Chapter 475

Jared’s personality had changed so much, it felt strange to me—but honestly, it was working in my favor. I looked at his gloomy face, realizing I still hadn’t found a good reason to establish myself in Braylin. Jared sending me there for work gave me the perfect cover.

After a moment of calm thought, I curved my lips into a smile. “Mr. Holcomb, your offer is really tempting.”

Jared’s eyes grew darker, and there was a pleading note in his voice. “Victoria, will you say yes?”

“You’re giving me both an opportunity and money. I really don’t have a reason to say no,” I said, and after thinking it through, I agreed.

You shouldn’t put all your eggs in one basket—turns out, love works the same way. My relationship with Ryan was destined to be just a fleeting moment, never meant to last.

Where would I go once Ryan lost interest in me? Jared’s job offer was my backup, my safety net.

A warm smile flickered across Jared’s handsome face. “It’s settled then. You’ll represent the company and head to Braylin to open our new store.”

I nodded, keeping my tone modest. “I’m still pretty inexperienced, Mr. Holcomb. Could you send a few more talented people to work alongside me?”

Jared’s furrowed brow eased, and his voice grew lighter. “Don’t worry. I’ll handle everything.”

Just as we wrapped up our conversation, Nathan appeared from down the hallway. He was dressed formally today, and his white hair didn’t take away from his good looks—in fact, it made him seem even more mature and charismatic.

When he saw me standing with Jared, a flicker of sadness crossed his face.

“Victoria, Mr. Holcomb, lunch is ready,” Nathan said, coming over to let us know.

Victoria said to Jared, “You go on ahead. I just want to have a quick word with him.”

Jared looked reluctant, but with a stiff expression, he turned and walked away.

The wind swept in from afar, funneled through the hallway vent, billowing my skirt and sending my long hair flying.

With the wind at my back, I looked at Nathan.

Nathan gazed at me, utterly entranced.

The wind had a strangely enchanting vibe, and I said gratefully, “Nathan, thanks for the shares. I really feel I haven’t earned it. If you ever need anything, just say the word.”

“Victoria, you’ve already helped me so much. Honestly, what I gave you feels like too little,” Nathan said, his deep eyes never leaving mine. “There’s still plenty of time. When I have more, I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”

“No need,” I replied, thinking, ‘Seriously, what’s up with today? Every guy I meet wants to throw money at me.”

“So, you and Ryan… are you planning to stay in Shaville?” Nathan asked, a shadow of pain flickering in his eyes. “Or are you going back to Braylin with him?”

“Wait, how did you know I was heading to Braylin?” I asked, a bit surprised.

Nathan walked over to the railing, turning his back to me, his voice drifting on the wind, barely above a whisper. “Edward told me. He said Ryan’s going back to Braylin for work.”

My heart skipped a beat. ‘Why would Edward tell Nathan all this?‘

“Braylin… that’s so far away,” Nathan said, unable to hide the sadness in his voice. When he turned back, his eyes were a little red. “What excuse will I have to see you now? Victoria, maybe… you could just treat me like your brother? That way, I’d always have a reason to visit you.”

I was stunned. ‘Huh?’

Nathan actually laughed at himself, shaking his head. “But if I become your brother, how am I supposed to keep loving you? Guess I’m just making things complicated for myself.”

“Nathan, life is long. I’m sure we’ll meet again someday,” I said, seeing just how much he was hurting, but honestly, I had no idea how to comfort him.

If I’d known he’d fall this deep, I never would’ve let things get so tangled between us.

“When we meet again, will you already belong to someone else?” Nathan couldn’t hold back his pain, shaking his head in anguish. “I thought I had what it takes to keep you, but compared to the Jennings family, I’m no match.”

“There’s no need to compare yourself. You’re both wonderful, and you’ve already done your best,” I said softly, my heart aching for him.

“If I really am that good, then why are you leaving me?” Nathan was lost in self–doubt, his eyes clouded with confusion.

I couldn’t help but feel bad for him, and said quietly, “Let’s drop it, okay?”

Nathan seemed to wake up from a daze, standing there lost in thought for a long moment before giving a self–deprecating smile. “Did I just make things harder for you again? Sorry, I shouldn’t have said all that.”

“It’s fine,” I replied, not blaming him at all. When feelings run deep, who can really control themselves?

Nathan took a moment to compose himself, then said softly, “Come on, lunch is soon. Better skip the drinks—you’ve got to drive back to Shaville this afternoon.”

“Sure,” I nodded.

At lunch, I didn’t touch a drop of alcohol, but Jared didn’t turn down a single drink. We were only halfway through the meal when he got completely wasted and had to be helped out by his driver and assistant.

I wanted to leave early since I didn’t want to drive at night.

Nathan was a little tipsy, but when he heard I was leaving, he followed me out and opened the car door for me.

I saw the longing and reluctance in his eyes, but I still steeled myself and closed the door.