Chapter 43
When Victoria saw that none of her job applications had received a response, she knew Lem was deliberately Hocking her opportunities. Left with no other choice, she shifted her focus to part–time jobs and scheduled a one–en one dance teaching intreview for that alteroom:
Even though she had been a full–time housewife for the past few years, she hadnevet abandeed her lifelong passions–dance and painting
she arrived at the agreed upon location, a well–known affluent neighborhood in Jonsidge where families hired private tutors for their children. Given that, she wasn’t worried that Le would be the person who scheduled the interview
Howevri, while it wasn’t Leon who had arcanged the meeting, in might as well have been.
Led inside by a mail, Victoria stepped into the grand villa, But when she saw the man in the garden, playing with a four or five–year–old child, her mind went blank momentarily.
Why was become here?
“You’re here. Come inside.” Jesome preted her warmly. His strikingly handsome face was adorned with a gentle smile
Her nerves tightened as she nodded stiff
He handed the child off to a maid before walking toward ber. Dressed in a light gray suit, he wore silver–framed glasses and exuded an air of refined elegance
The gentler he appeared on the surface, the more ruthless he was underneath.
“Have a seat.” Jerome gestured toward the couch. Once she sat down, he asked. “Would you like something to drink? How about fresh juice? I remember you used to like freshly squeezed Juice at home”
Vietaria sat rigidly. “Anything is fine.”
He immediately ordered the maid to prepare it
For a brief mament, the room fell into silence.
She held her breath, deciding to break the tension herself. “Is it your child who needs a dance teacher?”
“No, the child belongs to Marvin, Jerome replied smoothly. His voice was warm and patient. “He had to leave on short notice and asked me to screen the dance teachers for him.”
That made sense. He wasn’t even married–where would he get a child from?
Jerome’s gaze dropped to her hands, which were nervously twisting in her lap. Amusement flickered in his eyes. “You seem tense,
Victoria forced an awkward smile
It wasn’t tension. It was pure fear.
“With your professional skills, there’s no problem at all for you to be this child’s dance teacher. I’ll talk to Marvin about it later.” Jerome spoke in a gentle, soothing tone. He sounded exceptionally kind. “There’s no need to worry”
Her heart, which had been pounding wildly, finally settled a little. “Thank you, Jerome.”
“I’ve heard abour you and Leon.” He suddenly brought the subject up. “This time, he really went too far. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to ask”
“Alright. Thank you.” Victoria remained passive. She responded only when necessary.
Jerome reached into his pocket and pulled out a bank card, extending it toward her with his slender lingers. “Take this. There’s not much in it, but it should help ease your current
“No, thank you.” Victoria refused without hesitation.
Al most, taking Leon’s money would earn her his humdiation, but accepting anything from Jerome had unpredictable consequences
She couldn’t afford to gamble and certainly couldn’t take the risk.
