“Oh, right…”
Vicky turned toward Frank, frowning as she remembered something. “Darling… Did Uncle Glen let you see me just because you asked? That’s really not his style.”
“Oh, don’t get me started…”
Frank was about to promise Vicky that he would deal with the South Sea Crow, only for him to change the subject.
As such, he had no choice but to tell her about the ‘trials’ he had to pass just to meet her.
Vicky was stamping her feet in frustration just as he was halfway done. “I told him not to upset you whatever he did or threaten you with your family. He just wouldn’t listen… And Uncle Zac too! Who on earth asks for a favor like that?!”
“Heh. Hold your horses—I haven’t reached the fun part.” Frank chuckled.
Shaking his head, he told Vicky about the wager with Titus and Glen, the pain he went through with Professor Roberts just to treat George, and everything else.
Vicky pursed her lips, almost cursing out loud. “Uncle Glen doesn’t even care if Grandpa dies?! And it’s your success, but he’s insisting that it’s some other foreigner’s accomplishment… That’s a businessman for you. It’s all technicalities with him!”
Taking a moment to calm down, Vicky pressed, “So? How did you get him to agree to let you meet me?”
Frank smiled, speechless for a moment.
Still, he told her about coercing Glen with his father’s health. Surprisingly, Vicky was not angry and actually flashed a pained smile in turn.
Taking a moment to choose her words, she said quietly, “Darling… I hope you can understand Uncle Glen. He’s not actually that bad—he’s really worried that I’d elope with you in the heat of a moment. He’s the head of the family, and the family is his responsibility. There are many things that are beyond his control.”
“I understand,” Frank said, in agreement after remembering his conflict with that man.
An awkward silence ensued between Vicky and Frank at that before she sighed and asked, “How’s Helen doing?”
Frank felt a warm sensation unfurling inside him.
Even if Vicky constantly messed with Helen and they squabble constantly, there was a sense of camaraderie between both women. They were neither friends nor rivals, but there was just this bizarre connection that bound them, with said connection being Frank himself.
Smiling, Frank shook his head. “Funny. Helen asked me the same thing too, but I couldn’t tell her anything since I had nothing.”
“Oh. Weird that she’d actually let you come find me,” Vicky said, stretching her back just to flaunt her stunning figure.
Catching Frank peeking just then, she winked playfully and asked, “Why don’t we do it right now?”
“No, Ms. Turnbull!”
The ever watchful Madam Zims’ face fell at Vicky’s suggestion, running toward them. “If the Lionhearts finds out that you’re unchaste, they’d—”
“They’d what, kill me?” Vicky pouted in displeasure. “Also, you’re an adult, so quit being a third wheel while I’m flirting!”
“What…”
Madam Zims was left exasperated.
She did not want to do this either, but how could she disobey Glen’s orders?!
