Alice blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected announcement. "What?" she said, her mind racing. "I thought you needed him by your side?"
"Priorities," he answered simply. "I can get someone else. Plus, Roberts knows how to manage the staff effectively. It is what he does."
A wave of relief washed over Alice, and warmth spread in her chest. The thoughtfulness of his decision struck her. Roberts had been with Victor for years, and deep down, she understood why he preferred to have Roberts by his side while he worked. It was a matter of trust and effectiveness. She had not expected him to give that up…
For her…
"Thank you," she said, the words slipping out before she could reconsider. "I appreciate that."
Victor looked up at her then, his gaze so intense that her pulse quickened in an unexpected rush. There it was again…the softness in his eyes.
"You don’t have to thank me," he answered.
"I do." She nodded. "You just did a nice thing for me."
Victor made to respond, but he swallowed and blinked repeatedly. Before Alice could say anything else, he stood up and strode toward the door, leaving her alone at the table.
Alice smiled to herself, sensing a shift in the air between them.
