Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 160 Nonsense

Victoria’s POV

I’d been staying at Grace’s house for the past few days, flitting between work and her place, successfully avoiding both Damien and Patrick.

This routine suited me perfectly—no drama, just business.

My work at Lancaster Corp had been flourishing since I’d taken full control, and my career was on an impressive upward trajectory.

When the weekend arrived, William called, insisting I get some fresh air.

"You can’t stay cooped up indoors forever, Victoria," he said, his voice carrying that familiar concern. "I want to take a walk by the river, and I’d love your company."

My wolf, Nora, perked up at the mention of the outdoors, but I remained suspicious. The last time William had invited me out, he’d tried to set me up on a blind date.

"Will it just be us, Grandfather?" I asked cautiously, my fingers tightening around my phone.

"Just myself and Patrick Wagner," he replied casually. "If you don’t join us, it’ll just be the two of us old men taking a stroll."

My stomach knotted at the mention of Patrick’s name. "Grandfather," I sighed, running a hand through my golden hair. "Patrick is probably busy. You shouldn’t impose on him like this."

"Nonsense," William chuckled. "He’s not busy at all. So, little one, will you join us by the river?"

The memory of our last awkward encounter made my wolf whine anxiously. I stroked my neck where my mating mark would be if I had one, a nervous habit I’d developed since breaking up with Ethan.

"I’m sorry, Grandfather, but Grace and I already have plans," I replied, the lie rolling off my tongue easily. "Another time, perhaps."

"Very well," he conceded. "I’ll let Patrick know it’ll just be the two of us."

I could practically feel Patrick’s disappointment through the phone, though William said nothing about it. Was Patrick truly that eager to see me? The thought that he might be interested made my skin crawl. After everything with Ethan, the last thing I needed was another wolf trying to claim me—especially one who seemed determined to insert himself into my family.

After hanging up, I frowned at my reflection in the window. I needed to have a serious talk with Grandfather about boundaries and make it crystal clear that I had absolutely no interest in Patrick Wagner. The mere thought of him left me feeling drained, my wolf retreating into the recesses of my mind in protest.

The weekend was supposed to be relaxing, a quiet break with Grace at her place. But when my phone rang late Saturday morning, displaying Patrick’s name, my heart nearly stopped.

"Victoria," his voice was grave. "Your grandfather isn’t feeling well."

My wolf instantly went on high alert, hackles rising. "Text me the address," I demanded, already grabbing my car keys. "I’m on my way!"

The urgency in my voice must have been evident. As soon as the call ended, Patrick’s lips curved into a satisfied smile. He made another call: "Everything’s in place. Proceed as planned."

"Understood," came the curt reply from the other end.

I drove like a demon possessed, my wolf’s anxiety feeding into my own. When I arrived at the location Patrick had sent, I couldn’t immediately spot my grandfather. The smoky scent of autumn hung in the air as I frantically scanned the area, my phone already pressed to my ear as I tried reaching Patrick again.

Before he answered, I spotted him across the street, waving at me. Relief flooded through me—at least someone was here who could lead me to Grandfather.

I checked traffic carefully, waiting for the light to turn green before crossing. The pedestrian signal flashed, and I stepped onto the crosswalk. My wolf’s senses suddenly screamed danger—a vehicle was barreling toward me from my right, moving way too fast.

"Victoria! Look out!" Patrick’s desperate shout pierced the air.

Everything happened in slow motion. I froze, my wolf howling in panic as the car closed in. Then a solid mass slammed into me from the side—Patrick had lunged across the street, wrapping his body around mine protectively as we tumbled to safety. The car sped past, missing us by inches.

My heart hammered against my ribcage as I lay beneath him, his arms forming a protective cage around my body. The familiar scent of pine and amber that clung to him filled my nostrils, and for a moment, I felt disoriented.

When reality returned, I struggled to extricate myself from his embrace. "Patrick! Are you hurt? Say something!" My hands instinctively moved over his body, checking for injuries.

His face was contorted in pain, and fear gripped me. I hadn’t wanted him in my life, but I certainly didn’t want him injured—or worse—because of me.

"Patrick!" I called his name again, fumbling for my phone to call an ambulance.

What kind of idiot throws himself in front of a speeding car?

Patrick’s expression gradually softened, his eyes finding mine. "I’m fine, Victoria," he whispered, still not loosening his protective hold. "I’m okay."

Around us, concerned bystanders had gathered, someone already calling the police. I tried to move again, uncomfortable with our prolonged contact.

"You can let me go now," I said, pushing gently against his chest.

His arms remained locked around me, his eyes holding mine captive. "I... I can’t move yet," he murmured, his breath warm against my cheek.