CHAPTER 55: CHAPTER 55: VICTORIA, I HOPE MY REDEMPTION ISN’T TOO LATE

Victoria Monroe spent half the day packing clothes, and when she looked up, she saw their wedding photo.

Actually, this photo was photoshopped very well, with no trace of any adjustments.

In the picture, she was smiling sweetly, and Julian Fordham was gazing at her indulgently.

They were once such a loving couple.

The thought that this photo was as fake as her marriage made Victoria feel utterly sick.

Her lover had treated her like a plaything in the end!

The people in the photo seemed to be laughing at her; Victoria shattered the wedding photo.

The frame toppled with a crash, and among the flying shards, a small object rolled to her feet.

What is this?

Victoria bent down to pick it up, and when she realized what it was, she flew into a rage.

She never knew that Julian Fordham could be so deranged!

He had installed a camera in their bedroom!

"Ugh!"

Victoria felt nauseated, retching uncomfortably.

Even though they had long been open with each other countless times, this feeling of being watched was hard to accept.

What kind of marriage was this? It was clearly a prison!

She wasn’t Julian’s wife but his captive.

It explained why he never took her to public events.

Have you ever seen a warden take a prisoner down the red carpet?

It was too much!

This camera was hidden at the head of the bed, recording every intimate moment they had.

Victoria felt a chill down her spine; what exactly did Julian want?

She hurried downstairs, and although Assistant Woods didn’t know the specifics, she sensed something was off at home these past two days.

"Madam, I made some chicken soup. You look like you’ve lost weight. While it’s good to look slim on camera, you’re already perfect. You should nourish yourself."

Victoria waved her hand, "I’m not really hungry right now."

Victoria took out her phone. As a former celebrity, she was most sensitive to cameras.

She opened a professional app and quickly detected all the cameras.

Victoria leaned back on the sofa, her fatigue both physical and mental.

He had once been her ideal man.

Gentlemanly, considerate, family-oriented, faithful -- all these labels were crumbling away bit by bit.

She thought she was the person who knew him best, having met him when they were eight.

Now it seemed her understanding of Julian was no deeper than her surface knowledge of Cryos.

The dark side hidden beneath the surface was her blind spot.

Assistant Woods approached cautiously, "Madam, are you alright? You’ve been acting a bit strange these days."

Victoria covered her eyes, not wanting Assistant Woods to see the tears in them.

"I’m fine, just a bit tired. You can go home now, Assistant Woods."

"Madam, I’ve been with you for nearly three years. Don’t you trust me? Though I was hired by President Fordham, no matter what happens between you two, I’m on your side."

In a hoarse voice, Victoria said, "Thank you, Assistant Woods. I remember you said you had a relative who deals in second-hand properties. Could you please help me find an apartment to rent? It doesn’t need to be big, just comfortable for one person, and it’s fine if the rent is high. I need something paparazzi can’t easily find if I return to the public eye."

"Leave it to me. When do you want to move in?"

"As soon as possible."

"Alright, I’ll get on it. Just wait a moment."

With that, Assistant Woods brought her a bowl of chicken soup, "It’s been a while, you can drink it now."

Originally, Victoria planned to move to one of the other luxury apartments she and Julian owned.

Now, seeing the presence of these cameras, she wasn’t sure if he had any more tricks up his sleeve.

Victoria had to change her plan for the time being.

After drinking the chicken soup, she grabbed a baseball bat and smashed all the cameras in the room to pieces.

Assistant Woods rushed back, "Madam, you’re lucky. There’s a newly renovated apartment available that was meant to be a wedding gift for the owner’s son back in the country."

"What about her son?"

Assistant Woods looked a bit awkward, "He’s... busy overseas doing his own thing and refuses to come back."

Victoria: "...Sorry, it’s just an unfortunate story. Just curious, is her son the husband or the wife’s role?"

Assistant Woods’s mouth twitched, "Whatever he is, when he returns, his mother will surely break his legs! Anyway, madam, this place hasn’t been lived in yet. The location’s great. Here’s a picture of the interior, see if you like it."

Victoria opened it and, even without any filters, she could tell the quality of the home was superb and tastefully decorated—it was perfect.

"This will do! How soon can I move in?"

"The friend of my relative owns it, so don’t worry. You can move in today and sign the contract later."

Victoria contacted a moving company.

Her cat October meowed by her feet, and she petted its head, "Sweetie, don’t worry, I’ll come get you soon."

Recently her health had been poor, and being pregnant, she couldn’t take care of the kitten.

Once she had fully recuperated, she’d bring October with her.

Victoria walked up to the last unbroken camera. She knew Julian would be watching her.

She looked coldly into the camera, "Julian Fordham, goodbye."

"Bang!"

With one swing, she smashed the last surveillance camera and drove away.

Hawthorne Family residence.

Rhys Hawthorne sat cross-legged in the tea room, clutching his prayer beads, eyes closed. Amidst the curling sandalwood smoke, he seemed like a deity seated high on a lotus pedestal.

Assistant Woods pushed through the door and spoke up, "We found out that Ms. Monroe wants to rent a new apartment at the Azure Lake Estates."

The man’s eyes snapped open, not a shred of calm remaining.

"Is it the Morrison Family’s property?"

"Yes, it is."

"Tell Kane Morrison, I want that building."

"But there’s already someone living there."

Rhys Hawthorne’s gaze was icy, "Do I need to teach you how to do your job?"

Assistant Woods felt a shiver down his spine, "I wouldn’t dare. I’ll take care of it right away."

Victoria Monroe discovered all the surveillance cameras, leaving Julian Fordham frowning. He held a cigarette in his right hand, feeling exhausted amidst the swirling white smoke.

He had installed the cameras, that was true, but it wasn’t originally to surveil her.

Back then, after she had just retired, the house didn’t have a housekeeper. She was extremely weak from treatment and he was on business trips abroad.

Victoria thought cold medicine would be enough and didn’t want to disturb his work, but that night her fever reached forty degrees.

The high fever and the residual effects of an old ailment from acting made Julian fear a repeat incident, so he installed the cameras.

Even when he was away, he could keep an eye on her situation, and eventually, these cameras became his sole comfort on long trips.

But now, Victoria could only see him as a pervert.

When Corbin Prescott walked in, he massaged his temples with his fingers, his voice weary, "Where is she?"

"Azure Lake Estates, developed by the Morrison Family."

"Get in touch with the Morrisons; I want the entire complex!"

Julian Fordham stubbed out his cigarette, "Also, since she wants to return to the entertainment industry, cancel what I said before."

"Understood."

Victoria, I hope my attempts at making amends won’t come too late.