Chapter 131: Schedules, Secrets, and Scheming
Victoria scanned the area to ensure they were alone, with no walls to eavesdrop. She whispered, just loud enough for herself and Jackson to hear. “Jackson, is Easton’s schedule for this month fully booked? Could I take a look at his calendar?”
Jackson hadn’t managed the calendar in three years; that was part of Ellis’s job. She was always on Easton’s tail, glued to his side like they were joined at the hip. But once Ellis left, the responsibility shifted back to him.
When Victoria expressed her interest in seeing it, Jackson’s basic professional instinct as the CEO’s assistant kicked in, and he reflexively declined. “Sorry, Ms. Victoria, that’s Mr. Hudson’s private matter; you can’t see it.”
Victoria’s smile stiffened slightly. “Jackson, do you not know who I am to Easton?”
This tactic was foolproof for her, even before Ellis slapped her and accused Easton of cheating with her.
Jackson, of course, knew Victoria was Easton’s first love. Considering it was only a matter of time before Victoria replaced Ellis and became Easton’s wife, he pondered briefly before handing over the calendar to her.
Successfully obtaining the calendar, Victoria scrutinized it. Easton had claimed his month was packed, yet the calendar showed several afternoons and evenings free.
Victoria circled the date of her company’s celebration with a pen, looked up at Jackson, and suggested, “This day is very special, marking a significant anniversary. Please arrange for Easton to meet me in the evening, and don’t tell him it’s me who wants to see him.”
Pie? The thought popped into Jackson’s head. Victoria was planning to surprise Easton on that day. He didn’t agree immediately, instead weighing the pros and cons as usual.
Ellis had done something similar, although Jackson was unclear about her exact relationship with Easton back then. Ellis claimed she was Easton’s girlfriend, but Easton never openly acknowledged her as such. Hence, Jackson had righteously refused Ellis. However, Easton knew about Ellis’s planned surprise and seemed unhappy when it didn’t come to fruition. It was clear Mr. Hudson enjoyed surprises.
Victoria’s surprise would undoubtedly please Easton more than Ellis’s had. Seeing no downside, Jackson nodded. “Rest assured, Ms. Victoria, I’ll take care of it…”
“Thank you, Jackson,” Victoria pulled out a bank card and handed it to him. “I’ll be needing more favors from you in the future; this is just a little something for your troubles.”
“It’s no trouble at all, just part of my job!” Jackson quickly put his hands behind his back, politely refusing.
He was like the chief of staff to Easton. There were too many people looking to gain from Easton through him. By staying close to Easton, his future looked promising, and he wasn’t foolish enough to jeopardize it for some minor short-term benefits. Victoria offering him a bank card felt strangely like a bribe.
Seeing he clearly wouldn’t accept the gift, Victoria nonchalantly took back the card and casually inquired, “Besides work, has Easton been…?”
Securing Easton’s heart wasn’t enough; knowing how many rivals she had was also crucial.
Jackson understood what Victoria was implying without her finishing. Still, she was Easton’s first love, holding the most important place in his heart. Why would she worry about Mr. Hudson getting close to other women? Why the inching confidence, not feeling secure enough?
Unlike Ellis, who never asked about others directly, she would confront Easton at the slightest hint of gossip, demanding his phone to check it right in front of him, boldly asking what he had said or done with other women.
Thinking it over, Easton probably preferred Victoria’s discreet inquiries; Ellis was too blunt, creating a slight feeling of suffocation. No wonder Easton couldn’t forget Victoria—she was clearly more suited to him; at least she was graceful and…
“Mr. Hudson is always focused on his work. Ms. Victoria, you…” Jackson didn’t mention Ellis, his gaze subtly reminding Victoria that, aside from Ellis, she was the only woman close to Easton and deeply involved with him.
Strangely enough, as an observer, he often felt Ellis’s tension, her constant anxiety and tight nerves, afraid that at any moment another woman might appear and steal Easton away.
Although Easton was faithful, having only ever been with Victoria and her, Ellis wouldn’t let herself enjoy the luxurious life of a wealthy wife, making herself undesirable to Easton. As soon as Victoria returned, Ellis’s position was threatened, facing not only eviction but also Easton’s ongoing antagonism, pitiful indeed.