Chapter 111

The room fell into an eerie, suffocating silence. Every pair of eyes was fixed on Vivienne. Who would have thought the woman, once cornered by the entire Mitchell family, owned Timeless Treasures? No wonder Steve had shown her such unusual respect; no wonder the nine-point-five-four-million-dollar pen holder seemed insignificant to her. Reflecting on the Mitchell family's earlier attack now felt like a cruel joke.

Derek, lounging against the doorframe, raised an eyebrow, his surprise evident. His gaze swept the room before settling on Vivienne, who sat with unnerving calm, sipping her coffee. His lips curved into a playful smirk, his eyes narrowing with admiration.

In the crowd, Natalie's eyes widened, her breath catching. Vivienne, the owner of Timeless Treasures? Warren had always said she came from nothing—a simple country girl who'd improved her life through education. How could she own such a prestigious establishment? Had Warren lied?

Natalie shot a sharp glance at Warren, finding him frozen, staring at Vivienne, as stunned as everyone else.

Marianne stammered, her voice trembling with disbelief, "You've got to be kidding. How could she possibly own Timeless Treasures?"

"Exactly," another voice chimed in. "Even if you two are in cahoots, you could've come up with a better story. We know her background, every detail. Do you really think you can fool us with lies?" Their skepticism was palpable.

"Enough!" Everett snapped, his voice sharp and commanding, silencing the room instantly. "Haven't you caused enough trouble already? You all need to apologize to Vivienne, right now!"

Marianne protested, her voice rising in disbelief. Vivienne was just a woman from a poor village. Even if she owned Timeless Treasures, Marianne would never apologize. The thought of this becoming public humiliated her.

Steve, casually twirling a bracelet, spoke coolly, "The Mitchell family's behavior today has shocked me. Moments ago, you ganged up on Vivienne, forcing her to kneel and apologize. Now that the truth is out, none of you can offer a simple apology? Is this how the Mitchell family uses its influence—to oppress others?" His words cut sharply, exposing the family's tyranny.

"They've been ungrateful, so of course they think they can use their power to oppress others." A low, cold voice shattered the tension, sending a chill through the room.

Vivienne's heart skipped a beat at the familiar voice. She turned to see Derek, a few steps away. Panic flashed in her eyes. When had he arrived? Had he seen everything? She dreaded him seeing her harsh side.

Noticing her distress, Derek offered a reassuring smile. He mouthed, "I'm here for you; don't be scared." The words momentarily stilled Vivienne.

"Who are you?" Marianne snapped, suspicious and hostile.

Derek's expression hardened. His tone, frigid as winter air, was sharp. "Her protector."