Chapter 223

Victoria's POV "Promise? Aren't those just empty words to charm young girls? As long as I'm alive, you and Victoria will never be together. You must break up immediately!" My grandfather's voice grew more agitated with each word. Damien remained silent, clearly afraid of provoking Grandfather's temper further. The last thing either of us wanted was for him to have another health episode. "Grandfather," I said, my voice soft but determined. "Maybe he should leave first, and I can explain everything to you slowly?" I worried that Damien's presence was making my grandfather even more upset. Though I didn't fully understand Grandfather's intense reaction, he was my only family—my only true family. While I'd recently discovered possible blood ties to the Gillies family, that connection felt distant and abstract. Grandfather was irreplaceable in my heart. This situation wasn't Damien's fault. If anything, it was mine for not finding the right moment to tell Grandfather about us. Or perhaps n