Chapter 25: The Dark Truth of Victor Voss!
Dante stood frozen, his breath caught in his throat as he spotted Julia on the red carpet, illuminated by the spotlight. For a moment, he blinked in disbelief, convinced he was dreaming.
Countless times he had wished to see her again, not to interfere with her life or marriage. All he wanted was to see her happy and thriving with his own eyes.
When he spotted her, it felt as if time stood still. He couldn't wrap his mind around it. It was like God had finally granted his daily prayers.
Tears threatened to spill as he took in her beauty. She looked breathtaking in that gown! It was simple yet radiated elegance. How could he not notice her when all the guests were captivated?
Julia's beauty struck him like a bolt. Five years had passed since they last met, yet she appeared unchanged. She still looked youthful and seemed even more radiant now.
There was something different about her, though he couldn't pinpoint it. Her aura felt renewed, but the feminine charm he adored remained. She had that same look that made him want to protect her.
Yet he knew that wasn't possible. Perhaps in a dream, yes. But this was reality. He became lost in her beauty until he felt a presence beside her—a man approached and wrapped his arm around her waist.
A surge of jealousy flooded him. He recognized this man as Julia's husband. But it was then that confusion set in when he realized who it was.
Victor Voss! The arrogant man he had encountered in the lobby. The owner of this very hotel!
Of course, Voss was his last name. During his restroom visit, he thought he caught a glimpse of Julia. It was because Victor was Julia's husband, the only woman he had ever loved!
The way he held his wife felt so wrong. Something about Victor ignited a fire in him. He was arrogant, convinced he could buy anything with his wealth. He acted like he was superior to everyone else, not wanting to face defeat.
He knew Victor aimed to belittle him earlier, to make him feel insignificant. But sorry, Victor; he wouldn't fall for those tricks.
This man seemed like he hadn't changed a bit. Since Julia first mentioned him, there was no sign of improvement. What kind of person would leave their spouse on their wedding day? His ability to lead a relationship raised serious doubts.
His gaze remained fixed on them until they settled into their reserved seats. There was no warmth in Victor's eyes for Julia; it was clear he only valued her for his own image.
And what about Julia? If she knew her husband was worthless, why did she choose to stay in this marriage?
Did Victor not realize he was the man with Julia that night? He should have recognized him in the lobby earlier. Was Julia hiding this from him? Or was she trying to pretend it never happened?
He couldn't fault her for that. He was a nightmare in Julia's life, after all.
He prided himself on being observant. As he watched Victor, he noticed Julia was simply playing a part. Victor's focus was elsewhere. He could see Julia's frown, hinting at some tension between them.
Then Victor scanned the crowd, his eyes searching for someone. He tracked Victor's gaze and saw a woman looking at him with longing eyes.
Their eyes locked, communicating silently, completely unnoticed by Julia.
Darkness clouded his vision. He didn't like the thoughts swirling in his mind. Yet, he sensed a connection between Victor and the woman in the red gown.
His suspicion deepened when he saw Victor grip Julia's wrist tightly. Julia's frown told him they were arguing about something serious.
He clenched his jaw in frustration. Even if Julia never revealed he was the man that night, he was sure Victor knew about the tragedy that affected his wife. Wasn't that why he mistreated her?
His fist tightened with determination. Julia didn't want what happened, so Victor had no right to treat her poorly. He had to expose Victor's secret connection with the woman in the red gown.
This was the way to rescue Julia from her narcissistic and abusive husband. From what he saw, she didn't have the strength to break free from her marriage.
His mind flashed back to the elderly man beside him. "I've noticed you watching the Voss couple closely. Who catches your eye—Victor or his mysterious wife?"
A frown crossed his face at that last comment. "Huh? Mysterious wife?"
"Yes. Everyone in the business world knows Victor has been married for years. Yet, he has never shown his wife publicly. It's only now, and that's why everyone is excited."
He was taken aback by the old man's words. "Huh? Victor just introduced his wife?"
"Yep. There were rumors that their marriage was just a convenience. Maybe Victor never loved her. But right now, he looks really in love. He has hidden Julia Voss because she is so beautiful; he's afraid other men will steal her," he chuckled softly.
His face grew serious. He wouldn't buy that story. A man in love wouldn't act so distant. Sure, he could trick others, but not him. His keen observations told him their relationship was far from good, especially with Victor's arrogant attitude.
The old man glanced at him, breaking the silence. "You think Victor's wife is beautiful, don't you? I can't blame you. She's a knockout! But don't even think about pursuing her. You would regret going against Victor," he cautioned, a light laugh escaping him.
He frowned deeply. "I'm not interested in a married woman, sir. But yes, she is very beautiful. My morals won't let me take someone else's wife."
"That's good, good for you," he replied, a note of warning in his voice. "You definitely wouldn't want to face a man like Victor Voss."
"Why? Is it because he's rich?"
"No, it's not just that. Everyone here has money. Look at you; you're dashing! Your presence speaks of wealth. That's not my point,"
Curiosity piqued inside him. He needed to know what the old man meant. "Why wouldn't I want to face Victor Voss? Why is that?"
The old man fixed his gaze on him before turning back to the stage. "Because he's a monster. A ruthless businessman who won't spare anyone. That's why fear surrounds him. No one dares cross his path. If he wants something, he just takes it. Word has it he has crushed businesses, leaving them in ruins. His actions have destroyed many lives. So everyone tries to please him."
He was taken aback, realization dawning on him about how dangerous Julia's husband really was. The old man noticed his look and waved a hand in front of his face.
"You're too serious," he chuckled, then his expression shifted to serious. "You seem new to this industry, but you've got potential. Here's a tip: if you want to succeed without issues, stay away from Victor Voss. So whatever admiration you feel for his wife, let it go." He cautioned, then shifted his focus back to the auction as if their conversation hadn't happened.
A flurry of questions whirled in his mind. Why was the old man sharing this? It confirmed his instincts were accurate. Was he that transparent in his interest in Julia?
When the auction for The Celestial Dreamcatcher began, its beauty caught his eye. He imagined it perfectly round Julia's neck. He longed to win it for her, but how could he?
Without meaning to, he glanced back at the couple. He caught Victor's intense gaze on the woman in the red gown again. He couldn't read lips, but it was clear she was expressing her desire for the necklace.
His heart raced. Was his suspicion real? Was she Victor's mistress? Was she betraying Julia right before his eyes?
What a brazen move!
When he saw the woman truly wanted the necklace, Victor promptly offered a price to secure it. But he couldn't let Victor disrespect Julia like that.
He was determined to win The Celestial Dreamcatcher; it was meant only for Julia. His drive felt as if his life hinged on this victory.
After he won, he noticed the woman rising from her seat. He assumed she was headed to the restroom.
He swallowed hard, suddenly standing up, only to realize he was trailing after her!
What would unfold during their inevitable confrontation?