Chapter 122

Vivienne possessed the power to resurrect or destroy the Mitchell family in an instant. Years ago, she chose to stand by Warren, severing ties with her own Sinclair family. Sienna never understood her decision.

“Was it for money?” Sienna had asked. The Sinclairs' wealth dwarfed that question. “Was it for status?” Their position in Lyhaton society was unparalleled. “Was it for Warren himself?” That seemed even less plausible; the Mitchells were nearly bankrupt, and Warren was penniless.

Vivienne’s lips thinned. After a long silence, she murmured, “Let's call it a debt.” Five years prior, Warren had saved her life. Without him, she wouldn't exist. This debt had prevented her from annihilating the Mitchell family, despite their transgressions.

After ending the call, she instructed Owen, "Take the trending topic down immediately." She exhaled, her thoughts still swirling, when Derek appeared, his imposing presence overshadowing the room. He tilted her chin up, his expression unreadable, his gaze sharp and intense. “Tell me,” he said, his voice low, “Is Warren the reason you won’t marry me?”

Vivienne's brows furrowed, a hint of coldness in her eyes. “Do you honestly think a scumbag like him is worth my time?”

Derek smiled slowly, intrigued. “Then why keep the Mitchell family afloat?” He knew Vivienne could easily destroy Mitchell Group. Her inaction piqued his curiosity.

A vibrant, dangerous smile bloomed on Vivienne's face. “If I wanted to crush Mitchell Group,” she said, her voice brimming with confidence, “no one could stop me.”

Derek didn't doubt her. She could rebuild or ruin the company at will. Yet, her answer didn't address his question. He chose not to press further. It wasn't Warren himself that troubled Derek, but the three years Vivienne had spent with him. However, hearing her call Warren a "scumbag" confirmed she had moved on. Her reluctance to act against the Mitchells stemmed from something beyond Warren.

“Then why won’t you marry me?” Derek pressed, his tone steady but laced with frustration.

Vivienne laughed softly. “I believe the journey to marriage matters.”

“Journey?” Derek echoed, the word unfamiliar. To him, acquisition was immediate. The process was inconsequential; the outcome was all that mattered.

“Meeting, getting to know each other, understanding, loving, committing, building a life together,” she explained, her voice light yet firm. “These steps may seem simple, but they create something meaningful. True love endures trials and hardships; you still choose each other.”

Her voice softened, a wistful glow in her eyes, sparkling with hope.

Derek’s lips tightened, his dark eyes lingering on hers as warmth kindled within them. “If that’s what you want, I’ll walk that journey with you,” he said, his voice low and resolute.