After leaving the prison, Victoria received a work call from Felice. Once she hung up, she stood by the car and looked apologetically at Grady. "Brother, about lunch..."
"It's fine, you don't have to say it." Grady cut her off gently, a hint of resignation in his voice. "Get in. I'll drive you to the Design Institute."
Victoria slid into the passenger seat. Through the rearview mirror, she watched the prison gates grow smaller and smaller, and she bit her lip. Seeing her father had left her with a deep sense of unease, though she couldn't quite put her finger on why.
"What are you thinking about so intently?" Grady asked.
"I was thinking..." Victoria collected her thoughts, wanting to share her feelings with Grady. But then she decided her worries were too vague and would only cause him needless stress. She changed the subject. "How is The Sanger Group doing? I meant to call you, but I got sent on a last-minute business trip for the institute and it slipped my mind."
In truth, she had been bedridden for ten days with a bleeding stomach.
"It's mostly resolved," Grady said. He glanced at her, his tone shifting to one of concern. "Victoria, when you went to see Elias... did he give you a hard time?"
Victoria stiffened almost unnoticeably.
Grady's question brought back the events of that day with a sudden jolt.
She quickly regained her composure and denied it. "No, he didn't give me any trouble."
They stopped at a red light.
"Victoria, you've never been a good liar," Grady said, turning to look at her seriously. "Well, if he didn't give you a hard time, then tell me, where's your wedding ring?"
Victoria froze, her gaze falling to the ring finger of her left hand.
All that remained was a faint indentation, barely visible.
Seeing her silence, Grady didn't press further. He simply asked, "So, what are you planning to do?"
Victoria bit her lip. "Brother, I want to move out."
"Are you sure?"
Victoria nodded.
She had been hesitating until last night. But she couldn't give up the competition. She wouldn't.
So, even if it was just to compete without interference, she had to move out of The Imperial Crest Estates.

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