The Abandoned Wife Dumped Him First (Victoria and Elias) novel Chapter 118

The road from the project site to the village was still blocked, so the elderly and children had to be airlifted out first.

Victoria followed Elias outside.

After most of the day, the water level had receded slightly, now only reaching her calves.

"Mr. Shawn, Miss Sanger." Seeing Elias and Victoria, Hawk handed the old man he was supporting to Mr. Jenkins and quickly waded over.

Elias, his face stern, gave a slight nod in acknowledgment.

Before leaving, Victoria had finished the rest of the fever medicine, but it hadn't fully kicked in yet. She still felt dizzy and lightheaded. Hearing Hawk call her name, her reaction was sluggish, her voice hoarse.

"Assistant Hawk."

As she spoke, she wasn't paying attention to her footing and stepped on a loose rock, stumbling violently.

Hawk's eyes widened, and he instinctively moved to steady her.

But Elias was faster. His long arm shot out, grabbing her arm first.

She was still feverish, her skin warmer than usual. Elias's palm was cool against her, and the contrast made the touch feel incredibly sensitive. Victoria almost instinctively tried to pull her arm away.

Elias's eyes darkened. "If you want to take a fall, I don't mind letting go."

Victoria glanced to the side and only then realized they were standing on a slope. The water was so murky that she hadn't noticed it before.

If he hadn't caught her, she definitely would have fallen and gotten hurt, especially with all the unseen debris under the water.

Victoria pressed her lips together and said nothing.

The atmosphere between them suddenly grew tense.

Hawk, sensing the stalemate, broke the silence. "Mr. Shawn, Miss Sanger, the helicopter can't hover at this altitude for too long. Should we get on board?"

Elias's gaze lowered. "Hawk, help her," he ordered coolly.

Then, he let go of her arm and strode toward the helicopter.

Victoria watched his retreating back for a moment, stunned. Then she shook it off, glanced at Hawk's offered hand, and thanked him quietly.

Hawk gave a polite, noncommittal smile.

In truth, the moment Victoria placed her hand on his, he felt two icy, intensely pressuring glares on his back.

Hawk thought to himself, "For the first time in my life, I wish I was an amputee."

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