clothes, you should worry about your son who's on the verge of a heart attack!"
The voice on the other end sounded furious, repeating "you" several times before angrily threatening, "Just wait, you won't get the Skyline Entertainment Complex project! Don't forget; the government documents are stuck with our Cooper family!"
The call ended.
Hearing about the entertainment complex project, Victoria's eyes flickered.
Aurora didn't care, patting her hand. "It's just a few clothes. Her future daughter-in-law isn't even confirmed, while I have two real daughters. Your sister is studying abroad and went to a very spiritual place to make a wish. And your dad is on a business trip. When they come back, I'll introduce you properly."
Hearing Aurora's addresses, Victoria felt a warm current in her heart.
Victoria had just changed into a short skirt when Lila hurriedly ran over, exclaiming, "Something's wrong! Mr. Marcus Hamilton has brought a lot of people into Mr. Edward Hamilton's room!"