Chapter 126

Benjamin quickly composed himself. “This weekend, Wesley Vaughn’s granddaughter is getting married, and I need you to attend with me,” he said, his tone steady.

Vivienne replied calmly, “Alright.”

Before her agreement fully registered, Benjamin continued, “Wesley mentioned the Vaughn family will have a special guest. He’s about your age, and I think you two might share some common interests. I’d like you to show him around Lyhaton while he’s here.”

Vivienne frowned. Benjamin’s request to attend the wedding was clearly a pretext. The real plan was a contrived meeting between her and this guest.

“Grandpa, I already have a boyfriend,” Vivienne said, her gaze briefly dropping to her desk, silently hoping Derek wouldn't reveal himself.

Underneath the desk, Derek's face darkened, his irritation barely concealed. Though Benjamin hadn't named the guest, Derek knew immediately who it was, quietly plotting how to deal with Caleb.

Vivienne calmly suggested, “I’ve just taken over the company, and my workload is overwhelming. Why not have Scarlett entertain Wesley’s guest?”

“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” Benjamin advised, his tone almost fatherly. “Besides, only we know about this. As long as you don't mention anything, your boyfriend won't suspect a thing.”

Vivienne offered a strained smile, her discomfort evident. Unbeknownst to Benjamin, there were three people in the office. Derek had heard everything.

“I have a chess game to attend,” Benjamin declared, leaning on his cane and heading for the door. His voice held the weight of his years. At the door, he turned back. “Vivienne, your mother always wanted you to be safe and happy. Don’t forget that.”

Vivienne’s eyes dimmed. She managed a small, strained smile. “I know.”

After Benjamin left, he walked briskly to his car, his steps heavy with unspoken worry. The butler, in the passenger seat, noticed his furrowed brow. “Sir, did she tell you anything?”

Benjamin shook his head, sighing wearily. “No. Not a word.” A soft chuckle escaped him, though his eyes remained serious. “She’s still so young—thinking she can fool everyone. But her actions betray her.”

“Should we ask Harvey to investigate further?” the butler asked cautiously.

Benjamin waved a dismissive hand, his tone heavy with concern. “Harvey won’t hold back. If he uncovers something, there’s no telling how far he’ll go. It’s better to wait.”

He gazed at the Sinclair Group building, his expression unreadable. Leaning back, exhaustion etched his features. He exhaled deeply, closing his eyes. His late daughter had left a complex, painful puzzle for him to solve. He wanted Vivienne out of the chaos, but fate seemed to have other plans.

Meanwhile, Vivienne stood by the window, watching the street below, lost in thought. Her grandfather’s reaction to her relationship with Warren had been immediate and absolute, ordering her to end it. She’d thought it was about family expectations; his relief when she broke up with Warren seemed to confirm this. But now? Even single, any mention of a new relationship unsettled him. Was it because he thought she was moving on too fast—or was there something else?