Chapter 130: Single and Ready to Mingle?

Victoria’s expression stiffened slightly. “Easton, have you been busy lately? Or is Ellis causing trouble again?”

Growing up together and having an arranged engagement for many years made their relationship much closer than typical childhood friends. A distinct advantage was that Easton saw her as someone with whom he could discuss somewhat private matters. He had mentioned a few times that Ellis was naive and couldn’t read the room. Victoria guessed—and felt confident—that this was why Ellis failed to win Easton’s favor.

Easton had always been ambitious and proud, forced by his mother to marry someone not of his social standing, and that wife wasn’t the type he preferred—submissive and sensible. It was no wonder he could hardly stand Ellis. He had already said he didn’t want to hear Ellis’s name, but Victoria brought her up again, causing Easton’s brows to furrow slightly as he scoffed, “She’ll never learn! Starting tomorrow, she won’t be my problem anymore; she can bother someone else.”

Ellis had drugged him, sparking his interest in her physically at a time when he lacked a stable partner to satisfy his needs. He had tolerated her presence only begrudgingly before being forced to give her the title of wife. In five years, her moments of sensibility were few and far between, constantly testing his limits and patience.

With the divorce papers, his world would finally return to peace, free from disturbances and time-wasters. He was curious to see if, aside from him, she could manipulate another man successfully with her cunning, to secure a comfortable life.

Upon hearing this, a spark of joy lit up in Victoria. “Easton, you…”

Perhaps it was due to two days of insomnia, but Easton’s patience was especially thin today. He didn’t wait for Victoria to finish her sentence and dismissed her again, “You should leave.”

Sensing Easton’s growing impatience, Victoria forced a smile. “Easton, my company is hosting a celebration next week. Will you come? I’d like to thank you publicly!”

“My schedule is full this month; I can’t make time next week,” Easton replied, his gaze slowly shifting toward the door. Right now, he preferred solitude, lacking the patience for chat, which he found more annoying than Ellis’s previous babbling.

Compared to Victoria, Ellis had a knack for not just talking but also for being physically affectionate—nestling in his arms, occasionally muzzling his face or neck, or wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing his lips or cheek with a soft, endearing affection. The thought that all these interactions would soon vanish into thin air, that once they were divorced, they would be total strangers, and that other men might have what he once did, stirred an inexplicable restlessness in him.

Now, Easton’s behavior toward her was nothing like before when he used to be very accommodating. This shift reminded Victoria of the time right after her parents had annulled their engagement. Easton had not been this cold. She had apologized to him, and he had patiently explained, “Our engagement was dissolved by your parents, not you. You weren’t independent from your family at the time, so I don’t blame you. I understand your situation, and you don’t need to feel sorry for me. It just means we weren’t meant to be.”

Their engagement had been arranged by their elders, with neither of them having much say in the matter. They were supposed to marry just like many other well-matched couples in their social circle. From a young age, she had been taught that she would be Easton’s wife, but only if he became the heir to the Hudson family; otherwise, her parents would find her another suitable match.

Having been so close to him for many years, it was not true to say she didn’t like Easton, but she was more enamored with the idea of being the wife of the Hudson family heir. When Easton failed to secure his position as the heir, his phrase about them not being meant to be allowed her to stay abroad with a clear conscience.

Now, their relationship had regressed even further than when their engagement was first dissolved, and Victoria kept her anxiety hidden beneath a calm exterior. Easton’s comment about Ellis never learning must mean he was planning to divorce her soon. With Ellis no longer holding the title of Easton’s wife, Victoria saw an easier path to winning Easton back.

“Okay, let’s get together when you’re free,” Victoria said sweetly, picking up her bag and leaving.

Finally alone, Easton glanced out of the corner of his eye to ensure Victoria was really leaving, ready to dismiss her a third time if necessary.

Stepping out of Easton’s office, Victoria sought out Jackson on the same floor. Officially, Ellis was still considered the lady of the house, and Jackson, unsure of his boss’s current sentiments, still treated Victoria with utmost respect, almost as if she were the lady of the house herself. Victoria listed her concerns, which Jackson noted in detail, smiling reassuringly. “Ms. Victoria, don’t worry. I’ll handle these as quickly as possible and report back to you.”

Estimating the cost and resources needed to solve Victoria’s problems, Jackson compared them to the plans to impoverish Ellis and Carly, feeling a deep pity for the latter two. He couldn’t help but silently admire the first-class treatment Victoria received.