Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 40 She never blamed you

Victoria’s POV:

"Victoria, aren’t you going in?" Grace asked, her voice gently laced with concern.

I considered it, then shook my head. "Not now. If the professor sees me like this, she might be even more disappointed."

My wolf Nora whimpered within me. She felt my shame as deeply as I did. I watched my former mentor’s research laboratory from a distance, memories of past achievements flooding back. Finally, Grace and I left together, my heart heavy with regret.

Back home, I immediately threw myself into the research reports my former classmate Matthew had sent me. This became my routine for the next few days—working at Lancaster Industries during the day, then researching deep into the night.

After several sleepless nights, I finally had a breakthrough. I developed a crucial culture medium that significantly reduced functional loss, solving many of the problems plaguing the project. The satisfaction I felt was bittersweet—this should have been work I completed alongside my mentor.

I arranged to meet Matthew at a quiet café to give him my findings.

"Matt, this might help the professor’s research," I said, sliding a folder across the table. "Could you give it to her without mentioning it came from me?"

"Why?" He frowned with concern. "Victoria, why don’t you go see her? She misses you."

My mood sank. "I let her down. After everything she did for me, I disappointed her."

"She never blamed you," Matthew insisted, his voice gentle but firm. "She understands that people make different choices in life. She just feels it’s a shame to lose your talent. Don’t be so hard on yourself."

I nodded, but the guilt still lodged in my chest. My wolf nudged me internally, trying to comfort me, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had betrayed my mentor’s trust in me.

"Those dark circles under your eyes—you’ve been staying up all night again, haven’t you?" Matthew asked, studying my face with brotherly concern.

"No, of course not," I lied, forcing a smile. "I’ve been sleeping fine."

"Please tell her to take care of herself," I said softly. "If possible... don’t mention that you saw me."

Matthew sighed but agreed. "Alright."

"By the way," he added, "I saw some news about you online recently. Mom saw it too and was cursing that guy out. Are you really okay?"

I straightened my shoulders, Nora snarling at the mention of Ethan. "I’m fine. He’s just another worthless liar. I’ve kicked him to the curb."

Matthew smiled with relief. "Good to hear. Remember, if you need anything, my shoulder is always here for you to lean on."

"Thank you," I said, genuinely touched.

He started piling food onto my plate. "Eat more. You used to love this dish. Remember how you always came for dinner? Mom treated you better than me—I was actually jealous. You’re too thin now. Haven’t you been eating properly?"

We continued talking while eating.

After finishing dinner, I went straight home. After several consecutive all-nighters, I desperately needed rest. I collapsed into bed and fell into a deep sleep, Nora finally relaxing along with me.

The next morning, I returned to Lancaster Industries as usual. Kane briefed me on the day’s schedule—international meetings in the morning and afternoon, followed by dinner with ME Group to discuss potential cooperation.

That meant dinner with Damian. I hadn’t seen him for several days, and what happened between us last time was starting to fade from my memory. Actually, I hadn’t thought about him at all these past few days!

Now it involved work. It seemed we had no choice but to meet.

But unexpectedly, Grandfather called me at noon.

"Are you free tonight?" his warm voice came through the phone.

"What’s the matter, Grandfather?"

"Well, I miss you," he replied. "You haven’t come home for dinner in a long time. How about tonight?"

Thinking of my dinner meeting, I hesitated. "Tonight might be difficult. How about tomorrow night?"

There was a pause before Grandfather continued in an exaggerated tone of loneliness. "What could be more important than your grandfather? Here I am, a lonely, miserable old man who just wants his granddaughter’s company for one meal. I’m so pitiful!"

Hearing him like that made my heart clench. He was right—he was getting older, and I hadn’t visited him in a while. Nora whimpered, missing our family pack.

"My Victoria doesn’t love me anymore," he continued dramatically. "My precious granddaughter..."

I considered it. Would rescheduling with Damian be so terrible? Our relationship was complicated enough already. I could apologize to him personally next time.

"Alright, Grandfather. I’ll come home for dinner tonight," I finally agreed, unable to resist his guilt trip.

Since I had promised Grandfather, I would have to disappoint Damian. I sighed and picked up my phone to send a cancellation message, hoping this wouldn’t damage our business relationship too much.

Damian’s POV:

I was reviewing quarterly reports when Katherine Watson called.

"Alpha, I saw something... concerning while meeting with a client at the Seaside Restaurant."

My wolf Arthur perked his ears at her tone.

She continued: "I thought you should know."

I nodded and had her send over the photos.

The image on my computer screen made Arthur growl low in my chest. Victoria—my Victoria—was smiling at some man across the dinner table. He was leaning forward, serving her food with a familiarity that made my jaw clench. The intimacy of the gesture was undeniable, and the smile on Victoria’s face—bright, genuine—sparked a primal, possessive sting in my blood.

Despite the turmoil inside, I kept my expression neutral. "What made you feel it necessary to document this?"

"I wasn’t sure if I should approach them," Katherine said, her voice softened with uncertainty. "Since you and Miss Lancaster have been dating recently. I mean, I thought you should know she’s dining privately with another male."

"If you were meeting with a client, I suggest you focus on that. What Victoria does is not your concern."

"But Alpha, she’s privately meeting another man. After everything between you two—"

"That’s enough, Katherine," I said.

After hanging up, I studied the image on my computer again. Victoria looked radiant—more relaxed than she’d been around me lately. My wolf paced restlessly. Who was this man? What rights did he think he had with her? Was he more handsome than me?

I pressed the intercom button on my desk. "Jeff, come in."

Moments later, Jeff Parker entered my office with his usual efficiency. "Yes, Alpha?"

"The dinner meeting with Lancaster Enterprises—when is it scheduled?"

"Tomorrow evening, sir."

"Good." I leaned back in my chair, fingers drumming against the armrest. I was curious how Victoria would handle herself tomorrow, what kind of facade she would present. The little she-wolf’s performance was becoming tiresome, especially now that I knew the truth.

Just then, Jeff returned, knocking lightly on my door.

"Alpha, Lancaster Enterprises just called. They’re requesting to postpone tonight’s dinner meeting. Miss Lancaster apparently has an emergency and cannot make the appointment."

An emergency? Like dinner with this mysterious man?