The slap was loud and full of all the pent up anger Victoria was feeling for Simon. He was an ungrateful bastard. She and Henry had given him a job, a warm place to live, and he decides to back talk to her. He was insulting her and thinking he could take her elder daughter from her. Hell would freeze over before Victoria let that happen. Victoria's blue eyes were blazing with her own fury. If she had brought a weapon with her, she would have killed Simon in the maze.<br/><br/>Victoria's chin was held up high in the air and she looked down her nose at Simon. A drop of blood hit her dress, which had cost far more then what she paid this asshole in a month.<br/><br/>"Think what you want, your opinion means nothing to me."<br/><br/>Victoria replied coldly, she didn't care at all what a pathetic gardener thought of her. She was doing what was best for her children, for her future grandchildren. It wasn't cruel to make sure her descendants had the best possible bloodlines. She would never let this man or anyone else taint one her children.<br/><br/>Simon was smart to retreat fast and she had a feeling he wouldn't go as quietly as Allena had. Victtoria had crushed Allena's hopes and dreams. She was trying to do the same to Simon, but he was more defiant. She might not see him again, but he might think he could take Katherine with him when he left. That was not going to happen. Simon was right, she wouldn't follow him through the maze. He knew it far better them him and he wasn't worth her chasing. She'd let him think he could still win, for a little bit.<br/><br/>---------------------<br/><br/>Victoria arrived back to the party, it was starting to wind down. Henry was yawning away and having servants show guests to their room. Alexander and his new bride were ready to retreat for the night as well. Victoria told her son to wait a moment, when Ewan came over. Alexander nodded his head, it would rude to interrupt the prince, even if the party had been thrown from him. Alexander waited patiently, having no idea what his little sister had been up to.<br/><br/>Victoria chatted with Ewan, telling him he was welcome and that they had been honored to have him at the wedding and the reception. At what he whispered, she gave a simple nod of her head. She didn't trust the boy, her gut told her he wouldn't be like Allena. He would not just go off quietly into the night. She would not lose Katherine to him. So, yes, she'd let Ewan do what needed to be done to take care of this little problem.<br/><br/>After that was settled, she went to her son and new daughter-in-law, wishing them and others to have a good night. She'd have to help Henry reach the bed tonight. Which made her happy, she wanted to spend tonight with Ewan, anyway.