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

John Windsor's voice was deep and raspy. "Edward, what exactly is your game? Victoria was never like this before—never impulsive, never out of control. But today, you deliberately played dumb, pushed her into your trap, and forced her into a mess. What hold do you have on her to make her break like this?!"

"No, I… I didn't mean to… I really…"

Davis cut in, "You're plotting to destroy the Windsor family, aren't you? To drive Chifeng Group to complete collapse so you can buy it at a dirt-cheap price. That way, both Chifeng Group and Victoria become your pawns to manipulate as you please. Is that your grand plan?"

Edward's thoughts boiled. Your nonsense is next level, Davis! You can't woo her, but you sure can slander me like a pro! This is straight-up malicious brilliance!

But Edward knew he couldn't lose his temper. He had to handle the situation carefully; otherwise, he'd be doomed. He couldn't afford to die for the seventh time over something this absurd.

Hurriedly, Edward said, "Gentlemen, calm down. I'll talk to her. I'll talk…"

Davis grabbed Edward by the collar. "You? And who the hell do you think you are?"

Edward felt his heart race. Crap, this guy's going to throw punches! Am I seriously about to die here in John Windsor's study?

Screw it. Go big or go home.

Suddenly, Edward roared, "Davis! Stand down!"

"What did you just say?!"

"I said," Edward snapped, "I truly believe the slum redevelopment project is profitable. It's purely a business judgment—nothing more. How was I supposed to know Victoria would react so strongly? This was completely unexpected! Can't you see that?"

John Windsor was livid. "Profitable? Redeveloping the slums? That project's only a third complete! It's already gone through four project managers, and three people have jumped off buildings because of it! You want Victoria to dive into that fire pit?"

Edward countered, "High risk, high reward! Danger brings opportunity!"

Davis sneered, "Oh, really? Then why isn't the Astor family investing?"

Edward smirked internally. Finally, the opening I was waiting for.

"I've already decided to invest in the slum redevelopment project."

That declaration left John and Davis dumbfounded.

The slum redevelopment project was the textbook definition of a black hole—a financial death trap. Everyone knew it. It had already ruined countless wealthy investors, leaving them bankrupt or worse. And now Edward claimed he wanted in? They couldn't wrap their heads around it.

Edward softened his tone. "Originally, I wanted to collaborate with the Windsor family on this. Sure, I admit it would have spread the risk, but now it looks like I'll have to go solo."

John was skeptical. "You're really going to invest in that slum project?"

"I, Edward, don't take back my words."

Davis couldn't make sense of it. What's gotten into this guy? Self-destructive investments? That's not his style at all! He's always been about profit, never charity. What's his angle here?

Edward's inner monologue scoffed. Angle? Forget angles. Right now, survival's the only priority. Who cares if I lose my shirt as long as I stay alive?

"Uncle Windsor," Edward said with practiced sincerity, "please don't worry. Let me talk to Victoria. Once she calms down, we'll work everything out."

Then, turning to Davis, he added, "And you, Davis—don't be too anxious either. I'll convince her to back the amusement park project. That should settle everything, right? But I'll make this clear: the Astor family won't be involved in that project. You'll need to collaborate with Victoria on it."

Edward sighed heavily, putting on his most earnest face. "But honestly, I don't think the amusement park project is a good bet. It feels too good to be true. Still, if that's what you all want, I won't stand in the way. Just remember, when things go south, don't say I didn't warn you!"

Davis was stunned. Damn it… this guy's reasoning is watertight!

Edward had expertly positioned himself: I voiced my doubts, but if everyone's determined, I won't be the villain. If disaster strikes, don't come crying to me. It was unassailable logic. Plus, by insisting the Astor family wouldn't get involved, he subtly conveyed that Davis could work closely with Victoria on the project. And who knows? Maybe more than just a business partnership could develop.

Davis's lips curled into a faint smile, but he quickly straightened his expression. "You really think you can talk her down?"

"I'll try."

This place is hell, Edward thought. One wrong word and I'm dead for sure. I need to get out of here—fast!

"I'll go find her now. Wait for my good news!"

With that, Edward bolted from the room, his urgency appearing to be for Victoria, though his true motive was to save his own skin.

Victoria sat in the driver's seat of a sports car, her head resting on the steering wheel as she sobbed uncontrollably.

Edward stood outside, watching her with a pang of guilt in his chest. Quietly, he opened the passenger-side door and slipped in.

Victoria straightened up, wiping away her tears and sniffles. "What now, Boss Edward? Another trap you want me to fall into?"

Edward looked slightly embarrassed and sighed. "How about I take you for a drive? Get out."

Victoria had expected him to offer some comforting words, even if they were fake. But he didn't. Instead, he gave her a gentle, reassuring smile—the kind a senior might give a younger family member who was crying—an unhurried approach, offering a distraction before diving into the serious talk.

Without resistance, Victoria got out, and they switched seats.

"Buckle up. Let's go."

As Edward drove, the guard at the gate quickly opened it, and the car sped out.

