Chapter 60. I Feel Calm with Him!

Victoria’s POV

“Aunt Marla?!” I shouted the absolute second I crossed the threshold into my house.

“Over here!” I heard a distant voice call back. Following the sound, I navigated toward the back of the house and spotted Aunt Marla lounging on the patio alongside a man I hadn't seen before.

“Victoria, sweetie. This is my boyfriend, Markus—the one I mentioned to you on the phone. Markus, this is my niece, Victoria,” she introduced smoothly, gesturing between the two of us.

I offered him a polite, slightly strained smile before immediately turning on my heel and heading into the kitchen to pour myself a much-needed glass of ice water.

“Hey, Markus, I actually need to have a serious, private conversation with my niece about some pressing family matters. I hope you don't mind. How about