The Villain Only Wants to Survive, But Heroine refuses toFollow Script

Victoria stepped in front of Edward, her expression unreadable as she looked into his eyes.

"Dear Edward, I trust your judgment. I don't believe in anyone else, only you. Tonight, I will hold an emergency executive meeting to finalize the details of our investment in the slum redevelopment project."

Edward wasn't a fool. He could tell from Victoria's expression and tone that she was doing this out of sheer defiance.

You suggested I invest in the slum redevelopment project? Fine, I'll invest in it. Are you really trying to trap me, or will you back down and give in? Pick one.

John, who has no idea what's going on in Victoria's mind. Standing behind them, had already developed a dark expression, while Davis looked utterly bewildered.

Slum redevelopment? Who in their right mind would touch that?

The government had been lobbying for it everywhere, and yet none of the four major families had agreed to take it on. It was a project riddled with complications—long timelines, massive investments, countless stakeholders, and extraordinary risks. One wrong move could spell disaster.

Every aspect of the project was perilous. Any major corporation considering such an investment would first assess whether they had the resources and capability to handle it.

The project's initial head, a Southerner, couldn't handle the pressure and fled halfway through. There had already been three suicides related to it.

A slum redevelopment project wasn't just a hot potato—it was a scorching iron brand. Forget holding it; even touching it could leave you burned.

Davis interjected, "Victoria, I strongly advise against getting involved in the slum redevelopment project. It's far too complex, and your understanding of the construction industry isn't deep enough…"

Victoria cut him off, her tone cold. "Do I need to understand all that? As long as Dear Edward supports me, that's all I need. Isn't that right, Dear ?"

Edward: "Uh…"

Davis tried again. "The amusement park project is much simpler, with a shorter timeline and clearer prospects. If we quickly secure the land, we'll be in an unbeatable position with plenty of opportunities to capitalize on. The slum project, on the other hand, is full of uncertainties and demands tremendous effort."

Victoria replied calmly, "So what? As long as Dear Edward supports me, I don't mind the hardship or the effort. Right, Dear?"

Edward: "Uh…"

Growing anxious, Davis exclaimed, "Victoria, you're not getting it! I'm doing all this for you. I don't want to see you jump into a fire pit. I don't want Chifeng Group to collapse. I know reviving Chifeng Group is your dream, and I came here for that dream."

Victoria looked at him indifferently. "Revive Chifeng Group? I'm a woman. A woman's greatest dream is to marry well. Dear Edward and I are set to get engaged next month, married by the end of the year, and have a child by next year… Isn't that right, Dear ?"

Edward: "Uh… err…"

Davis couldn't believe what he was hearing.

Are you serious? Such an obvious business opportunity, and you're going along with Edward to pursue a slum redevelopment project?

What's wrong with Victoria? Did she suddenly lose her mind?

Victoria fixed her gaze on Edward, her expression resolute. "Dear Edward, I trust you. Look at me and tell me, which project do you think I should pursue?"

Her intense stare made Edward extremely uncomfortable.

Edward hesitated, unsure how to respond.

[ [ This girl can't seriously trust me and plan to go ahead with the slum redevelopment project, can she? She must realize I'm bluffing and is just trying to test me! ] ]

[ [ Fine, let's see who wins this standoff! ] ]

"Oh, of course," Edward said, steeling himself. "I do think it's a good project. But ultimately, Chifeng Group's decision-making power lies with you. My input is merely a suggestion."

"Great!" Victoria said decisively. "Since you suggested it, I'll follow your advice."

John couldn't stay quiet any longer. "Victoria, don't rush. Let's discuss this first…"

"No need to discuss it," Victoria said, clearly furious. She turned and pushed open the door. "I'm gathering the team right now for an emergency meeting to draft the investment and equity plan for the slum redevelopment project. Tomorrow, I'll negotiate with the relevant parties."

"You're being reckless!" John shouted angrily. "This is a huge decision. How can you act so impulsively? I'm the chairman of Chifeng Group, and I don't approve of this!"

Victoria turned back to look at him, her gaze icy. "Father, you were the one who arranged my engagement with the Astor family. You're the one who entrusted me with full control over Chifeng Group's operations. You also told me that my personal happiness and losses don't matter, that the long-term interests of Chifeng Group outweigh everything else.

"As a woman, I'll follow my husband's lead, no matter what. Since I'm engaged to Edward, his word is law to me. If Edward says we should invest in the slum project, then I'll trust him and do exactly that."

Davis quickly said, "Victoria, think this through. Edward doesn't deserve your trust."

Victoria turned her gaze to him. "Is that so? Then tell me, who should I trust?"

Her eyes were red, tears welling up as she spoke:

"In my whole life, I've never found someone I could truly trust.

"When I was a child, I idolized my father. I imitated everything about him—his decisive leadership, his boldness, his meritocracy, and his calm wisdom. But over time, I realized he was far stronger and colder than I ever imagined.

"Whenever I faced difficulties or felt heartbroken, he never embraced or comforted me like other fathers might. Instead, he scolded me, humiliated me, and looked at me with those cold, disappointed eyes, telling me I was a failure.

"When I grew up, I had to enter a marriage alliance for the sake of the company. To him, Chifeng Group is his real child, and I'm just a useless daughter."