Edward, who had once worked as a food delivery driver, remembered watching luxury cars zip past him on the streets. During his first time in this world, he had been so excited just to touch the steering wheel of a sports car that he got himself killed by the protagonist on the very first day.

Now, in his seventh attempt, he had adapted. He handled the car effortlessly, throwing in the occasional drift that left Victoria clutching her seat in terror.

He noticed her pale face, tense with fear, but her lips remained tightly sealed—no screams, no protests. Edward couldn't help but admire her. What a woman. Scared but never losing her composure.

Let's take it up a notch, he thought.

The car accelerated even more, and this time, Victoria finally broke.

"Edward…" she said, her voice trembling.

"Yes? What is it?" His expression remained calm, his gaze steady, even as the car flew down the road.

"Slow down… I'm scared."

"Alright."

The car came to a stop on a quiet coastal road. They walked to the beach and strolled along the sand in silence.

Victoria carried her heels in one hand, walking barefoot as the golden glow of the setting sun reflected on the waves. She seemed lost in thought.

Neither spoke. They just kept walking until Victoria grew bored. The two of them sat on a wooden bench by the roadside, sipping drinks Edward had bought, watching the sun slowly sink below the horizon.

Victoria broke the silence. "Do you really think the slum redevelopment project can make money? Be honest."

Edward chuckled. "Of course not. It's a disaster. So many people have already lost their shirts—and their lives. Who in their right mind would touch that mess?"

"Then why did you suggest I get involved?"

"How was I supposed to know you'd actually go through with it?"

"You knew the right answer but didn't say it. Why?"

Edward sighed. "I have my reasons."

For the first time, Victoria felt certain he was being truthful. She smiled faintly.

In the distance, a young man approached a middle-aged woman with a girl by his side. "Mom, this is my girlfriend, Lily," he said.

The older woman began praising the girl warmly. The three sat on the beach, chatting and laughing, their joy unmistakable.

Edward watched the scene intently, and Victoria noticed it too.

The boy looked youthful and energetic, acne dotting his face, a basketball slung over his back. The girl appeared shy and plain but gazed at him with adoration. The boy's mother was graceful and kind, her demeanor warm and inviting.

Edward's chest tightened. He thought of his own mother, still hospitalized in his original world. He desperately wanted to return, to make enough money to cure her illness.

[ [ If only I could marry a simple, ordinary girl like that and take her to meet my mom. She'd be so happy. ] ]

[ [ I'd give up everything—my cars, my villas—if it meant I could trade for that kind of happiness. ] ]

Victoria was stunned. This man, whom she'd always thought of as a greedy, ruthless capitalist, actually harbored such tender thoughts? If she hadn't heard them herself, she wouldn't have believed it.

Looking at Edward's calm expression, his eyes filled with a bittersweet mixture of envy and longing, Victoria felt an unexpected connection. Perhaps, deep down, they were the same kind of person.

"Edward," she asked suddenly, "do you think people are born destined to be lonely? Is the world really so cruel and cold?"

Edward paused for a long moment. "Yes," he said finally.

Disappointed, Victoria lowered her head.

Edward glanced at her and added gently, "But that's exactly why people crave connection."

"Connection?"

"Yes. We long for the care of family, the loyalty of friends, the devotion of a lover. We seek warmth in a cold world, and romance in a harsh life."

Victoria pursed her lips, then smiled despite herself. "Who would've thought you, of all people, could say something so profound?"

"Of course!" Edward grinned. "In business, we deal with wolves every day. No one wants to be the sheep. For people like us, even the simplest human connections are hard to come by. A single betrayal could earn someone more money than they'd make in a lifetime. Even good people can't resist that kind of temptation."

Victoria nodded thoughtfully. "So, we're doomed to loneliness?"

"Not exactly. We have money, don't we? Others envy us."

Victoria rolled her eyes. "What about your family? They seem harmonious. How come they don't follow this 'jungle law'? They seem so happy."

Edward thought for a moment. "Maybe my family is just… a little special."

Victoria gave a bitter laugh. "I envy you."

Sensing the moment was right, Edward shifted the topic. "The amusement park project should be profitable. You should move quickly."

Victoria had begun to feel something for Edward—not just business. But she wasn't about to make it easy for him.

"I know," she said coyly. "But I'm short on funds, and buying that land discreetly isn't easy. It'll leak sooner or later."

She looked at him expectantly, waiting for his response.

Edward nodded. "Don't worry about that. Davis will help you. He's got the means to secure the land without drawing attention."

Victoria's hopeful expression instantly turned cold. Staring at the distant waves, she said icily, "Edward, you really are scum."

Instead of getting angry, Edward laughed heartily. He didn't mind if Victoria disliked or misunderstood him. In fact, it suited him perfectly.

"So, you invest in the amusement park, and I'll take the slum redevelopment project. You're a good person, just too hot-headed. Stay away from scum like me for your own good."

Victoria glared at him. "I don't believe in curses. I'll invest in the slum project with you."

Edward's eyes widened. This woman is nuts!

[ [ Lady, what's wrong with your brain?! ] ]