Chapter 10

Their chat continued until Sienna's call summoned Vivienne away. Derek's eyes narrowed as he watched her elegant form disappear.

"Derek," Margot's voice sharpened, a hint of steel in its tone.

Derek Hopkins met Margot's gaze, catching the mischievous glint in her eyes. A faint smile played on his lips. "Grandma, thank you for today."

"Oh, hush!" Margot swatted the air with feigned indignation, her face breaking into a smug grin. "Don't think this is simply me being sweet—I'm eager to bounce a great-grandchild on my knee."

Derek dipped his head, concealing the earnest glint in his eyes. "Consider it done, then. She's set to be your granddaughter-in-law—no backing out now."

"My instincts never fail me," Margot said with unshakable certainty. "But you've got your work cut out for you. That girl doesn't seem the least bit impressed by you."

Her words pricked at Derek's quiet frustration. All his life, his wealth and achievements had attracted women effortlessly. Yet Vivienne remained aloof, her cool disinterest unsettling his confidence in unexpected ways.

He met Margot's shrewd gaze. "Got any advice for me?"

"Win her with authenticity," she said, her voice imbued with unusual gravity. "Be humble, be proactive, show genuine care—and be consistent. Hurt her, and you'll answer to me."

Derek chuckled softly. "She's not even family yet, and you're already taking her side?"

"The more I see of her, the more I appreciate her," Margot replied, her thoughts drifting to Vivienne's quiet grace. Her expression softened until she noticed Derek rising. "Where are you going?"

His smile hinted at purpose. "To take the initiative, naturally."

Vivienne's return to her hospital room was abruptly halted by Diana Mitchell, her presence a coiled threat. Venom laced Diana's face as she assessed Vivienne, her lips twisting into a cruel smirk. "Vivienne, you're a disappointment. I expected you to have accepted reality and withdrawn quietly, but here you are, still pursuing my brother. Do you think playing the poor little patient will win him back? Spare yourself the humiliation. Someone like you doesn't deserve him."

"Repeat that," Vivienne snapped, her voice icy, her eyes blazing with sudden fury.

Diana, accustomed to Vivienne's gentler nature, hesitated under the intensity of her anger but quickly recovered. "What? Did I lie? You dumped my brother to pursue other men. What else would you call it?"

When Vivienne remained silent, Diana's boldness increased. "Don't think I'm unaware of why you disappeared back then. Warren told me everything."

The color drained from Vivienne's face, shock rendering her immobile. Her hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her skin unnoticed. Her slender frame trembled with buried rage. That night—a scar of disgrace etched into her soul—was meant to remain between her and Warren, protected by his sworn secrecy.

But he had broken that trust, revealing their secret to Diana, his promises shattered.

A sharp pain pierced Vivienne's chest, her breath coming in ragged gasps as the world seemed to spin. Diana, mistaking her pallor for surrender, leaned closer. "Let me clarify something, Vivienne. If you hadn't pursued Warren while he was still grieving Natalie, he never would have given you a second glance. Take a long, hard look in the mirror…"

Slap!