Chapter 116

Vivienne’s lips curled into a sly, dangerous smile, alluring yet threatening. “Even if the Mitchell family rejects me, I have more than enough strength to stand alone. And you? What else do you have besides clinging to Warren? Your status as the Natalie family heiress? I won’t waste words, but let me remind you—you’ll never reach my level. You aren't even close. Warren is merely an option for me; for you, he's your only recourse. The Natalie family isn't what it once was. Without him, what do you have?”

She shot Natalie a look of contempt and pity before gracefully departing.

Only after Vivienne vanished did Natalie snap out of her stupor. She rushed after her, intent on continuing their confrontation, but halted as Vivienne slid into a car—a sleek Bentley, not the Rolls-Royce from earlier. Could she have found another wealthy benefactor?

Natalie immediately photographed the car and license plate, then dialed a number, her voice low and determined. “Find out who owns this car. I need the information—fast.” If Vivienne’s new sugar daddy learned she was a discarded Mitchell pawn, Natalie eagerly anticipated her downfall.

After a pause, the voice replied, “The car’s registered to Royal Fortune Entertainment Center; only recent rental details are available.”

Natalie’s eyes narrowed. “Rental?”

“Yes, but rented anonymously. I can't trace it further.”

“Understood.”

As she hung up, a mocking smile played on Natalie’s lips. She’d assumed a wealthy benefactor, but it seemed Vivienne had merely attached herself to a wannabe socialite. In that moment, Natalie dismissed Vivienne as a defeated, unworthy rival.

Vivienne slid into the car and fastened her seatbelt, surprised to find the engine running. “Aren’t we waiting for Steve?” she asked Derek, a hint of confusion in her voice.

Derek’s expression remained impassive. “He’s going a different way.”

Vivienne didn’t dwell on it. “Then drop me at the Sinclair Group entrance.”

Derek’s brow furrowed slightly, impatience flickering in his eyes. “Is the Sinclair Group elite team merely for show?”

“What?” Vivienne asked, frowning.

“Do you think the company will collapse without you?” Derek asked, his tone laced with irony.

Vivienne sighed. “What are you implying?”

Derek’s gaze softened; a smile touched his lips. “I think it’s only fair that my girlfriend spends some time with me outside of work—a date, you might say.”

“That doesn’t sound like you,” Vivienne teased.

Derek smirked, his eyes playful. “My girlfriend’s charm is irresistible.”

His deep, dark eyes held hers, drawing her in. Vivienne steadied her breath, resisting his gaze. “But I have a meeting this afternoon.”

Derek leaned closer, his voice soft and persistent. “But I miss you.” He continued, his tone deepening with playful longing, “My longing is as vast as the Sahara. You must comfort me this afternoon.”

Vivienne’s heart skipped a beat; a laugh bubbled up. She shook her head in disbelief. Could he actually be saying this?

“Vivienne, don’t you miss me too?” Derek’s voice was thick with affection, each word a velvet caress.

Her lashes fluttered as she met his gaze, her heart pounding.