Romance
The Inescapable Celibate Heir Chapter 114: End of Term
Samuel was about to argue, but seeing the reproachful look in Diana's eyes, he clammed up. He had no choice but to change the subject.
"We're talking about Victoria now. When I was her age, I had already traveled to the Arctic alone. She's with Ethan and Nick; she'll be fine."
Diana shot him a glare. "Your dad's got a point. By the time he was 28, you were already in elementary school. And now, you don't even have a girlfriend. How can we not be worried?"
David snorted. "If you don't find a wife before you're thirty, don't even think about coming back home."
Samuel didn't dare to speak further and looked to Victoria for help. He had only spoken up for her and now found himself in trouble.
Victoria met his gaze, and they both shared a helpless smile.
Suddenly, Victoria had an idea. She blinked and smiled. "How about letting Samuel come with us? Maybe he'll bring back a foreign daughter-in-law for you."
Samuel's eyes widened in disbelief as he turned to look at Victoria, as if to say, 'You're not helping me; you're throwing me under the bus!'
To his surprise, Diana nodded thoughtfully. "Victoria has a point. If Samuel goes with you, we'll feel more at ease."
Samuel snorted but didn't respond.
Seeing their attitudes soften, Victoria added, "Since you both have some free time, why don't you go together? You can enjoy some quality time as a couple."
Diana glanced at David. Though he was already fifty, he was well-maintained and had the charm of a mature man.
Diana blushed slightly and smiled. "Victoria, how dare you joke about your father and me? We're not young anymore; what quality time?"
David pulled her into his arms, gently stroking her hair. "I think Victoria is right. We've been so busy with work all these years. It's been a long time since we went out together. This is a good chance to strengthen our relationship."
Diana glared at him. "Your hair is almost white, and you're still so unserious." David laughed heartily.
With finals approaching, Nexus College had no activities.
Even Ella had stopped causing trouble and was seriously preparing for her exams. Failing would just be way too embarrassing.
Meanwhile, Sweet Haven Corner had finished renovating its expanded space, and Victoria planned to hire another server.
Mira, looking for a part-time job before heading home, asked Victoria, "Do you think I can do it?"
Victoria replied, "You want to work?" Mira nodded eagerly.
She had no plans for winter break and preferred working over staying idle at home. Plus, Sweet Haven Corner had a great environment.
After thinking it over, Victoria agreed. "Contact Charlotte after school. You can start after finals."
Mira cheered, "Victoria, you're the best!"
Hearing how easily Mira found a job, Lila and Natalia felt a bit jealous. They also wanted to stay in Sunhaven over the break.
They tentatively asked Ella if she knew of any job opportunities, but unfortunately, the Scott family's business was in Silvervale, so she couldn't help.
Lila then scoffed, "College students are on break. Do you think a dessert shop near campus will have any business? It might close before the New Year, and someone might not even get paid."
Mira, passing by, shot her a look. It was clear Lila was talking about her. Mira made a face and retorted, "Sweet Haven Corner is one of the top ten must-visit dessert places in Sunhaven. People come from all over, and students line up to get in."
She added, "I know you're jealous, but it won't help. I get good pay, meals, and free desserts."
Hearing this, many in the classroom felt envious.
Not everyone came from wealthy families; many, like Mira, had modest backgrounds and wanted to work over the break to earn some pocket money.
One girl boldly asked Victoria, "Are you still hiring?"
Victoria calmly declined.
On the last day of finals, Ella approached Victoria's desk with a sweet smile. "Victoria, are you going home for winter break? Mom and Dad miss you."
Victoria didn't even look at her. If Brian and Joan missed her, they wouldn't have gone six months without a call. Her number hadn't changed.
Ella's invitation was just a ploy to use Brian and Joan's favoritism against her.
Seeing Victoria ignore her, Ella continued, "Victoria, if you don't agree, are you planning to work? Come home with me. The family doesn't lack money. Just apologize to Mom and Dad, and they'll give you an allowance."
Victoria finally finished packing her books and looked at Ella coldly. "No."
Mira jumped in, "Ella, are you nuts? Victoria owns a dessert shop. She doesn't need your money. You should be ashamed of spending your parents' money while looking down on us for earning our own. It's shameless."
Ella was momentarily stunned. Having just finished their exam, her mind was a bit muddled, and she had indeed forgotten that Victoria had opened a dessert shop.
But she quickly recovered, smiling. "I was just being kind, worried Victoria might struggle outside."
Seeing Victoria ignore her, she returned to her seat, feeling wronged.
Lila and Natalia comforted her and asked about her holiday plans, knowing a rich girl like her would have an exciting break.
Ella nonchalantly replied, "Nothing special. My parents are taking me to Zantria. It's a shame Victoria won't join us; I wanted to buy her a gift."
Lila and Natalia gushed, "Zantria has so many luxury items. Your parents will surely buy you lots. Being rich is great!"
Ella waved it off. "It's just our usual spending. We're mainly going to relax and see the sights. Of course, I'll bring you all gifts."
"Ella, you're the best!" Lila and Natalia exaggerated their thanks, making sure the whole class heard.
Many looked at Ella enviously, satisfying her vanity. She turned to Jasmine. "Jasmine, what are your plans for the break?"