Chapter 9

• Victoria looked at the schedule Logan had given her. To be honest, she was surprised by how busy he was. Although Logan was almost always in his office, his to-do list made it seem as if he controlled the entire world from his wheelchair.
• Ben, Logan's assistant, was often the guard who made sure no one came near his employer's work room. In fact, the rumor in the house was that anyone who dared to disturb Logan could expect to have things knocked out of his hands.
• “Have a seat, miss,” Ben said as he pulled out a chair for Victoria.
• “Thank you, Ben,” she replied softly. She shifted in her chair and looked at Logan's desk, which was cluttered with files.
• This room was located in the left wing, quite far from the main building. To get here, Victoria had to pass through a beautiful, well-maintained garden. However, the beauty could not diminish the tension that enveloped her every step towards Logan Ashford's office-a room that was forbidden to approach while its owner was inside.
• Logan sat behind the large desk with a cold demeanor. His ocean-blue eyes were serious as he read the document in his hand. There was no greeting or acknowledgment of Victoria's presence in the room. He seemed completely immersed in his work, ignoring anyone around him.
• Victoria took a deep breath, trying to brace herself. “Mr. Logan, I wanted to ask you about your health condition after the surgery,” she said carefully.
• Logan finally raised his gaze, looking at Victoria coldly. “What for, isn't everything you need to know already in my medical records?”
• “I know, but in order to provide the right therapy, I need to understand your condition in depth. I don't want to make a mistake that makes you worse.”
• The man let out a long sigh, seemingly reluctant to discuss this topic. “What do you want to know?” he asked in a flat tone.
• “Can you tell me what exactly happened after the accident?” asked Victoria quietly. “I feel like there are some things that aren't recorded.”
• Logan looked at her sharply. “You can hear all that from the gossip in this house, can't you?”
• Victoria shook her head, maintaining her composure. “I want to hear it directly from you. Nothing is more accurate than your own confession.”
• A few moments passed in silence before Logan began to speak. “My leg received serious treatment after the accident. However, there were post-operative complications. The previous therapist made a fatal mistake during rehabilitation, and it worsened the condition of my leg's nerves. The pain... is not only physical, but also mental. Now, here I am. Life depends on this wheelchair.”
• Victoria held her breath, feeling the sting behind the man's cold tone. “I can't imagine how hard that must be for you, Mr. Logan. But I believe we still have hope. I will do my best to help you.”
• Logan looked at him, this time with an unpredictable look in his eyes. “You're too optimistic,” he murmured, his voice sounding softer than before.
• Victoria smiled slightly. “Optimism is necessary. I'm used to dealing with unfavorable situations. But, you have a lot to be thankful for, sir. Why not try looking at it from that side?”
• Logan frowned, clearly disturbed by the words. “If you just want to talk nonsense like that, you better shut up. I have a lot of things to do.”
• Victoria quickly nodded, choosing not to prolong the discussion. She returned her focus to the medical records in her hands, while Logan continued his work.
• Occasionally, Logan's voice could be heard speaking over the phone. His tone was cold, sharp, and uncompromising.
• “Do you really have no idea what I want?!” Logan's voice suddenly rose, making Victoria reflexively glance in his direction. “I'm not paying you to deliver results like this! Fix it or I'll find a replacement for you!”
• Victoria turned her gaze back to the notes, trying to ignore the man's anger. However, it was hard not to feel like she was sitting next to a time bomb ready to explode at any moment.
• Victoria sat across from Logan, trying to get a read on the atmosphere before starting the conversation. The man was busy with his paperwork, not showing the slightest interest in her presence.
• “Um... Sir,” Victoria called, trying to break the silence. Logan glanced over, his gaze sharp as ever, but he said nothing. Victoria took that as a sign to continue. “Tomorrow I want to visit the library. I need to find more references on neural therapy and techniques that might help your condition.”
• Logan shrugged indifferently. “Do what you want.”
• Victoria expected that answer, but still felt a little relieved. “And tomorrow, I also want to visit Abigail at the hospital,” she added cautiously.
• Logan stopped what he was doing. His sharp eyes were now fully focused on Victoria. “You can't just go off on your own. I'll get a driver to take you.”
• Victoria sighed. “I can go by myself, sir. No need to bother.”
• Logan straightened, his tone firmer. “I don't want to argue about this. You're under contract to me, and I don't want you making trouble that could affect me.”
• “Do you suddenly care about me?” Victoria asked in a joking tone, trying to break the stifling atmosphere.
• “Of course not,” Logan replied quickly without hesitation.
• Victoria smiled slightly, stifling a small laugh. “Well, I'll leave then.” She stood, bowing politely before leaving the room. Logan didn't reply, refocusing on his paperwork.
• Outside, Ben stood with his usual alert demeanor. He bowed politely as Victoria walked past him. “Thank you for your visit. I'm glad Mr. Logan has someone to talk to.”
• Victoria paused for a moment, frowning. What did he mean by that? However, she decided not to ask and continued on her way.
• Just a few steps from Logan's office, Victoria's cell phone vibrated softly. An incoming message:
• [Grace: I'll be visiting tonight with James. Don't forget to prepare a good dinner."]
• “James?” muttered Victoria softly.
• ***
• As Victoria made her way to her room in the main building, she bumped into Rosa, the butler of the house. Rosa was carrying a fresh bouquet of red roses.
• “Beautiful flowers, Rosa,” Victoria complimented, touching the petals gently.
• Rosa smiled. “Do you like them?”
• “Yes, I love roses. Where will you put it?”
• “I think it would be better in the living room. What do you think, ma'am?”
• “That's a good idea,” Victoria replied with a nod. “And perhaps it would be better if there were fresh flowers like this in every corner of the house. It doesn't have to be roses, flowers from the garden beside the house will do.”
• Rosa looked doubtful, but finally smiled slightly. “You'd better talk to Mr. Logan first. He doesn't like any changes to the decor without his approval.”
• Victoria sighed. “You're right. Just do it as usual, Rosa.”
• However, before Rosa left, Victoria remembered something. “Oh yeah, who's James? Do you know him?”
• Rosa's eyes widened. “Mr. James?”
• “Yes. Aunt Grace sent a message, saying she was coming to have dinner with James.”
• Rosa looked hurried after hearing the name. “I have to prepare everything. It's important.”
• “Important?” Victoria gave her a puzzled look.
• “Yes, ma'am. There must be no mistakes.” Rosa handed the bouquet to Victoria. “Can you put these flowers in the living room? I have the vase ready.”
• Victoria could only accept the bouquet without protest. “Is the situation really that urgent?” she asked in surprise.
• Rosa nodded quickly before walking away, leaving Victoria with a big question mark in her head.
• Just as Victoria was about to put the flowers in the living room, Logan's heavy voice sounded from behind.
• “What are you doing there?” he asked sharply.
• Victoria gasped. “Bringing a bouquet of flowers,” she replied flatly, trying to ignore the surprise she always felt whenever Logan appeared suddenly.
• “Where's Rosa?” Logan asked, his eyes sweeping around.
• “She was here, but left in a hurry after I mentioned Aunt Grace was coming over for dinner with James,” Victoria replied without thinking.
• Logan's eyes narrowed. “James?”
• Victoria nodded, confused by the change in the man's expression. “But... who is James exactly?”