Chapter 180: Burned Bridges
Scanning the room, Cameron quickly realized that, aside from him, everyone present had grown up together. He nudged Morty with his elbow and muttered, “Isn’t it weird that you guys brought me into a childhood friends’ gathering?”
“It is weird,” Morty replied, handing him a glass of whiskey. “I told Victoria to invite you.”
Victoria had rushed to him earlier, complaining that Easton was giving her the cold shoulder. And what did that have to do with him? He wasn’t about to waste his sympathy on Victoria. She had wanted him to reach out to Easton and play mediator between them, as if he had nothing better to do. He’d shut that down immediately.
So instead, she had organized this little get-together, hoping to lure Easton in through someone else. If he hadn’t happened to have free time tonight—or if he hadn’t wanted to see the drama unfold—he wouldn’t have come.
Cameron sighed. “You really are something else.” He knew exactly why he was here tonight—to keep Morty entertained.
Morty smirked. “Have some drinks, enjoy the show. It’ll be fun.”
“A show?” Cameron raised an eyebrow.
Others nearby overheard and chimed in. “What kind of show?”
Morty’s gaze flicked lazily in Victoria’s direction. “A classic tale of love and resentment.”
Victoria had been absorbed in staring at her phone, waiting for a response from Easton, but she caught Morty looking at her. She immediately turned to him with a scowl.
“Morty, aren’t we supposed to be childhood friends? How could you throw me under the bus like this?”
Morty didn’t even blink. “I’m not throwing you under anything. Don’t be dramatic.” He picked up a glass of champagne and pressed it into her hand. “Take my advice—chasing a man like this won’t get you anywhere.”
Victoria’s fingers tightened around the stem of the glass. Of course, she knew that. She and Easton had been engaged for years. She had always understood that he preferred a partner who was independent, sensible, and didn’t cling. And usually, she followed that rule. But this was different. Her company needed Hudson Group’s financial backing, and without it, she was screwed. She could be sensible later.
Accepting that Easton wouldn’t be showing up tonight, she turned to Plan B. “My company just needs a little more support to get on the right track. Can you help me?” She glanced at Morty. “Nexus Group’s cha—”
“Can’t help you,” Morty cut her off before she could finish.
Her face darkened, shifting between embarrassment and frustration. “Why is it that you never seem to be able to help me these days?” He hadn’t helped her get Easton’s attention. He wouldn’t help her business either.
Back when she first returned to the country, he had promised her—sworn up and down—that as long as it was within his power, he’d help her with anything.
“What changed—”
The door to the private rooms swung open, drawing everyone’s attention. At the sight of the man stepping in, the entire room fell silent. Aside from Morty and Cameron, the rest of them tensed instinctively. The last time they had all gathered like this, things hadn’t ended well. They all remembered it vividly—especially the part where Easton had shattered a bottle against the wall. Tonight, no one was going to make the mistake of bringing up Ellis and the divorce. Yes, the entire social circle knew about it. But mentioning it in front of Easton was asking for trouble. They weren’t stupid enough to get themselves on his bad side.
At the same time, a few people glanced toward Victoria, all thinking the same thing. Would she finally take the hint? Victoria, however, had eyes only for Easton. Breaking into a bright smile, she gracefully walked up to him and said softly, “Easton, you kept us waiting.” Her voice was gentle, sweet—like always.
And then Easton spoke. “Call me that again, and I’ll rip your tongue out.”
The words were so cold, so cutting, that the entire room collectively held its breath. Easton had just told Victoria that if she called him “brother” again, he would tear her tongue out. Everyone stared, stunned. Had they misheard? This was coming from Easton? The Easton who had been engaged to Victoria for years? The Easton who had always allowed her to do whatever she wanted? A few months ago, he had merely told her not to act so familiar with him at work.
But tonight… In front of all these people…. Victoria stood frozen, completely thrown off.
“Easton, you…” She stammered for a moment before forcing a weak laugh. “If you keep joking like that, you’ll make me sad.”
Easton didn’t react. His brows furrowed slightly in irritation. “Are you deaf or just incapable of speaking properly?”
The only reason he had shown up tonight was because he had wanted a drink. He hadn’t even realized Victoria would be here. But lately, he had been feeling restless, and her constant attempts to contact him were only making it worse. Just seeing her now, hearing the way she addressed him, made his annoyance spike.
The humiliation was obvious on Victoria’s face, but she kept her head down, refusing to look around. Even without seeing their expressions, she knew—no one was going to step in and help her. No one would dare.
A long silence stretched between them before she let out an awkward chuckle, quickly masking the tension. She lifted her hand, motioning for him to take a seat beside her. But to everyone’s shock, Easton didn’t sit down. He didn’t stay in the room at all. Without another word, he turned and walked right out.
The moment the door shut behind him, the group exchanged stunned looks. Cameron leaned in close to Morty and murmured, “So this was the show you were talking about?”