Cold War between Mr. and Mrs Vaughn: He Regretted when Divorce-Chapter 148: Victoria Rescues Her Cousin

Victoria Sinclair stood behind the door, holding the thermal box, for a long while. It was only after hearing the footsteps outside depart that she let out a deep breath.

She looked down at the thermal box in her hands and slowly twisted the lid open.

The aroma of seafood and chicken wafted into her nose, mixed with a hint of glutinous rice flour scent, making her mouth water.

Ever since she became pregnant, she’s been particularly prone to cravings.

Looking at the tempting oysters, abalones, and chicken, along with bamboo shoots and cilantro inside, her appetite surged.

She returned to the dining table, put down the thermal box, took out a bowl and spoon, and served herself a bowl to eat.

Fresh, sweet, salty, and fragrant, it was soft and delicious.

Every bite felt so familiar and tasty.

She bit into the dumpling, looked down in silence, feeling inexplicably melancholic.

She’s had the salty dumplings Eugene Vaughn made for her many times, each time better than the last, retaining his distinct flavor as though it never changed.

She steadied her emotions, and after eating her fill, she placed the remaining dumplings in the fridge and, carrying her bag, went to work.

She always focused on work.

The whole day, she didn’t look at her phone.

In the evening, when work ended, Victoria Sinclair took out her phone and found several messages from Eugene Vaughn.

One message was at 1 PM.

"Victoria, I’m boarding the plane and will be offline for two hours."

Another was past 3 PM.

"I’ve landed. Heading to the hotel now."

The last one was sent ten minutes ago.

"Victoria, what are you up to? Off work yet? What’s for dinner?"

Victoria Sinclair held her phone, looking at the three messages, her emotions were complex.

She kept rejecting him, yet he’s like a persistent adhesive bandage she can’t shake off, constantly sticking to her.

Even after her intense refusals, Eugene Vaughn might disappear for a while, but soon he’d stick again.

Victoria Sinclair didn’t want to have lingering ties with him, nor give him hope, so she chose to ignore his messages, set down the phone, and tidy her desk.

"Victoria, could I bother you for a quick favor?" Professor Mo approached holding a file, looking rushed.

Victoria Sinclair stood up, "Professor, what’s going on?"

Professor Mo handed over the file, "Recently, we’ve been discussing collaboration with Apex Group. This pharmaceutical document needs to go to Principal Grant. My wife just called, saying my mother fell at home and is now in the hospital. I need to visit, could you take this document to Principal Grant?"

Victoria Sinclair quickly took it, "Sure, I’ll deliver it."

Professor Mo hurriedly instructed, "Principal Grant’s number is on top. Schedule a visit before heading over, I’m off now... Thanks..."

Before finishing his sentence, he was already rushing out.

Victoria Sinclair opened the document for a glance.

This was the research data for their new medicine, indeed very important.

No wonder Professor Mo wanted her to personally deliver it.

Victoria Sinclair packed her bags, grabbed the document, and walked out, dialing the provided number as she went.

The phone connected, a deep, resonant male voice came from the other side, "Hello, who’s this?"

"Hello, Principal Grant. I’m a pharmaceutical researcher from Morrigan University Research Institute. I’d like to schedule some time to deliver the pharmaceutical research materials to you. May I know if you have some free time..."

Before she finished speaking, the person interrupted, "Bring it over. I’m at The Serenity Club, room 101."

"Alright." Victoria Sinclair responded.

The person directly hung up.

Victoria Sinclair searched online for the address, only to find it was a high-end private club.

Hector Grant seemed quite the gentleman, surely his father wouldn’t be too different?

Without giving it much thought, she took a cab to The Serenity Club, informed the receptionist about her appointment with Principal Grant, and was let in.

The private club was opulently decorated, elegant and extravagant, the corridors gleamed like gold.

The attendant led her to room 101.

A large round table covered in a variety of exquisite dishes and fine wines. Six men sat, drinking slightly tipsy.

Victoria Sinclair had attended such occasions once before with Eugene Vaughn, but now alone it felt intimidating.

She scanned the room, unsure which one was Principal Grant.

Then, a middle-aged man, elegant and handsome in a white shirt, waved at her, "Are you from Morrigan University with the documents?"

Victoria Sinclair nodded, "Yes, are you Principal Grant?"

Frederick Grant, "Yes, bring them over."

Victoria Sinclair walked over and handed it to him.

Frederick Grant received the documents and started reviewing them seriously.

Meanwhile, several other men were eyeing Victoria Sinclair, their gazes examining her as if she were under scrutiny from individuals of high status.

