Ryan’s reaction caught me off guard. That thought flashed through Victoria’s mind.

“How did you know it was him?” Victoria asked, puzzled.

“Who else could it be?” Ryan’s expression turned a little stormy. “The Fox? That sounds way too flirty if you ask me.”

Victoria shot him a look and strode out of the living room. Outside, the stars were scattered across the sky, the moonlight spilling over the yard, and a cold, lonely feeling hung in the air.

She pressed her phone to her ear, and Edward’s voice came through, tired and raspy. “Can I ask why you were getting an IV drip at a hospital in Braylin at three in the morning?”

Victoria was scrambling for an excuse when Edward laid it all bare, making her freeze on the spot.

“Weren’t you supposed to be on a business trip in Gordezin? Why are you in Braylin, and why are you in Ryan’s arms? Victoria, can you explain this to me?” Edward’s voice suddenly roared with rage. It felt like she hadn’t just cheated on him, but stabbed him straight in the heart.

Victoria opened her mouth, but it was like her throat was stuffed with cotton—she couldn’t get a word out.

Just then, a big hand snatched the phone away. Ryan answered the call right there beside her.

“Uncle Ryan, you really shouldn’t blame her for this. Grandpa made her come—she didn’t have a choice,” Ryan said coldly.

Victoria turned, quickly grabbed the phone back, and put some distance between herself and Ryan to continue the call.

Edward’s fury seemed to have burned out, but his tone was icy as he pressed on, “If you didn’t ask for it, why would your grandpa drag her to Braylin? Ryan, you claim you love her, but you treat her like something to be fought over. Have you ever truly respected her?”

Those words were aimed at Ryan, but they hit Victoria right in the heart.

Victoria felt like someone had punched her in the chest, her voice shaking. “Edward, I’m sorry. I really didn’t have a choice. I knew I shouldn’t have come, but I still kept it from you.” The guilt was suffocating.

“Victoria, why didn’t you just tell me? I would’ve gone with you.” Edward’s voice was thick with pain. “You promised we’d face things together, but every time something happens, you just keep it all to yourself and never talk to me.”

Victoria was stunned into silence by his words. ‘He’s right… I can’t even live up to my own promises,’ she thought bitterly.

“Was it really my father who made you go? Then why were you in his arms? Do you have any idea how much that scene hurt me? I thought you’d betrayed me.” Edward’s voice was getting louder—he was really losing it.

Edward coming to Braylin made me realize just how small and powerless I am. There’s so much more to life than just love. Edward, I’m sorry. Let’s just call it quits between us.” Victoria’s head throbbed, her mind and heart being pulled in opposite directions. It felt like no matter what she chose, it would be wrong—so maybe it was better to just stop choosing altogether.

Edward was stunned into silence for a long time. All Victoria could hear was his breathing, growing heavier and heavier.

‘I know breaking up with him in the middle of the night is unbelievably cruel,’ Victoria thought, her heart aching.

‘But I have no other choice. I have to cut all ties with the Jennings family,’ she told herself.

“I’m heading to Braylin,” Edward finally said, his voice unwavering.

“Even if you come, it won’t change anything. My mind’s made up.” Victoria gave a cold, bitter smile. “Edward, I talked to Mariah. She didn’t force us to break up, but she hopes I’ll do what’s best.”

“What do you mean by the right choice?” Edward must’ve figured out what she meant, because his voice sounded even more tortured. “Does it really have to end like this? Can’t we at least say goodbye, just once?”

Those words flipped a switch inside Victoria, and she collapsed to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably as tears streamed down her face.

She fought to steady herself, trying to claw her way out of the whirlpool of pain.