Victoriaโs cheeks flushed crimson, and she looked utterly embarrassed and ashamed. She raised her hand as if to strike him, but then lowered it again.
She gritted her teeth as she said, โYou little bastard, youโve been keeping this pretty well hidden! Why didnโt you tell me earlier that your father is Reginald, and let me make a fool of myself?โ
Her heart pounded uncontrollably as she recalled all the things she had said and those exaggerated gestures she had made. Even at her mature age, she could not stop the wave of heat rising to her face or the strange, complicated feelings churning in her chest.
Andrew rolled his eyes and said bluntly, โI didnโt want to bring up my dad at all. I didnโt want to trigger your resentment or make things worse, but you seriously crossed the line, so I had no choice.โ
Victoria let out a frustrated laugh. โSo youโre Reggieโs son. Even if Iโm angry with you, I wouldnโt have the heart to lay a hand on you. No wonder when I first saw you, I was so confused! How could there be someone in this world whose temperament and looks are so similar?โ
She continued staring at Andrew intently. โTurns out youโre his son!โ
The adoring look in her eyes, along with her conflicted expressions, made Andrew extremely uncomfortable.
Noticing Andrewโs embarrassment, Victoriaโs face flashed with shame. She quickly composed herself and laughed. โDonโt mind me! Itโs just that I miss Reggie so much that I got a little carried away for a moment!โ
Andrew nodded. โI understand. Mrs. Rhodes was the same way back then.โ
The moment the words left his mouth, Andrew regretted them, thinking that this would be trouble.
Sure enough, Victoriaโs expression turned cold, and she snorted. โDonโt mention that bitch in front of me! Reggie only loved me, and Tiana was just delusional!โ
Andrew quickly said, โYes, of course. My dad only loved you.โ
However, he silently apologized to Tiana. He had no choice but to appease Victoria for now. Otherwise, who knew if she would start getting jealous again?
โSince weโre on the same side, you can just call me Victoria from now on.โ She gave an embarrassed smile as she stared at Andrew, clearly finding more and more to like the longer she looked at him.
She added, โYouโre every bit as impressive as he was back then! If you had come to find me earlier, I would have already helped you dominate the entire Gabo Creek province!โ
Andrew shook his head and smiled. โThanks for the kind offer, Victoria, but initially, I didnโt know you and my dad had a history together! Besides, I didnโt dare approach you carelessly. I figured you probably harbored a lot of resentment toward him.โ
Victoriaโs expression turned thoughtful as a hint of nostalgia crossed her face. Then, she let out a bitter laugh. โSaying I didnโt hate him would be a lie. I was ready to give up everything for that man back then, but he still left me and walked away!โ
She hissed, โThe only thing thatโs ever comforted me since is knowing he left that bitch Tiana, too. That proves I was never beneath her!โ
She really could not go a minute without comparing herself to Tiana. Always bitter, always jealous.
Andrew muttered something under his breath, then said aloud, โI came here to pay you a proper visit, Victoria. Now that Iโve done that, I should get going.โ
Victoria quickly said, โNo rush. Stay a little longer with me!โ
When she saw how guarded he looked, she blushed with anger and snapped, โYou brat, donโt get the wrong idea! You seriously think Iโd stoop so low and mess around with you? Your dad is Reginald! Iโm not about to become some old cougar chasing after his son!โ
Andrew figured that if he did not sweet-talk her a little now, he would fail as a self-proclaimed charmer.
He grinned and replied, โVictoria, youโre not old at all. Youโre in your prime. Your skinโs so smooth it puts teenage girls to shame!โ