One of the men jested, "I thought Morrigan University was full of old geezers. Didn’t expect such a young and pretty employee. How old are you, dear?"

Victoria Sinclair looked at the speaking man, nervously swallowing, feeling a wave of disgust.

Frederick Grant’s expression turned stern, pointing at the man sternly, "She’s a researcher, not one of those courtesans you usually call, show some respect."

The man’s demeanor suddenly became fearful and awkward, promptly apologizing, "Sorry, Principal Grant, that was inconsiderate."

He then addressed Victoria Sinclair, extremely respectfully, "Apologies, miss."

Victoria Sinclair wasn’t good at social niceties and chose not to respond to him, instead looking at Frederick Grant, "Principal Grant, if there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave."

Frederick Grant nodded and closed the document, then looked at Victoria Sinclair, "Did you have dinner yet?"

Victoria Sinclair was quite hungry, but didn’t want to be forced to stay and eat. She replied, "I have, Principal Grant."

Frederick Grant stood up, his gaze settling on her face, kindly and smiling warmly, "The signature pigeon here is a must-try, even if you’ve eaten. I’ll have the kitchen pack some for you to take home for a late-night snack with your parents."

Victoria Sinclair quickly declined, "Really, no need, Principal Grant."

Frederick Grant stepped past her, heading toward the door, "It’s fine, the pigeons are already roasted, you won’t wait long."

Victoria Sinclair hurriedly followed him, "Principal Grant, you’re really too kind, I..."

Frederick Grant wouldn’t let her refuse, instructing an attendant, "Pack three signature pigeons for this young lady, also some sweet-scented osmanthus cake and crystal buns."

"Principal Grant... really, you don’t have to go to such expense..." Victoria Sinclair was awkward and embarrassed, unsure how to refuse.

Frederick Grant’s enthusiasm made her slightly uncomfortable.

After all, he was the president of Apex Group, a top ten international company.

To be so warmly kind, it felt like he was a familiar elder.

After instructing the attendant, Frederick Grant turned back to ask Victoria Sinclair, "Do you like bamboo shoots?"

Victoria Sinclair couldn’t figure out how to refuse, so she nodded.

"The stewed bamboo shoots here are incredible." Frederick Grant’s smile grew brighter, calling to the attendant already walking away, "And pack some stewed bamboo shoots too."

Victoria Sinclair squeezed a polite smile, refusing again seemed excessive now.

"Thank you, Principal Grant." Victoria Sinclair was bewildered by the kindness of a stranger.

Across the table, a group of men whispered among themselves.

"Is she a relative of Principal Grant?"

"Doesn’t seem so, they look unfamiliar with each other."

"Maybe Principal Grant fancies this girl?"

"Principal Grant is famously devoted to his wife; she passed away over twenty years ago, but no woman has ever caught his eye since despite the beauties around him."

"He’s always been decisive at work and aloof in life. Never seen him smile at anyone before this, that smile could split his face to his eyes."

"Hard to believe he’s packing gourmet food for just a document courier girl."

"Principal Grant must be very fond of daughters?"

"He’s only got a son."

The men chuckled quietly, "Got it, maybe he’s thinking of her as a match for his son."

Fifteen minutes later.

Victoria Sinclair took the large food bags from the attendant, feeling quite apologetic.

She returned to the table, nodding respectfully in thanks, "Principal Grant, thank you for the food gifts, it was very generous of you."

Frederick Grant smiled kindly, "What’s your name?"

"Victoria Sinclair."

"Ah, Miss Sinclair! Just a little something, not extravagant at all. It’s late, I’ll have my driver take you home."

"No need, no need." Victoria Sinclair quickly declined, his excessive warmth made her feel pressured and uncomfortable, quickly retreating, "I’ll take the subway, it’s faster. I’ll be off, thank you, Principal Grant."

She expressed her thanks and farewells, then left the room.

Stepping out of the club, Victoria Sinclair stood at the entrance, under the bright neon lights, she raised the elegantly packaged bags and inspected them carefully.

She couldn’t help but smile.

How could there be such a warm and hospitable CEO?

It’s indeed the first time she’s encountered something like this.

No wonder Hector Grant turned out to be such a good man; his father is also a good person.

As Victoria Sinclair turned and took a step away, a man and a woman walked past her.

The woman was as drunk as a ragdoll, letting the man support her as they stood by the roadside waiting.

At this moment, a car stopped in front of the two.

The man supported the woman, almost dragging her, to the side of the car.

Victoria Sinclair watched curiously for a moment.

Just as the man opened the car door, the woman suddenly raised her hand, grabbing the car door, refusing to get into the car.

The man prying at the woman’s fingers.

The woman weakly shook her head, seemingly using all her strength to lift her head.

