CHAPTER 111: TAKE YOU DOWN

Vicky arrived at the restaurant earlier than planned, only to find Sarah already seated, sipping tea.

"Sarah," Vicky greeted coolly, walking toward her table. "You’re early."

"I took shore leave for the rest of the day," Sarah replied with a faint smile. "You’re early too."

Vicky slid into the chair opposite her, placing her bag neatly beside her. "Everyone’s gone, and the only thing left for me to do is work. I thought I’d get a head start on my laptop while waiting for you... but since you’re already here, let’s get to it."

"Let’s order some food first. What do—"

"Oh, please, Sarah. Spare me the performance," Vicky cut in sharply, leaning back in her chair. "We both know you’re only this nice to me because of Nick. If I weren’t his sister, you would treat me just like how you treat every other woman who comes close to Nick... A threat."

She instantly bit her tongue, but the damage was done. ’Damn it. She’s really pissing me off.’

Sarah’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears, clearly taken aback by Vicky’s heat. "Vicky, no... you’re mistaken. You are my friend—"

"For fuck’s sake, Sarah, just say it!" Vicky slammed her palm lightly against the table, her voice slicing through the restaurant, catching other customers’ attention. "Stop wasting my time. I have a company to run. I’m here out of courtesy to your family, so don’t make me regret it."

Sarah’s composure crumbled, tears spilling over as her voice trembled. "Vicky... please, please help me with Nick. T-That woman is good for nothing. She’s the sister of David Lewis, the one whose death was blamed on your brother. Georgia is bad news. She’ll only bring misfortune and pain to Nick... and eventually to your family!"

Vicky rolled her eyes so hard it was a miracle they didn’t get stuck. "Oh, please. As if you’re any better," she said, voice dripping with sarcasm. "I only came here out of respect for our families and to tell you to leave my brother alone. He’s an adult, in case you’ve somehow missed that fact. He can do whatever he wants, and I won’t interfere... as long as it doesn’t harm him."

Her gaze sharpened, cutting like glass. "And Georgia? I like her. Because even this early, we can already see real positive changes in Nick... Changes he made on his own, not because someone pushed him into it. That’s what Georgia does, Sarah. She inspires him to be better."

Vicky leaned forward, her voice dropping into a cold, lethal whisper. "Unlike you, who dragged him into depression and addiction. So if you have nothing else to say except to convince me to help you manipulate my brother, then... goodbye. I won’t waste another second on this."

She grabbed her bag, stood up, and strode out without a backward glance, her heels clicking like gunfire on the floor.

Sarah’s shoulders shook, tears spilling down her cheeks until the moment Vicky pushed through the door. The instant she was out of sight, Sarah’s trembling stopped. Her hand rose, swiping away the tears like they were stage makeup.

Her lips curled into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. "You’ll regret this, bitch," she muttered under her breath. "I’ll take you down... You and that woman. I don’t care if you are Nick’s sister anymore. You are a danger to our relationship. I won’t let you ruin us, too."

"That was fast. You okay?" Oliver asked the moment Vicky slid into the passenger seat, her entire body still radiating annoyance like static electricity.

"Yeah. But I lost my temper." Her voice was sharp, each word biting. "I’m done with her. No more Ms. Nice Girl. Sarah’s a poison to Nick—just like Nancy was. I’m just glad he finally found someone who’s nothing like the women from his past... fucking leeches." Vicky’s hand smacked against her bag with a loud thump, making the leather groan in protest.

Oliver arched a brow but kept his tone light. "So... where should we eat? I’m guessing there was zero actual lunch in there."

Vicky sucked in a deep breath, then let it out in a slow, calming exhale. She repeated the process twice more, like she was trying not to commit a felony. "There’s a burger shop in front of my office. They’ve got the best milkshakes and sundaes. I need sugar... lots of it... to cool my head."

Oliver didn’t bother with a reply just pressed his foot to the accelerator, the car surging forward like it knew this was not a man to argue with a woman in full battle mode.

"You’re sure she’s clean, right?" Vicky asked suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence as they cruised halfway to their destination.

Oliver’s hands stayed steady on the wheel. "Yes. Just like you asked, I dug into her background. Everything she told Nick checks out. And the rest of her family history... well, we already know thanks to her brother."

"Good." Vicky’s voice softened, but there was steel beneath it. "Because if she’s scheming, it won’t just be Nick with a broken heart. It’ll be me too. I already like her... and I want her and Nick to work."

Oliver smirked faintly. "Honestly? Better pray Nick doesn’t mess it up. Knowing him... gods, I’ll put both him and Georgia in my prayers."

That earned him a small chuckle, the sound chasing away some of the sharp edges in her mood. She leaned back, gaze drifting out the window, a ghost of a smile playing on her lips.

"I’m glad I could make you smile," Oliver said, his tone softer now, almost careful.

Vicky didn’t turn to face him. "You always do," she murmured under her breath. But in the hushed cocoon of the car, every word reached him.

Oliver’s fingers tightened briefly on the steering wheel. ’I wish I could do it every day, Veronica... If only I could.’

His heart ache a bit as he steal a glance at Vicky. ’If only I could say what’s really in my heart. I would not hesitate to do it.’