Chapter 151

Victoria's POV

I approached my mother's bedroom. Even before entering, I could hear her muttering angrily to herself. I knocked once and pushed the door open.

"Mom?" I called. "You okay?"

Elizabeth sat at her vanity, violently brushing her hair. Her perfectly made-up face was twisted with rage. "What's wrong with you?" I asked, closing the door behind me.

She whirled around, slamming the brush down. "That woman! That Summer Taylor!"

I rolled my eyes, settling onto her bed. "Let me guess—she wouldn't play nice with Michael Sullivan?"

"Michael Sullivan is way out of her league anyway," I said, kicking off my heels. "She should be grateful anyone would look twice at her."

"Exactly!" Mom threw her hands up. "But you know what's worse? That Sullivan boy completely disrespected me too! I subtly brought up marriage prospects, and he practically laughed in my face!"

My eyebrows shot up. "Wait, what?"

"His mother Daisy still treats me with respect. But her son? Not an ounce of manners!"

I frowned, remembering Alexander's behavior earlier. "Mom, Alexander was totally distracted today when he heard Summer was meeting Michael. He was supposed to pick me up at three, but didn't show until after six!" My voice rose. "He was literally stalking them outside the restaurant!"

Mom froze. "Are you serious?"

"Dead serious. He's still obsessed with her."

"This cannot continue," Mom declared, her face hardening. "We need to get her married off immediately. Sullivan or not, I'll find someone else. As long as Summer remains single, neither of us will have any peace!"

I leaned forward, lowering my voice. "Mom, I might have a better idea. Remember Charles Windsor? I don't care what it takes. As long as Summer's available, Alexander will never fully be mine. I can't let her destroy what I've worked so hard for!"

Mom patted my hand, her eyes cold. "Don't worry, darling. I wouldn't let her ruin your happiness. Leave it to me. Just make sure you stay on his parents' good side. If they approve of you, Alexander won't dare leave."

"I know, Mom," I assured her. "I've got this under control."

The drive home was painfully silent. I knew exactly where Alexander had been earlier—stalking Summer outside Le Bernardin. The thought made me want to scream, but Mom was right. Fighting wouldn't help now. I had to be the wife he couldn't walk away from.

"You're quiet tonight," Alexander finally said, his eyes fixed on the road. "Something wrong?"

"Not really. Just something Mom said. She’s worried you’ll get tired of me. She thinks I focus too much on acting and not enough on being your wife. She suggested I quit and... start thinking about having children."

Alexander's expression softened with guilt—exactly as I'd planned. "That's your decision, Victoria. Have I done something to make you feel insecure? If so, I'm sorry."

"I know you love me," I said, reaching for his hand and interlacing our fingers. "I know you chose me. I understand I hurt Summer in the past. That's why Mom and I keep thinking about ways to settle her future, so everyone can move on."

Alexander hesitated, clearly battling his lingering feelings for Summer versus his obligation to me.

"Victoria," he finally said, "I promise I won't do anything you don't want. If you want children now, we'll have them. If you want to wait, we'll wait. And I won't ever leave you. Never."

"Thank you, Alexander," I whispered, satisfaction blooming inside me. "You're so good to me."

I shifted in the passenger seat, leaning across the console. I let my hand slide up his leg, my fingers resting high on his thigh. I felt him tense, his grip on the steering wheel tightening as the atmosphere in the car shifted instantly. The air grew thick with a sudden, heavy heat.

"Victoria," he muttered, his voice dropping into a low, strained register. "I'm driving."

"Then keep driving," I whispered into his ear, my lips brushing his skin. I didn't stop my hand; I let my touch become more insistent, more possessive. I wanted him to feel the power I held over him, a physical reminder that Summer was a ghost, and I was the reality.

I leaned down slightly, the scent of my perfume filling the small space, my touch slow and deliberate. Alexander let out a ragged breath, his foot pressing harder on the gas as the car sped through the dark streets. He was caught in the web I was spinning, his focus wavering between the road and the electric current running between us.

"See?" I said softly, looking up at him with a triumphant smile as I felt his pulse racing beneath my palm. "You don't need anyone else. You belong right here, with me."

He didn't answer, but the way he pulled the car over a few blocks from our house spoke louder than words. In the shadows of the parked car, I made sure he forgot every other name but mine.