Her long hair fell across her face, and in the instant her cheek was revealed, Victoria Sinclair was startled.

It was Jenny Vaughn, Eugene Vaughn’s cousin.

"Wait a moment," Victoria Sinclair immediately stepped forward, calling out to the man, "Where are you taking her?"

At her voice, the man turned to Victoria Sinclair and snapped, "My friend is drunk, I’m taking her home. What’s it to you?"

Jenny Vaughn’s hazy gaze sought Victoria Sinclair, her eyes pleading, and her mouth moved, but she was too weak to speak.

Friend?

Victoria Sinclair held onto Jenny Vaughn’s arm, looking into her eyes, "Is he your friend?"

Jenny Vaughn couldn’t speak, tears welled in her eyes, and her mouth moved, but her voice was caught in her throat: "Help me."

All Victoria Sinclair could hear was her breath, no words.

In Jenny Vaughn’s eyes, Victoria Sinclair saw fear.

Jenny Vaughn had never liked her, even when she was her sister-in-law, she had often ridiculed and maliciously attacked her.

This man didn’t seem like a good person either.

She could have very well ignored it.

But she didn’t want any tragedy to befall any girl, even if they were adversaries.

Victoria Sinclair, holding all the food in one hand, gripped Jenny Vaughn’s arm tightly with the other, keeping her tone cool and her attitude assertive, "Her name is Jenny Vaughn. Her dad is the vice president of Vaughn Group, her husband is the captain of the armed police squad, and her two cousins are major corporation owners. Are you sure you’re her friend? Do you really dare to put her in the car? Want me to call her husband so you can experience the might of a police captain?"

The man swallowed nervously, his gaze flickered.

Victoria Sinclair immediately released Jenny Vaughn’s arm and pulled out her phone, "I’ll call right now."

The man panicked, pushing Jenny Vaughn towards her, and quickly got into the car to leave.

Victoria Sinclair hurriedly supported the limp Jenny Vaughn, staggering a few steps and nearly falling.

She used all her strength to stabilize Jenny Vaughn, checking the pockets of her dress, "Where’s your bag? Your phone?"

Jenny Vaughn didn’t have the strength to speak. She blinked, tears slowly falling, and though devoid of energy, her hand firmly clutched Victoria Sinclair’s clothes, as if holding onto a piece of driftwood in the ocean, afraid of drowning, unwilling to let go.

Besides Eugene Vaughn’s number, Victoria Sinclair didn’t have any other contacts from her family.

Eugene was out of state, and it wouldn’t be easy to disturb him.

Victoria Sinclair was almost unable to hold on when she spotted a passing taxi, quickly waving it down.

Half an hour later.

The vehicle stopped outside the gates of Splendor Estate.

Victoria Sinclair got out and pressed the doorbell. Auntie Rose opened the door and was quite surprised to see her, "Victoria? You’re here to see the matriarch, right? Come... come in..."

"No, Auntie Rose, I encountered Jenny Vaughn outside. She seems not to be doing well; she passed out in the car." Victoria Sinclair said nervously, "Please help her back home."

Auntie Rose hurried to the car, tugged a few times, but couldn’t move her, then rushed towards Splendor Estate.

While walking, she shouted, "Second Madam, Second Sir, Jenny’s fainted; come out quickly and have a look!"

Before long, a whole swarm of people came running out.

Harold Vaughn and Catherine Ingram, the second uncle and second aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Miller, and Ethan Vaughn were all there.

They were stunned to see Victoria Sinclair.

Seeing Jenny Vaughn unconscious in the car shocked them even more.

Ethan Vaughn hurriedly carried Jenny Vaughn inside.

The second aunt, like a shrew, tightly gripped Victoria Sinclair’s wrist and angrily yelled through gritted teeth, "What have you done to my daughter?"

Victoria Sinclair calmly explained, "I saw her at the entrance of the club being helped into a car by a man. I don’t know if she was drunk or drugged; I took her from the man and brought her home."

The second aunt, grinding her teeth, said, "My daughter is always well-behaved and is now married to Tiffany Rhodes. How could she possibly drink with a stranger? You gave her drugs to ruin her reputation, didn’t you? Victoria Sinclair, you’re so venomous. My daughter used to dislike you and target you; now you want revenge on her, is it?"

Victoria Sinclair shook off her hand, "Believe it or not."

Having said that, she intended to get in the car.

Aunt rushed over, grabbing her, "You can’t leave. Before my daughter wakes up, you can’t go anywhere. If anything happens to her, I won’t let you off."

Victoria Sinclair shook her hand, "Let go of me."

Aunt used brute force to pull her towards the estate.

