Victoria's words made William admit that he and Victoria indeed had a connection, and it wasn't just any ordinary connection.
After silently thinking it over, William realized that Victoria's claim was likely true. When Henry married his grandmother, he was already in his thirties, and no one knew if Henry had any previous relationships. Many believed Henry had issues, otherwise, why hadn't he married by his thirties?
Meeting Victoria again, William's attitude wasn't as cold and distant as before. He wanted to know why Henry and Victoria had broken up, and it seemed the two hadn't officially divorced.
"Tell me what I want to know, Victoria. It will determine whether I help you or not."
Victoria smiled and said, "Sit down, child. Let's talk slowly."
William looked helplessly at the unhurried Victoria, starting to admire these old operatives who had worked in special operations for decades. He took a deep breath, poured Victoria another cup of coffee, and waited calmly for her to speak.
Victoria slowly sipped her coffee, pleased to see William calming down so quickly. "Very good, child. It seems your mental fortitude is quite strong."
William didn't care as long as there was no blood relationship. Even if there was, he had to see if it was worth his concern. He wasn't going to go all out just because a relative suddenly appeared. So, he wasn't anxious at all; it was Victoria who should be worried.
Victoria hesitated for a long time, seeing that William showed no signs of impatience. She sighed inwardly, acknowledging that Henry's successor was indeed ruthless.
"Alright, child, you win. I don't have time to dawdle. Henry and I were married, but not really married," Victoria said, taking a sip of coffee and glancing at William's expression. Seeing he still looked indifferent, she continued.
Holding his coffee cup, William mimicked Victoria, slowly savoring his coffee as if it were some rare delicacy.
"Little fox," Victoria put down her coffee cup helplessly. "Henry and I were both from special operations. I was an assassin, while Henry was just starting to rise. We secretly got married, but two years later, my superior suspected something and gave me a task to test my loyalty. The target was my husband, your grandfather."
William finally showed some expression, putting down his coffee cup, waiting for Victoria to continue because it was clear his grandfather Henry had survived.
"Fortunately, no one knew about our marriage, but if I didn't kill Henry, I would die. So, risking exposure, I found a stand-in boyfriend. After living with the stand-in for several months, I shot him in front of my superior when he grew impatient. So, William, the Devonshire family owes me a life, and now I need you to repay it."
William chuckled and sat up straight. "Sorry, Victoria, these are just your words. Henry is dead, so I can't confirm if what you say is true. Your words can't be taken as truth."
"I knew you'd say that," Victoria said, taking out her phone and dialing a number. After a few rings, William heard a familiar voice, "Good morning, Victoria. Looking for some freelance work again?"
"Good morning, Winston. Sorry, I'm not in the mood for freelance work. I'm at William's house," Victoria said.
"What?" Winston's voice was urgent. "What are you doing with William? Don't forget our agreement. Do you want to be hunted down, Victoria Winslow?"
"Whatever. My child is in trouble, and I need William's help. Don't tell me you think the Declaration of Independence isn't with William. Others might not know what William has done, but I know very well. Winston, don't forget who handled those who threatened William and Lena in the past ten years? While others gave up, I never stopped protecting this little guy. So I know exactly what happened this year. Do you think I would believe that William, who avoided everyone's surveillance for ten years, got involved in the Declaration of Independence by accident? If he didn't have it, would he act so indifferent about the treasure?"
"So Ben Gates is your son? That's surprising, Victoria," Winston thought for a few seconds. "Alright, put William on."
"No need, I can hear," William said. His view of Victoria had changed. Given Henry and Winston's cautious nature, having Victoria handle threats to William and his mother Lena was a smart choice.
"Sorry, William. Henry instructed me not to let you know about Victoria. He didn't want you to think less of him."
"Thank you, Winston. It's alright. I understand. I just want to know if Victoria has been protecting me and my mother for the past ten years. Henry's private affairs don't concern me."
Winston sighed in relief, thinking that William wasn't a sentimental person. "Alright, for the past ten years, I've been gathering intelligence and monitoring, while Victoria handled the threats. She used to be MI6's top assassin and Henry's wife. Most importantly, no one would suspect a woman in her sixties who is a university professor."
"Oh, Winston, watch your words. I'm only 63, not old," Victoria said angrily.
"Sorry, Victoria. You don't look old at all. I misspoke. Apologies again, Victoria," Winston said, sounding genuinely apologetic.
William was surprised by Winston's tone and attitude. It seemed Winston had some fear of Victoria, whether because of her being Henry's wife or her capabilities.
But it didn't matter. William now saw Victoria in a more favorable light, finding the elderly woman kind and familiar. "Alright, Winston, we'll talk later. Victoria and I have some things to discuss."
"Okay, next time then. Goodbye, Victoria, William," Winston said.
"Goodbye, Winston," William replied.
"Goodbye. Next time, I'll remind you to watch your words, Winston. Don't forget I'm your aunt," Victoria said.
"Oh, goodbye, Victoria," Winston quickly hung up.
Victoria smiled at William. "I met Winston before your grandmother, so he used to call me aunt."
"Alright, Victoria. Thank you for your protection all these years. Tell me, what do you need me to do?" William asked, feeling he couldn't refuse someone who had protected him and his mother for a decade.
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