VENGEFUL CEO: A Contract With The Watcher

CHAPTER 8

"Well, before we discuss anything further, shouldn't you take a shower and change first?" Nicholas chuckled slightly, observing that the boy had become so engrossed in his parents' past that he had forgotten about his disheveled appearance.

"Oh?" Victor's face turned red with embarrassment as he realized his oversight. "Is it..."

"Follow the servants; they'll take you to your room," Nicholas instructed the elder butler, signaling him to escort the young man.

Victor made his way to his room, still trying to grasp the drastic change in his life. In the blink of an eye, everything had turned upside down. However, it came at the cost of the lives of the people he cherished the most.

"So, are you happy now?"

Victor looked around, wondering where the voice was coming from. He checked outside his door, but there was no one in sight.

"Seems like you've already forgotten about me."

"Watcher?"

"Hmm, how are you, kid?"

Victor was greatly surprised to realize that his encounters with the Watcher were not mere dreams. However, he noticed something different about the Watcher's voice. "Weren't you a child?"

The Watcher changed their voice back to a child's tone and replied, "I am, and I can be anyone I want to be."

"Oh, I'm sorry if I didn't recognize you. I thought what happened before was just a dream."

"Well, that's understandable. So, how's life, kid? You're now an heir and worth a fortune."

"I don't know, should I be happy?" he answered sarcastically as he approached the window, gazing at the city's skyline. "Look where I am now, atop this fancy hotel, but I don't feel anything at all."

"Why is that?" the Watcher asked, this time adopting a woman's voice that echoed throughout the room, creating an eerie stillness.

The voice of the woman shattered Victor's heart. He suddenly understood what was missing and why everything felt so hollow. "She's gone, you know, my mother."

"I know, and I'm sorry to hear that."

"I know what I'm about to ask may sound crazy, but I can't help wondering. Did she... did she stay behind?"

"You mean, did I give her the chance to live her life again? Well, it appears your mother is not like you. As long as she knows you are safe and well, she was content to move on. She found solace in the knowledge that she raised you to be the man she hoped you would become."

Victor managed a bitter smile as he realized his foolishness. Both his parents were now reunited, while he was left alone because he chose to continue living.

"Tell me, what are your plans now?"

"I don't know; Mr. Nicholas hasn't said anything yet," he replied as he entered the bathroom to prepare for his bath.

"Well, do you still wish to pursue the life you so desperately desired?"

Victor understood the Watcher's inquiry about seeking revenge, contemplating the idea as he filled the tub with water. Memories of the pain inflicted upon him by those who had hurt him flooded his mind.

"For now, I'll just listen to what Mr. Nicholas has to say," Victor replied, removing his shirt and preparing for a soothing bath.

"Then, enjoy your bath. I'll visit you another time," the Watcher responded, bidding farewell.

"Goodbye, Watcher," Victor uttered, as the voice dissipated into the air.

Victor turned to the mirror, gazing at his reflection. Despite now living the life he had always dreamt of, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pity for himself.

The mist enveloped the room as the hot water filled the tub. Victor cleansed himself, the steam slowly dissipating as he emerged refreshed. Wiping away the mist on the mirror, he noticed the scars on his body, remnants of the beatings he endured, particularly from his abusive father. The desire to confront the man who had caused endless pain and misery to him and his mother burned within him.

Stepping out of the bathroom, Victor's attention was drawn to the pile of shopping bags in his room. Nicholas had thoughtfully prepared clothes and necessities for him. Curiosity piqued, he inspected each bag, astounded by the items inside. The clothes alone cost more than their monthly rent, and the watch could easily purchase a brand-new car.

"Is he crazy?" Victor muttered, running his hand through his hair, torn between annoyance and gratitude. He had never owned such expensive items before, and the thought of using them made him apprehensive. Ultimately, he settled on a simple t-shirt, trousers, and the cheapest pair of sneakers, wanting to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. With that, he left the room in search of Nicholas.

As he entered the lounge area, Victor observed the servants bustling in the kitchen, preparing food. The elderly man who had approached him earlier came forward, noticing that Victor hadn't adorned any of the accessories they had provided.

"Young master, were you not pleased with the accessories we brought? Shall we find something more suitable?" the butler, Walter, inquired, concerned.

"No, that's not necessary," Victor replied anxiously, realizing that wearing such expensive items would only invite trouble.