She couldn’t break free and was afraid of using too much force, which might harm the baby in her womb.

At this moment, the driver behind shouted, "Hey, you haven’t paid yet."

Victoria Sinclair was furious, sternly saying, "Fine, I’m not leaving, okay? Let go, I’ll go back to pay the fare, my things are still in the car."

Aunt didn’t release her, with a savage look, went back to the car with her, scanned to pay, and took back her pigeon and pastries.

Victoria Sinclair was dragged into the villa living room.

Jenny Vaughn lay on the sofa, surrounded by worried people, with the family doctor examining her.

Grandma Vaughn came out of the room, seeing Jenny Vaughn lying on the sofa, she wasn’t too anxious. But when she saw Victoria Sinclair, she was moved to tears.

She stumbled quickly to Victoria Sinclair, her trembling hands tightly holding Victoria Sinclair’s.

Victoria Sinclair greeted warmly and politely, "Grandma, long time no see."

"Oh my god, it really is Victoria!" Grandma Vaughn wiped her tears, feeling wronged, "After you divorced my rascal grandson, you never visited again. It’s been over half a year. Do you know how much I miss you?"

Victoria Sinclair felt a pang in her heart, "I’m sorry, Grandma."

"Come, let’s sit and talk." Grandma Vaughn pulled her towards the living room, but it was too crowded, so they headed to the dining table instead, "Let’s sit here."

Victoria Sinclair put the food she was holding on the table, and her stomach growled.

Grandma Vaughn was surprised, "It’s so late, haven’t you had dinner yet?"

Victoria Sinclair smiled lightly, shaking her head.

Grandma Vaughn immediately stood up, wanting to turn around, "I’ll ask Auntie Rose to cook for you."

"No need to cook, Grandma, I have some food from The Serenity Club packed with me. Can I eat some here?" Victoria Sinclair couldn’t hold back, she could be hungry, but the baby couldn’t!

"Then you should eat quickly." Grandma Vaughn hurriedly opened the package, taking the food out piece by piece.

There was chaos in the living room, everyone was worried sick.

At the dining table, Victoria Sinclair and Grandma Vaughn were especially warm, eating crispy roasted pigeon and sipping delicious soup, chatting softly, with time seeming peaceful and still.

At this moment, Vivian Miller controlled her electric wheelchair, slowly approaching, interrupting Victoria Sinclair and Grandma Vaughn’s warm conversation.

"Miss Sinclair, I heard you brought Jenny back. I thank you on her behalf."

Victoria Sinclair looked at Vivian Miller.

She appeared like a dutiful elder sister, posing as the host, feigning gentleness and courtesy, gracefully poised.

Victoria Sinclair hadn’t had a chance to speak when Aunt rushed over angrily, pointing at Victoria Sinclair and demanding, "What did you give my daughter to drink? The doctor said her heartbeat is abnormal, and she just had incontinence."

Victoria Sinclair responded calmly, "Why don’t you take her to a major hospital? When she wakes up, you’ll naturally know what happened."

"Jenny, Jenny..." A man’s urgent voice came from the doorway.

Like a gust of wind, Tiffany Rhodes, with two doctors, rushed into the villa, breathlessly running to the living room sofa.

By now, there were more people and more noise.

Aunt was anxious about the situation over there, pointing fiercely at Victoria Sinclair, "Just you wait, when my daughter wakes up, you’ll get what’s coming to you." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Having said that, Aunt turned back to Jenny Vaughn, watching the doctor examine her.

Vivian Miller forced a smile, "Miss Sinclair, don’t blame Aunt, she’s just worried, her concern for her daughter clouded her judgment."

So fake!

Probably pretending for Grandma’s benefit.

Victoria Sinclair ignored Vivian Miller, picking up her chopsticks to continue eating.

Grandma Vaughn also ignored Vivian Miller, reaching for another piece of crystal pastry, "These pastries are so good, can Grandma have another one?"

Victoria Sinclair chuckled softly, "Of course, Grandma, have as much as you like."

Grandma Vaughn looked at her with indulgent eyes, softly sighing, "You must come see Grandma more often, if you don’t like coming here, Grandma will come to you."

Victoria Sinclair pursed her lips bitterly, nodding slightly with some helplessness, "Mm."

Left on the side, Vivian Miller, at this time, gripped the armrests of her wheelchair tightly, slightly trembling, her eyes almost bulging with fire, biting her back teeth, slowly turning the wheelchair, heading towards the living room.

At this moment, Aunt exclaimed excitedly, "She’s awake, Jenny’s awake..."

Victoria Sinclair and Grandma Vaughn both looked towards the living room.