Chapter 369
Alexander’s eyes narrowed as he stepped closer. “Senior Theodore, you misunderstand. It’s not that I don’t love Victoria. I was simply overwhelmed and didn’t know how to respond. But my mind is made up now. Victoria and I will be engaged in three days. I won’t fail her.” His voice was firm, carrying a polished gravity.
Victoria’s gaze flickered at his words. An engagement. Not a marriage.
That was his promise.
She was already one month pregnant, and all he offered was an engagement? Victoria knew Alexander too well. This was just a tactic to placate everyone in the room. Once the pressure eased, he would find a way to back out.
Alexander… Oh, Alexander!
“Do you take us for fools, Alexander?” Senior Theodore scoffed. “Victoria is pregnant, and you’re talking about an engagement? Do you want everyone to think she’s being forced into this?”
“Our Victoria isn’t some toy for you to play with and discard!” Eleanor insisted. “If you truly love her, the wedding must happen immediately!”
Alexander frowned. If he married Victoria, any chance with Isabella would vanish.
He needed to buy time. Calmly, he explained, “Of course. Precisely because I love Victoria, I want to plan every detail carefully. I intend to give her the most perfect wedding. Victoria, what do you think?”
His gentle eyes settled on her.
Victoria smiled bitterly. Love? What a convenient excuse!
Despite her resentment, she couldn’t expose him. She couldn’t let Alexander feel coerced. That would ruin her next move.
“Mother, Grandpa,” Victoria said weakly, “I’m exhausted. I don’t want to pressure Alexander. It’s fine if he doesn’t want to get engaged.”
“Don’t be ridiculous! Alexander said he would, and he will! I’ll handle everything and invite all of Westchester! It will be spectacular!” Margaret declared.
All of Westchester? That would be a massive event.
Alexander’s expression shifted. He had hoped for something low-key. Inviting the entire city…
Senior Theodore glared at him. “Your face says it all, Alexander. Do you want this engagement? With all of Westchester invited?”
His tone was heavy with authority.
Alexander knew better than to act impulsively. As for Isabella… He would find a way later.
“Yes,” Alexander replied.
Senior Theodore’s expression softened slightly. “Good. Make it grand!”
A faint smile touched Victoria’s lips. It wasn’t a marriage, but with all of Westchester watching, it might as well be. She would be announced as Alexander’s official fiancée!
“No! They can’t get engaged!” A sharp, clear voice cut through the room.
Everyone turned to see Isabella walking into the ward.
Victoria clenched her fists. Why was Isabella here? To ruin things again?!
Alexander’s eyes lit up. Isabella came… She actually came!
Did she finally have feelings for him? Enough to object to his engagement?
Worried that Isabella would stop the engagement, Eleanor quickly said, “Isabella, you’re just in time. Your sister is pregnant with Alexander’s child. They must get engaged and be together.”
What she really meant was: the engagement must proceed. Isabella should not interfere.
Benjamin glared at her and snapped, “I don’t care about your feelings for Alexander. Victoria is pregnant. They belong together. You need to accept that.”