Chapter 211: Jealousy Unleashed
Her latest residence wasn't what he'd guessed it would be in Sunshine Estates, contrary to his assumptions. Carly had introduced her to a promising new beginning, but her relationship with this new phase had transcended the ordinary. The so-called new beginning was a facade; there were no other men in her life. To this day, he had been the only man in her life. Yet, the mere thought of her with another man caused his emotions to spiral out of control, tinged with a strange unfamiliarity that seemed like fiery jealousy.
The thought of jealousy arose in his mind and abruptly stopped; he scoffed lightly. Jealous of other men being with her? She was just his ungrateful ex-wife, not the woman he loved. After the divorce, there were no more marital ties between them; whether she lived or died was none of his concern. His visit tonight, prompted by a ghostly urge to see how she fared after Victoria's attack, was an act of mercy.
It couldn't possibly be jealousy; perhaps it was a man's possessive instinct causing these odd feelings. After all, including the two years before their marriage, she had been his woman for five years. Suddenly seeing her with another man, it was natural for him to feel a bit uncomfortable. I'd get used to it eventually, right?
His company hadn't stabilized yet; Easton had cut off all assistance. His assistant had reclaimed the money thrown into the company and stirred up trouble, leaving the company in a precarious state. Victoria wanted to meet Easton in person to plead and play the victim. She had tried several channels but couldn't reach Easton, so she reluctantly sought Morty's help.
After a lengthy explanation, Morty showed no reaction. Victoria tapped on his desk. “Morty, are you even listening to me?” Of course, Morty wasn't; he had no time for Victoria and Easton's mess. Victoria sought him out merely to complain about Easton, a waste so pathetic it was laughable from any angle.
He wore his indifference openly. “I heard you, but I can't help you. You know things are tense between Easton and me, especially after he nearly hit me with a bottle; I'm not over it yet.”
At that, Victoria's face darkened. “I didn't come here for you to mediate between me and Easton. I need help for my company.”
“I’m not Easton; I don’t do charity,” Morty stated bluntly. “Forgive my bluntness, but you lack the talent and capability for business. Propping you up is a waste of my money and resources.”
Victoria clenched her teeth. “Are you insinuating that I’m an idiot?”
“I didn’t say that, you did,” Morty glanced at his watch. “It’s Wednesday, I have plans, no more time to chat. I suggest you find—”
“If I could find Easton, I wouldn’t be here.” Victoria cursed. “It’s all Ellis’s fault, I despise her! She slapped me first, and after I retaliated a bit, she went crying to Easton, tarnishing my image, making him treat me badly, the wretch!!”
Hearing this, Morty, who had been disinterested, suddenly frowned. “You retaliated against Ellis? How exactly?”
Victoria was eager to explain herself, proudly saying, “I grabbed her hair and banged her head, and also—”
Before she could finish, Morty’s look gradually turned icy. “Beating up Ellis like some shrew, you deserve Easton’s disregard.”
Morty cut her off. Victoria asked indignantly, “Whose side are you on?”
“What do you think?” Morty’s retort left no doubt where his sympathies lay. Angered, Victoria raised her voice, “I didn’t hit her for no reason, she hit me first!”
“Be glad you’re a woman,” Morty remarked ambiguously, withdrawing from the conversation and leaving Victoria to stew in her anger. Before she could react, Morty walked away with a cold glance, leaving her stomping her foot in frustration, a malicious glint flickering in her eyes.
Both Easton and Morty, who could have helped her, seemed unreachable overnight. She blamed everything on Ellis, her hatred for Ellis intense, eager to find someone to teach Ellis a lesson.
Leaving the overly talkative Victoria behind, Morty drove to Petal Estates. On the way, he stopped at a pharmacy to buy some medication for external injuries. When he got home, he took Maya for a walk on their usual route.
Thus, Ellis, on her routine visit to Warm Rings house in Petal Estates, saw Morty and the ever-enthusiastic Maya. Seeing Morty walk his dog had become an expected encounter, and she had grown accustomed to it. After petting Maya’s soft head, she finally turned to face Morty. Yet Morty seemed to be sizing her up, observing her in a curious manner.
She asked, slightly annoyed, “What are you looking at?”