The Inescapable Celibate Heir Chapter 85: Tacit Understanding

Samuel's voice was filled with concern. "Victoria, is the show over? When are you coming home?"

"It's over! I won first place! We're all out grabbing a late-night snack to celebrate," Victoria's voice was full of girlish pride, her tone rising.

"I knew you were the best! But who's there with you? Is Nick around? Make sure he brings you back early." 

Ever since reuniting with Victoria, Samuel had been worried about other men trying to woo her. 

After all, Victoria was young and beautiful, and surely had many admirers. Nick, however, was unreliable. 

Just then, the noise outside grew louder, filtering through the phone. Samuel, though he couldn't make out the details, asked anxiously, "Are there a lot of people? What's all the commotion? Victoria, don't get too close to strangers!"

Victoria laughed awkwardly, poking at the wallpaper, her eyes catching sight of Ethan standing quietly nearby. 

Suddenly, she remembered that Samuel seemed to trust Ethan a lot, so she said, "The club members are playing drinking games, but I'm not participating. I'm just eating with Ethan and a few others." 

She then ran over to Ethan, mouthing, "It's Samuel, help me out."

Ethan took the phone, his eyes narrowing slightly as he stared at her for a few seconds before speaking slowly, "Samuel, it's me. Yeah, we're just grabbing a bite. I'll make sure she gets home safe." 

As he spoke, he kept his eyes on Victoria, even reaching out to touch the ends of her hair. Victoria, mindful of Samuel on the other end, didn't say anything, just glared at him.

Samuel must have given some instructions, as Ethan suddenly chuckled softly. "Don't worry, Samuel, I'll make sure she doesn't drink."

Samuel nodded in satisfaction. Among these young people, he trusted Ethan the most. 

Ethan was steady, had healthy interests, and never did anything out of line. He was a man of few words but had great foresight, and they often had insightful conversations about international affairs.

Ethan handed the phone back to Victoria, and Samuel gave a few more reminders before hanging up. 

If his assistant saw the usually stern-faced Samuel doting on Victoria and gently urging her to come home early, repeating himself several times, they might think they were dreaming.

"Thanks," Victoria said, putting away her phone and heading outside.

Ethan followed her. "A little girl who can't drink, are you even of age?"

"Of course, I turned eighteen a while ago," Victoria replied offhandedly, then realized what he said and turned to look him up and down. "So you can joke around too. Why does Samuel only trust you? He never believes me."

"Because I never lie. Samuel cares about you. In their eyes, you'll always be a little girl who needs protection."

Victoria nodded thoughtfully. "I know."

Ethan couldn't help but gently pat Victoria on the head, asking softly, "You doing okay all these years? Anyone ever give you a hard time?" He was referring to the Scott family. 

He knew Victoria had only been found by the Hamilton family this year, and they had kept the news well-protected. Out of respect, he hadn't pried. He wanted to understand Victoria and hoped she would share her story with him.

Feeling the warmth and touch on her head, Victoria looked up into his deep, captivating eyes. 

She thought of her past life with the Scott family. Joan and Brian had once loved and spoiled her, but they had also hurt her deeply, though that was in a past life. Her brow furrowed slightly. "I wouldn't say it was all bad."

Ethan was about to comfort her when a blonde head suddenly appeared. It was Nick, his face flushed from drinking, holding a bottle of tequila. 

He slurred, "Ethan, come drink! Where'd you go?" He shook his head, trying to clear it, then saw Victoria and reached out to grab her. "Victoria, you're finally here! Come on, let's drink!"

Victoria, overwhelmed by the smell of alcohol, covered her nose and backed away, waving her hand in disgust.

Nick, sensing her disdain, moved closer, completely forgetting Samuel's instructions to take good care of Victoria and not get drunk.

"No drinking," Ethan said coldly. He occasionally drank but never got drunk.

Seeing Nick, clearly out of it and still trying to cling to Victoria, Ethan grabbed Nick's wrist holding the bottle, squeezing until his skin turned red and swollen.

Nick struggled to break free, whining, "Ethan, if you don't want to drink, fine, but why so rough?"

Eric and Roy came over with their drinks, seeing Nick's expression, and immediately kicked him twice.

Nick yelled and turned to wrestle with them, the three of them laughing and tussling.

Victoria shook her head, her earlier sadness about her past interrupted by Nick. She joined in the group's merriment.

Sophie came over with a glass of low-alcohol fruit wine, offering it to Victoria. "Blueberry flavor, want some?" 

Victoria nodded, taking a sip. It was indeed sweet and tangy, perfect for summer. 

Sophie leaned in, whispering, "Remember my friends causing you trouble at the last competition? I asked them, and they said a girl from your school, who looks pretty weak, badmouthed you. They didn't get her name. Do you know who it is?"

Victoria smiled, holding her glass. "I know."

Sophie tapped her glass, thinking. "Let me guess, it's not that Ella who got caught up in the prop damage incident but was proven innocent, right? And she cheated but wouldn't admit it."

Victoria's eyes widened, her smile growing. "Looks like we're totally on the same page."

Sophie grinned proudly. "Of course, I have great instincts. I knew from the start you'd be a good friend."

"Cheers!" They clinked their glasses heavily and took a big gulp. "Refreshing!"