Chapter 13 Your World Is Hell to Me

• Christian and Victoria were surrounded by heavy breathing, which could be heard from all directions. Anthony's expression changed as he looked at Christian in confusion. "What is this all about, Mr. Thatcher?"
• Christian slowly retracted his slender leg. Then, with a grin, he focused his attention on Victoria's frozen face. "You mention that there's nothing to play with, don't you, Mr. Brooke? Isn't there something to enjoy now?"
• In the middle of winter, the water in the swimming pool was so chilly that only those who fell in could experience it. However, no one dared to speak. They knew who Christian Thatcher was; he was the type of man who could flip the entire Bloomsway upside down with a single stomp. Christian was entirely different from these wealthy young men at the party as he was not just any other young man who relied on his family's wealth.
• Even though the Brooke Family was not any average family, Anthony did not dare to provoke Christian. He looked at Victoria in Christian's arms, then immediately realized and remarked, "Oh, so she belongs to you, Mr. Thatcher. We should have known better."
• Christian did not refute what he had said. He lowered his attention to the wine on the table, then lifted a glass casually. "According to what you said, everyone is just looking for a good time. You are free to play however you choose. As an apology for interfering with your fun, I will pay for everything tonight."
• "Oh, you don't have to do that for us, Mr. Thatcher."
• "It's your birthday, so of course, it's my treat. Have fun now, and I'll see you around soon." Then, he led Victoria away, unconcerned about Anthony's reaction. The crowd behind him were stunned as he turned and walked out.
• After they had both stepped off the balcony, the one who struggled in the water finally dared to shout, "Pull me up, damn it!"
• The party resumed rapidly, but Anthony could only stare at the empty bottles on the ground that Victoria had partially cleaned up. He had a glum expression on his face.
• Christian grabbed Victoria's shoulder and dragged her into the elevator. When the door shut, she was tossed away like trash. She subconsciously leaned against the elevator's wall as she was about to fall.
• He looked at her and made a snide remark, "If I hadn't come, what would you do next? Perform those dance moves in front of them? Hm?"
• "I…" In fact, Victoria had made her decision before Christian arrived, but he was on time to stop it. She briefly paused, lowered her head, and said, "If you don't show up, Mr. Thatcher, I'll have to comply with their request."
• He frowned and said curtly, "Perhaps that man was right all along. You really know how to flirt, don't you, Victoria? If I don't show up, do you plan on seducing a rich young man to come to your help? Hm?"
• "Yes." Victoria gripped her fingers together and trembled visibly. "But isn't that what you want to see, Mr. Thatcher? A convicted murderer who was rejected by her own family and shunned by her coworkers was trampled by all. Telling me to strip off my clothes is the least of insults. This is how I envision the rest of my days going forward. Who can I rely on to save me each time?"
• Her eyes were red as she spoke, but she did not cry. Christian recognized those eyes, but their charm was overshadowed by desolation.
• His chest prickled as he stared at her. It did not hurt, but it was not pleasant either. "What did you say?"
• Victoria hesitantly said, "Everyone thinks I ruined Bella but in reality... She was the one who ruined my life. You care about her, so you will do whatever it takes to make me pay for what I did to her. What about me? So, where are my rights? My entire life has been turned upside down because of her. If I didn't worry about you getting mad and taking it out on my family, I wouldn't want to wake up to the sun rising every morning because... your world is hell to me."
• Those were her most genuine thoughts.
• Suddenly, Christian recalled the day she was released from jail and the hollow expression on her face. Then, he asked, "What would you do if you hadn't met me that day?"
• She remained silent.
• The dim lights in the elevator gave the impression that Victoria could vanish at any moment as they shone on her body. Christian raised an eyebrow and grabbed her slim wrist. He growled, "Tell me!"
• Victoria struggled a little and felt discomfort from the unexpected movement, but she couldn't break free. Then, she made the decision to give up. "If I hadn't met you, I would've committed suicide! Are you happy now?"
• As Victoria was forced to reveal the secret concealed in her heart all this while, she felt as if all her energy had been drained from her. She slumped helplessly against the metal wall behind her. The tears she had suppressed poured like rain down her cheeks.