Chapter 561
Edward's request made my heart race.
Without thinking, I blurted out, “Sorry, that’s not convenient.”
Edward's eyes grew darker.
‘Guys like him probably never get turned down,’ | thought to myself.
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‘Still, | really don’t have any reason to invite him over to my place,’ | added silently.
“How about next time?” Edward pressed on, not ready to give up.
I shook my head. “Mr. Jennings, let's keep sdistance between us. It's better for both of us.”
Edward seemed to have seen this coming. He gave a relaxed smile. “Are you guarding yourself so closely
because Ryan isn’t married yet?”
“Even if he does get married, there still wouldn't be anything between us,” | replied, a heaviness settling in my
chest. ‘Honestly, now that things are over with Ryan, | can finally throw myself into work and really hone my
skills,” | thought.
Edward's face grew somber. “Alright, go on upstairs.”
“Thanks for bringingback. Goodbye,” | said politely, stepping into the elevator just as the doors opened.
| pressed the button, and before the doors closed, | looked up at Edward, unable to help myself.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
He was staring right at me, our eyes meeting for a split second before the elevator doors slid shut between us.
All the strength I'd managed to hold onto during the ride just vanished. | slumped against the elevator wall, my
mind spinning.
| hadn't told anyone about my breakup with Ryan. | just poured all my energy
into work.
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Chapter 561
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With the end of the year coming up, every company was getting ready to take toff for the holidays. I got the
holiday break notice from HQ too.
My brother's been on a roll at work lately-he scored two great projects and got a fat year-end bonus. He could
barely sit still with it, like it was burning a hole in his pocket. First thing he did was buya necklace, then
picked out gifts for our parents. That night, he was buzzing with excitement, saying he wanted to treatto
dinner and even toldto bring my boyfriend along.
| cby myself, and my brother looked absolutely smug, grinning from ear to ear. Sophia was practically glued
to his side, all soft and affectionate.
“Hey, sis...” Aiden jumped up as soon as he saw me. “Where's your boyfriend?”
| set my bag down and smiled. “He’s busy.”
Aiden knew Ryan's job kept him tied up most of the time, so he just laughed. “Next time, make sure you bring
him!”
Sophia gavea sly look. “Victoria, it’s almost the holidays and your boyfriend's still working? He's so
handsome-you better keep a close eye on him.”
Aiden shot her a look. “Show srespect.”
Sophia pouted, then, with a little huff, sashayed back to her seat.
“Victoria, go ahead and order whatever you want,” Aiden said, grinning from ear to
ear.
| nodded, grabbed the menu, and just picked a few simple dishes-nothing fancy or expensive.
Sophia glanced over the menu, looking a bit dissatisfied. “I’m bored of these home-style dishes. We eat them at
the office cafeteria every day, Aiden, | want this... wagyu beef, and sfoie gras too.”
“Alright, alright. | know you've been working hard lately, must be exhausted. If you want it, just order it,” Aiden
replied, spoiling her as usual. He'd always spent most of his money on her, and during college, he took her to
see all the best places around the country.
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Chapter 561
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Sophia immediately put on a shy little smile and bumped Aiden with her elbow. “Con, my sister's right here.
Stop it.”
Watching those two with all their youthful energy, | just sat there quietly, sipping
my tea.
Things were finally looking up for Aiden at work, and Sophia's attitude had improved a lot too.
“Victoria, | got you a present. It’s not much, but I really hope you like it,” Aiden said, handinga long box.
“What is it?” | asked, opening it with a bit of excitement. Inside was a gold
necklace.
Sophia immediately flashed the chunky gold bracelet on her wrist. “Victoria, Aiden gotone too. Isn't it
pretty?”
I glanced at it and nodded. “It looks great. Aiden, just remember not to blow all your money at once-try to save a
little, okay?”
Aiden gave a sheepish grin. “Don’t worry, Victoria. I'll work hard. It's not every day | get to earn money on my
own, so of course | want to spoil you and Mom and Dad first.”
“What about my parents?” Sophia's face suddenly fell, and she shot Aiden a sideways look.
Aiden instantly caved and pinched her cheek. “Of course | got them something too. And I'm paying for your
brother's entire high school tuition.”
Sophia's expression finally softened, but she let out a sigh. “My parents don’t have cushy or respectable jobs like
yours. They're out there working in the dirt, rain or shine. | really hate that | can’t do more for them. | feel like
such a bad daughter.”
Aiden’s heart went out to her. He wrapped his arm around her and said, “Don’t worry, Sophia. With what we're
capable of now, it's only a matter of tbefore your parents get to live the good life too.”
“Really?” Sophia's eyes instantly brightened, and she gently rested her head on Aiden’s shoulder. “That's
amazing. | knew | chose the right person.”