Chapter 691:

Elyse chuckled, her eyes gleaming with ridicule. “You can order the Bentley family’s security around? Who are you, the future hostess of the Bentley family or something?”

Thea bristled at Elyse’s taunt, her voice turning icy. “If you don’t leave, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”

Thea turned on her heel and went to find security.

Elyse watched her go, amused by Thea’s childish behavior. But she wasn’t interested in Forrest; she was here for Victoria.

After asking a passing servant for directions, Elyse made her way to the second-floor lounge.

Standing before the massive wooden door, she took a deep breath, bracing herself for whatever drama Victoria might unleash. Summoning her courage, Elyse rapped lightly on the door.

“Come in.”

Victoria, in her mid-forties, looked striking and intimidating. She wore a tight black dress that showed off her curves, and her disdainful demeanor commanded attention. Her delicate face was framed by clear eyes, and her fiery red lipstick was striking. Seated in an armchair with her legs crossed, she radiated undeniable charm.

When Victoria’s gaze landed on Elyse, her eyes seemed to frost over.

A chill ran down Elyse’s spine as she felt the intensity of Victoria’s gaze, heightened by her casual stirring of red wine.

After scrutinizing Elyse carefully, Victoria said scornfully, “You do resemble that bitch.”

Elyse shifted, her discomfort evident in a twitch of her nose. She was unsure how to respond.

Unbothered by Elyse’s silence, Victoria took a sip of her wine and added, “You have more bravery than your father.”

Elyse’s curiosity overcame her. “Do you still mind his rejection back then?”

Victoria looked down at her wine, her tone emotionless. “Without a doubt. He was the first man who rejected me. I, Victoria—beautiful, accomplished, and from a distinguished family—was considered less than your ordinary mother.”

Her eyes locked with Elyse’s as she smirked. “He had awful taste, don’t you think? After he married your mother, he died unexpectedly.”

Elyse retorted, her voice shaking with anger. “They were murdered! If that hadn’t happened, they would have been the happiest couple alive!”

Victoria’s joyless laugh was jarring. “Only you would hold onto such a childish belief.”

Elyse was silent for a moment before asking, “Why did you call me here?”

Victoria stood smoothly from her armchair. She walked to Elyse, her polished nails gently tracing Elyse’s face. “I didn’t expect you to come here alone. You’ve surprised me.”

Elyse felt a shiver of fear as dread washed over her. Surely Victoria wouldn’t throw a drink at her, right?

But as Elyse pondered this, she felt something hard press against her lower back.

Looking down, Elyse’s eyes widened at the sight of a pistol in Victoria’s hand, casually aimed at her stomach. Fear drained the color from Elyse’s face, and her body tensed.

Victoria pressed the gun harder into Elyse’s stomach. “Your life will pay back what Rickey owes me. Your death might make me rethink the partnership your cousin wants so badly.”