Departure with a Belly ( Victoria Selwyn & Alaric Cadogan’s )
Departure with a Belly Chapter 236

Chapter 236 

Henry’s remarks made Victoria extremely uncomfortable. Moreover, his confident 

expression and tone made it seem as if what he sald was indeed true. What did not 

exist was being spoken of as if it had become a reality. 

“If you have truly moved on from him, you should be nonchalant upon hearing me 

say this. After all, when a wound is healed, you don’t feel anything when touched.” 

“Is that so?” She chuckled lightly. “Mr. Poole… While a healed wound may not hurt. 

when lightly touched, if you take a stick and forcefully strike it, can you be certain it 

won’t hurt?” 

After hearing her response, he raised an eyebrow. “Just making a casual remark. Is 

it necessary to take it so seriously? Or perhaps, you’re implying that the wounded. 

hasn’t fully recovered from their severe wounds.” 

As Victoria heard this, a cold smile gradually appeared on the corners of her lips. 

“You’re mistaken. I honestly don’t mind.” 

Henry shrugged. “Miss Selwyn, if you can move on and focus on your career, it 

would be the best outcome for employees like us.” At this point, he decided not to 

probe further and stopped the conversation. “The materials are on the desk, but I 

ミ 

suppose you don’t require them anymore. I’ll step out and attend to my duties. By 

the way, we have a new candidate today, though I’m unsure if they’ll join. If you need 

any assistance, feel free to reach out.” 

2/17 

After he left, Victoria remained alone in the office. The emotions stirred up by his 

remarks gradually calmed down. Once she settled her mind, she began to see some 

validity in what Henry had said, albeit his infuriating words. 

Since she had already decided to move on and treat Alaric as a stranger, why would 

she be repulsed by cooperating with him? However, she was worried about another 

point–her children, Nicole and Nathan. 

Once she collaborated with Cadogan Group, she knew there would be inevitable 

interactions with Alaric in the future, and as time passed… 

While others might not have noticed, she was keenly aware her children bore a 

subtle resemblance to him. However, due to their young age and still–developing 

features, their similarities were not pronounced. 

If people were to recognize the parent–child relationship, it would undoubtedly be 

remarked upon how strikingly the children resembled their father. However, if they 

were unaware of the connection, they would not perceive any resemblance 

between these two children and him. 

If he were to discover the children’s existence, would he try to take them away from 

her? In theory, he should’ve already moved on with Claudia after I left, and they 

might even have children by now, right? It’s unlikely he’ll come and try to take my 

children away, isn’t it? But who knows if there’s a possibility? 

Victoria was deeply concerned. She had initially believed that starting her company 

in Jasea would enable her to overcome all obstacles, but she already felt like 

surrendering at the first sign of difficulty. Regardless, the mere thought of that 

possibility was enough to make her feel utterly unwilling to accept it. 

Never mind, I’ll come up with another solution. 

The interviewee was informed about the company’s recent establishment and lack 

of resources. Despite acknowledging Henry’s impressive credentials, the 

interviewee shook their head and decided to leave. Just before departing, they 

expressed their opinion to Henry, saying, “I believe it’s more dependable to work for 

a well–established company. Your small startup lacks support, and what if it fails in 

the future?” 

After saying that, they simply picked up their briefcase and left without mercy. 

When Victoria came out, Henry was still watching them leave. 

Chapter 236 Shameless 

“Didn’t work out?” 

He shook his head and sighed. “They preferred a well–established company over our 

small startup.” 

She stood quietly in place for a while, then suddenly leaned on the desk with both 

hands and asked, “Mr. Poole, what do you think about finding a prominent 

international conglomerate to support us?” 

“Even if we can’t secure one, it’ll still be beneficial to find someone who can support 

1. us. However, as a small company, we must consider the current job market. Many 

people here are seeking stable employment. Even if we approach a big international 

conglomerate, they might not be familiar with the local business landscape. While 

we may find a few individuals willing to join us, the number may not be significant.” 

At this, Victoria had some preliminary ideas. “So, you’re saying this could still be a 

viable option as a last resort?” 

“Yes, that’s right. So, are you implying that you have some potential overseas 

backing?” Henry’s expression turned curious. “If you don’t mind, may I ask a 

personal question?” 

She already knew what he wanted to ask, so she immediately rejected him after he 

finished speaking. “I do mind.” 

Hearing that, he could not help but chuckle. “Well, what I wanted to ask is whether 

you have remarried or are still single.” 

Speechless, Victoria looked at him helplessly. “I refuse to answer this question.” 

“Alright, fair enough. I just can’t resist a little gossip since nobody else is around to 

chat with.” 

Indeed, no one was coming to work. She glanced at the time and noticed it was 

almost time to pick up her children from school. She turned to Henry and said, “If 

you don’t have any pressing tasks today, you can leave early.” 

“Okay, then I’ll take off early today. I won’t be considered leaving too early, right?” 

“What do you think?” 

The two talked and laughed as they left the company. 

Afterward, Victoria headed to school by car to pick up her children. As she arrived, 

the teacher immediately approached her and said, “Miss Selwyn, are you here to 

pick up Nicole and Nathan again? Their dad has already collected them. Was there a 

miscommunication?” 

At the mention of ‘dad‘ today, she was no longer nervous as she could already guess. 

it was Bane. “I was busy with work and forgot to answer the phone,” she casually 

explained and left. 

As Victoria returned home, she was greeted by the sight of Bane sitting on the 

couch in the living room, helping the kids with their homework. Seeing this scene, 

she pondered what Summer had made her consider and the unsettling possibility of 

Alaric attempting to separate her from her children. 

If… If I were to be with Bane… If Alaric discovered the children’s existence, would he 

merely perceive them as mine and Bane’s without suspecting his relationship with 

them? But if I were to do that, wouldn’t it be incredibly unfair to Bane? He genuinely 

cares for me, yet I’m entertaining thoughts of using him here. However, I would need 

a man if I intended to conceal the truth. So, it would be the same no matter whom I 

used. Should I follow the principle of proximity? 

No. 

Victoria pushed aside those unrealistic thoughts in her mind and bit her lip. 

Chapter 236 Shameless 

Five years ago, when she decided to bring these children into the world, she 

resolved to raise them independently, no matter the circumstances. What was she 

thinking by having such thoughts now? 

Besides, Bane had been exceptionally kind to her. She could not repay kindness 

with enmity. In the worst–case scenario, she could consider starting a new company 

in a different city. 

Despite the challenges of starting anew, she had just laid the foundation for her 

current company. Surely, if she relocated to a different city, Alaric would not pursue 

her there, would he? He would not stoop so low for the sake of the people around 

him, right? 

Sᴇarch the FindNovel.net website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.