"But everyone needs a watch. How will you know the time without one?" Walter persisted.

Victor could only smile, reflecting on his past experiences. "I wonder if I truly need to know the time, considering I've already arrived at my destined moment, albeit through unconventional means."

"Leave him be, Walter," Nicholas intervened, emerging from a corner. "Ah, perfect timing, Victor. This is Walter, the head butler of the estate. He manages everything and typically resides at the main house. I brought him along, knowing he would be the best person for you to get acquainted with first."

"Mr. Walter, nice to meet you," Victor greeted the old butler respectfully.

"No need to call me that, young master. Walter is fine," replied Walter, who despite his age appeared to be in his forties. There was an eerie aura about him, especially when he smiled, leaving one to wonder if he truly was just a butler.

"In that case, you don't need to address me as young master either. Vic or Victor will do," Victor responded politely, extending his hand for a handshake.

"Hmm, as you wish then," Walter accepted the gesture, observing the young man closely. After a while, he noticed Nicholas's gaze and bid them farewell, excusing himself.

"Shall we eat while we discuss your future plans?" Nicholas suggested, leading Victor to the dining area.

As the servants served the food, Victor remained silent, finding it difficult to fully grasp the situation. He was unaccustomed to such pampering and being addressed as "young master" in such an honorable manner made him feel awkward.

"In regards to your father's wishes, almost everything has been left under your name. Your mother agreed to your inheritance not long ago," Nicholas explained as he began to slice the meat and enjoy his meal. As a servant poured wine into his glass, he glanced at Victor, who had yet to take a bite. "Is the food not to your liking? I can have the chef prepare something else for you."

"No, it's not that. I'm just surprised that my mother..." Victor trailed off, unable to articulate his thoughts, but Nicholas understood the unspoken sentiment.

"No worries, I understand why your mother never told you. She only wanted to protect you," Nicholas reassured him.

"Hmm," Victor murmured, finally starting to eat. His face lit up as he tasted the delicious meal. He now understood why the wealthy enjoyed dining out— the food was simply divine.

As they reached the halfway point of their meal, Victor suddenly voiced his desire regarding his future.

"If it's alright with you, I would like to change my name."

Nicholas raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "How come?"

"I want to keep my given name, but I wish to change my last name to my father's, if possible."

Nicholas smiled and replied, "Of course, that's possible."

"I know it might sound crazy, and I'm sure it'll come with a cost."

"Ha-ha, my dear child, you needn't worry. Even if you wanted to change your name every single day, I'm certain you have enough wealth to do so every hour."

Victor felt embarrassed and chose not to respond. He kept his thoughts to himself, occasionally finding Nicholas's remarks eccentric. 'Who would want to change their name every hour? That would surely annoy everyone who knows you.'

"No worries, I'll arrange it first thing tomorrow morning," Nicholas assured, his voice filled with sincerity.

"Thank you," Victor expressed his gratitude, relieved to have Nicholas taking care of the matter.

"Besides that, is there anything else you'd like to do?" Nicholas inquired, curious about Victor's desires.

"If it's alright with you, I'd like to stay for a couple more days, and I wish to visit someone," Victor shared, his intentions clear.

"Hmm, is that someone your father?" Nicholas guessed, recognizing the unspoken answer in Victor's expression.

Victor didn't respond verbally, but his face revealed everything.

"Very well, I can arrange for a drive to take you there. However, I must caution you not to do anything reckless or irreparable. There are alternative ways to handle such matters," Nicholas warned, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful action.

Victor was taken aback by Nicholas' words. Did he truly expect him to plan something drastic? And why did he mention there being other ways? The ambiguity puzzled Victor.

"Don't worry, I won't do anything foolish. I just want to ask him some questions," Victor assured, eager to seek closure and understanding.

"I'm not worried either; I simply wanted to remind you that there are always alternative approaches to handling difficult situations," Nicholas clarified. "By the way, I've taken care of your school transfer. You don't need to worry about going back there."

Surprised, Victor absorbed the information. The reports had revealed that he had suffered severe bullying at his previous university. Nicholas, as his guardian, was determined to ensure Victor had a fresh start, free from harm.

"Oh, thank you," Victor responded, stunned to learn that he wouldn't be returning to university. The plans had been made without his knowledge, yet they had anticipated his needs. "I suppose I won't be seeing her then," he pondered silently, realizing that he would have to let go of a certain person from his past.