Chapter 346

Victoria shared the same concern, but the truth was, they'd started this entire debacle themselves.

Until now, she'd carefully maintained her poised demeanor around Alexander. If he discovered this incident, would he think she and her family had been bullying Isabella? That could permanently damage her carefully cultivated image in his eyes.

Eleanor understood Victoria's worries perfectly. No one knew better than her how crucial maintaining appearances was - the foundation for keeping a man's devotion forever.

Beatrice grasped it too. Alexander adored Victoria precisely because she represented something irreplaceable to him. With careful handling, this might not leave lasting scars. Still, it remained an unnecessary misstep.

She shot Genevieve a sharp look. "You're an adult now. You must learn to control your words and actions."

If mishandled, this incident could deal a devastating blow to both families.

"But I—" Genevieve began weakly.

Initially, she'd dismissed it as trivial. Now the situation had spiraled far beyond her expectations.

Her hands trembled visibly. It had been years since she'd received such a stern reprimand. Though humiliated, she had no choice but to accept responsibility.

"I understand. I'll be more careful with my behavior."

Beatrice fell silent, having said her piece. Diana disliked seeing Genevieve chastised, but facts were facts - her niece had ignited this entire mess.

If this jeopardized InnovaTech's autonomous vehicle ambitions, the financial repercussions would be catastrophic. Compared to those potential losses, Genevieve's bruised ego meant nothing. That's why Diana held her tongue despite her protective instincts.

The truth would surface eventually anyway. If YodaVision insisted on terminating their partnership, Alexander would inevitably learn of it. Only a matter of time.

Victoria knew this. Eleanor and Beatrice understood it too.

When their food arrived, no one touched their silverware. The cheerful atmosphere from earlier had evaporated completely.

Victoria's grip tightened around her phone. After a tense silence, she inhaled sharply and excused herself to make a call.

Alexander answered immediately. "Hello?"

"Alexander," she said, her voice strained. "There's been... an unpleasant situation."

She recounted everything, then added, "Isabella provoked us deliberately earlier. I lost my composure when Mother was insulted. That's how things escalated."

He waited until she finished before responding. "You've miscalculated. If they sue, they won't just demand contract termination and reputation damages. They'll pursue breach penalties too."

"Your actions jeopardized the entire collaboration. Termination would cost YodaVision significantly - and Nathaniel will make you pay for that."

Victoria froze. "Nathaniel didn't mention this during our call."

"He omitted it intentionally. Downplaying the consequences makes you think there's still room to maneuver. It's a tactic to catch you unprepared."

"He wants you to call back, groveling with apologies. He's gathering ammunition against you."

Alexander continued, "If I'm right, Nathaniel likely recorded your entire conversation."

Victoria's breath hitched. The realization struck like lightning. "You mean Isabella orchestrated this? She wanted me to give them recorded evidence?"

"Precisely."

Her lips pressed into a thin line. She'd underestimated Isabella's strategic thinking. Now she grasped the true gravity of her predicament.

After a weighted pause, she ventured, "I need your—"

"I can't promise a solution," Alexander interrupted bluntly. "YodaVision has government backing. My hands are tied regarding Nathaniel."

What about the Sinclairs then?

She considered voicing it but held back. Unless Alexander suggested it himself, she couldn't risk appearing vindictive. Still, she wondered if he'd contemplate that angle without prompting.

Their conversation continued briefly before ending.

When Victoria returned, Diana pounced immediately. "What did Alexander say?"

"He'll mediate, but can't guarantee Nathaniel will back down from termination."

Eleanor cared more about another matter entirely. "Did he comment on the incident itself?"

The autonomous vehicle project paled in importance compared to Alexander's feelings. What truly mattered was whether he still adored Victoria.

She didn't need to spell it out.

Warmth blossomed in Victoria's chest as she answered. "He comforted me and promised to help resolve it. Not a single reprimand."

Eleanor visibly relaxed. Beatrice and Diana exhaled in relief.

Genevieve's mood lifted instantly. "See? Alexander's devotion runs deep. He'd never scold you over something so trivial."

Naturally, Victoria basked in his unwavering affection. Yet today's events had cost her both dignity and financial security.

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"Let's set Alexander aside for now," she said coolly. "Genevieve, I won't tolerate a repeat of this. Understood?"

Victoria had never spoken with such icy finality before. Genevieve shrank back, goosebumps rising on her arms. "U-understood. I'll think twice before speaking."