Her voice trembled as she continued, "The only friend I ever had poisoned my drink. I cried and asked her why. She told me she hated me—hated me for being smarter, for being born into a wealthy family, for being prettier and thinner than her, for having a natural talent for learning. She hated everything I was born with, things she could never achieve, no matter how hard she tried. So, she wanted to destroy me."

Victoria's voice cracked. "In university, I fell in love for the first and only time. I gave everything to that relationship. He was bright, positive, an athlete—not rich, but he was a ray of light in my life. I thought I'd finally found someone I could trust!"

Her bitter laugh echoed in the room, tears streaming down her face. "But on my birthday, at the hotel where we were supposed to celebrate, he'd set up three cameras. Three cameras!"

Her voice shook violently. "At the moment I decided to give him my whole heart and soul, he was thinking about recording everything from every angle, so he could control me and take Windsor family's wealth."

Victoria wiped away her tears and looked at Davis. "Family, friends, lovers—they've all been cold and ruthless. You tell me—who should I trust?"

Her voice rose to a furious scream. "Answer me! Who can I trust?! Is there anyone in this world who doesn't care about appearances, money, or status—who would truly like, cherish, and protect me? Is there? Or am I destined to spend my life alone? Is this world just so cold and unfeeling that the trust I long for doesn't even exist? Is that it?"

Edward felt a pang of sadness and guilt in his heart.

[ [ I'm sorry. I didn't know your life had been so miserable. ] ]

[ [ Sigh, it turns out no matter how much money someone has, what people ultimately seek is inner happiness and fulfillment. People say that all the time, and it sounds like nonsense, but it's true—money really isn't everything. ] ]

[ [ Damn it, what do I do now? I feel so bad for her. If I weren't on a mission, I'd rush over and hug her right now. ] ]

[ [ No, I need to hold back. She can't know. From now on, I'll secretly help her whenever she's in trouble, whether it's business or personal. This poor girl's story is just too tragic—it's tearing me up inside. ] ]

Victoria turned her tear-filled eyes toward Edward and stared at him intently.

Edward, feeling guilty, lowered his head and remained silent.

Sensing an opportunity, Davis stepped forward. "Victoria, I believe I'm that person! That's right, I'm here to like you, cherish you, stand by you, and protect you! From this day forward, you can trust me with anything. I'm willing to be the light that shines into your life. From now on, my light will shine only for you!"

Edward rolled his eyes inwardly.

[ [ Ugh! How disgusting! You're utterly shameless—spouting all these sweet lies so easily. ] ]

[ [ You're not here for Victoria's happiness. You're here to covet Windsor family's assets. And let's not forget the Lewis family, the White family, and even us, the Astor family. ] ]

[ [ Sigh, it's inevitable. Maybe being with you is the best outcome for Victoria. ] ]

Victoria glanced at Davis and said coldly, "I've already decided to trust Edward in this life. If he wants to ruin me, I'll let him ruin me. If he wants to harm me, I'll let him harm me. If he wants to sell me for money, I'll even name myself a good price! Tomorrow is the big day when Chifeng Group officially invests in the slum redevelopment project. Watch me!"

Edward was utterly stunned.

[ [ What is wrong with this girl!? ] ]

[ [ She knows everything, doesn't she? Did I… mess up again? Did I cause the exact opposite of what I wanted? ] ]

Edward had no idea that Victoria had already seen through his façade. He thought he'd simply made a terrible mistake.

In his mind, Davis had offered Victoria the right path, while Edward had conveniently provided the wrong one. Normally, this would make the choice obvious—Victoria would pick Davis's correct investment strategy and feel grateful to him. This would set her on the path to starting her storyline with Davis, while Edward could quietly withdraw and move on to other storylines.

But things had gone completely off the rails!

Victoria's long-suppressed emotions had erupted, and her rebellious streak had kicked in. The ever-calm, logical, and error-free Victoria had decided to make the biggest, most catastrophic mistake possible!

She had chosen the wrong investment out of sheer defiance and was determined to see it through to the bitter end.

John, livid, shouted, "Victoria! You're Chifeng Group's executive president! Calm yourself down! Is this how I taught you? To make decisions and judgments based on emotions? I don't care how dissatisfied you are with me or how disappointed you are with the world—I care about your ability to lead Chifeng Group back to the top! You are forbidden from touching the slum redevelopment project. Tomorrow, you'll secure that piece of land for me! If you fail, there will be no place for you in Chifeng Group!"

Victoria turned her icy gaze to her father and gave a mocking smile.

"You gave me the power, and now you must live with the results. If you want to revoke my authority, you'll need to call a shareholders' meeting and officially announce my dismissal. According to the rules, this meeting requires one week of preparation. I can finish what I want to do within a week."

"You—"

Victoria cut him off, turned, and walked out of the room without looking back.

Edward was drenched in sweat.

Damn it! I've completely messed this up!

Edward felt the world spinning around him.

Victoria, fueled by her defiance, had resolutely chosen the worst possible path!

John was glaring at him furiously, ready to explode at any moment over Edward's reckless suggestion.

But worst of all was Davis—his face was so dark it looked like a storm was about to erupt.

[ [ This is bad… I'm doomed again! ] ]