Victor had already reached Raymond's party. All the influential people were talking about Victor, some praising his attitude, while others doubted his career, suggesting it might end even before it began. They whispered that Victor might not know how ruthless Raymond Vance was. Rumors were circulating that Raymond had erased his own son's existence, and no one knew where his son was now. Some people jokingly remarked that "The Attitude" Victor Vance, CEO of Vance Group, might go missing the next day, causing a few to laugh loudly.
Victor was standing and chatting with Olivia while drinking. Olivia, laughing, said to him:
Victor, once again, you've attracted everyone at the party with your attitude. Look at how they're all talking about you, saying all sorts of things. And don't even get me started on the girls here. They're looking at you like they want to make you theirs right now. You should at least give them a glance; it might give them some relief.
Victor, with an angry expression, glanced at the girls. The anger in his eyes was unmistakable, and seeing this, the girls became frightened. One girl spilled her drink on her dress, and Olivia burst into laughter.
Victor, angrily, said, See what happened because of you? The poor girl ruined her dress.
Olivia, glaring at Victor, said, Oh, so this is my fault, huh? Look at what you did; my best friend's dress is ruined. She's had a crush on you for a year now, and I only asked you to look at her once.
Victor replied, What an excuse! I did look at her, didn't I? I even looked at the other six girls.
Olivia, angrily, said, Yeah, sure! I saw how you looked at them. I ask you to look kindly, maybe smile a little, and give her some peace. Do you even know who she is? She's the CEO of WORLD AI. She hasn't given any guy a second glance until now, but there's something about him that's driving her crazy. I've tried to make her forget you, but all she wants is you. Anyway, don't start another drama. Treat Grandpa with respect. I'm going to help my friend.
Victor stood alone, looking at something on his phone, when Robert Vance took the stage and started speaking.
Raymond Vance: I welcome you all here tonight. Today, I'm going to make two big announcements, so hold onto your seats! From today, I'm appointing Victor Vance as the official president of the Vance Group. And for the second announcement: I want to see my grandson happy. Whoever can make that happen will receive 2% shares of the Vance Group.
Hearing this, Victor understood exactly what Robert meant. Anger was clearly visible on his face, and he was about to speak when Clara came up and held his hand, saying: Victor, think before you speak. Your grandpa didn't say anything wrong. We all know what he meant, but he said it indirectly.
Victor calmed down and grabbed the most expensive wine bottle, drinking it entirely. People were shocked to see Victor drinking like that at such a high-profile event. It was clear that he didn't care about his grandfather Raymond or the company's reputation. Seeing this, the gossip resumed.
Some were saying that Victor had gone mad with happiness. Why did Robert Vance give him control of the entire company? Is it because he's Clara's son? Otherwise, his behavior isn't even worthy of being a security guard at Vance Group.
After finishing the bottle, Victor set it down on the table and started to leave. Despite drinking so much, Victor's composure was unshaken.
Raymond , seeing Victor leaving, was furious. He called out: What do you think you're doing? Where do you think you're going? Let me remind you, this party is for you.
Victor replied, Mr. Vance, but why?
Raymond Vance, seething, said, Why? You're now the official president, so I want you to meet all the international directors who are here for you.
Victor responded, What are you talking about, Mr. Vance? We had a deal, and you didn't honor it. Instead, you flaunted your power. Perhaps you're forgetting. And as for meeting everyone, there's no need. I already know everyone, big and small, in the company.
But Raymond second announcement had shaken Victor deeply, and he was about to leave when Robert tried to stop him.
Raymond spoke again: Victor, what deal are you talking about? Calm down and show respect for the company. Meet the guests!
Victor angrily replied, Sorry, Mr. Vance, but this doesn't feel like a company-organized party at all. And I know your intentions. Perhaps you're forgetting that I don't care about your respect or your wealth!
With that, Victor signaled the guard to take his car as he left the hotel. The crowd watched in astonishment as he walked out, while Robert Vance's fury mounted. Arthur, who had also attended the party, observed Victor's exit with concern, his respect for Victor growing. And again, the murmurs about Victor filled the room.
Despite his anger, Raymond could say nothing to Victor because he needed him. There was no one else capable of running the company and realizing his dream. This was why Robert, who could disown his own son for a single mistake, was powerless in front of Victor. But who knew what Robert was really planning? Sensing the tension, Olivia went to her grandfather to distract the crowd from Victor's exit.
Meanwhile, Victor drove straight to his villa in Hudson City. The villa had a magnificent view: on one side, the sea, and on the other, a river flowing down from the mountains. Victor parked his car inside and entered. As he walked through the house, the lights automatically turned on at his steps.
Victor went up to his room on the second floor. Upon entering, he saw a large picture hanging directly in front of his bed. It was a portrait of a beautiful girl with light blue eyes, black hair, fair skin, and about five feet tall. She was so beautiful in the picture that anyone would fall in love at first sight.
Seeing the picture, tears welled up in Victor's eyes. Wiping them away, he said softly, Sophia, I know you can't leave me. We both vowed to live and die together. No matter what people say, I can't believe you're gone. I'll wait not just for five years, but for my entire life. No matter what happens, I won't rest until I find you.
Victor then touched the picture, and a voice chimed, "Welcome, Master." The wall slid open, revealing a hidden door leading to a large, dark room. When the lights flickered on, a vast hall was revealed, filled with gifts for Sophia, including a diamond ring encased in glass. The wall in front displayed several pictures, some marked with a cross. Above them all was Sophia's picture. Below her were photos of Robert Vance and three other men, two of whom had cross marks on them, signifying Victor had killed them five years ago, a decision he deeply regretted. It had been a mistake to kill them while wearing the Patron suit. For the first time, Victor had misused his power, and because of that, he hadn't worn the suit for the past year.
But even after investigating everything, Victor couldn't find anything about Sophia.
Victor had hacked all the country's CCTV cameras, monitoring everything, but Sophia had left no trace. Despite all his efforts, and even her parents having given up, Victor continued his search.
He asked his assistant, Ray, Have you found anything about her yet?
Ray replied, I've searched the internet, but there was nothing about her. Not a single picture or trace of her anywhere for the past five years.
Victor said, Alright. It looks like my parents are here. I'll head to my room now.
As Victor returned to his room, his mother entered suddenly. Her eyes were full of anger, and Victor, laughing nervously, said, What's wrong, Mom? You look so cute even when you're mad.