Chapter 13

Vivienne found herself speechless, a wave of memories washing over her. She had spent three years by Warren's side, wholeheartedly supporting him through every challenge. She had helped rescue the Mitchell Group from near-bankruptcy, watching with pride as he ascended to become one of Lyhaton's most coveted young elites. She had believed, with every fiber of her being, that no one understood Warren better than she did. Yet, all that devotion had earned her only his swift betrayal.

"External appearances often mislead us," Derek's rich voice flowed through the silence. "What meets the eye rarely tells the whole story, but intuition—that inner knowing—often guides us true. That's why I trust mine." A soft laugh escaped Vivienne's lips.

"I appreciate the wisdom of seeing with the heart rather than the eyes," she replied, "but shouldn't we begin with the fundamentals? Understanding someone's daily habits, their preferences, the small things that make them who they are?" Derek's expression softened into a gentle smile that held both compromise and resignation. "We each see the world through our own lens. I don't expect you to share my perspective. I simply want you to understand that pursuing you is my choice alone. You needn't feel burdened by it."

Vivienne released a weary sigh. "Mr. Hopkins, I'm sorry, but I'm not open to romantic possibilities right now."

"Miss Hayes, let me emphasize two points," Derek responded. "First, pursuing you is my decision. Second, my intentions are pure, and I don't expect immediate enthusiasm from you. There's no need for apologies or feeling encumbered by my choice."

Before Vivienne could protest, he turned and strode away, his tall frame moving with quiet confidence. Vivienne watched his retreating figure, caught between amusement and frustration. Had Derek proclaimed love at first sight, or leveraged past kindness, she could have rejected him decisively. Instead, his disarming honesty and transparency left her strangely vulnerable. After all, she was only human—how could she remain completely unmoved?

Later, hunger gnawing at her, Sienna appeared bearing Vivienne's favorite cupcakes. "Sweetie, have something to eat." After setting down the treats, Sienna settled onto the sofa, her gaze falling on a men's suit jacket nearby. Her lips curled with disgust, contempt blazing in her eyes. "You claimed you were leaving everything behind. Why cling to his old clothes? Are you considering returning to him?"

"That's not Warren's," Vivienne murmured, glancing at the jacket Sienna eyed with such disdain. Thoughts of her perplexing new acquaintance drew a soft sigh from her lips. "It belongs to the man who took me to the hospital yesterday."

Sienna's eyebrow arched with interest, her eyes sparkling with newfound curiosity. "You're hiding something from me."

"What could there possibly be to hide?" Vivienne's gaze flickered downward as she spoke softly. "It was just a chance encounter, nothing more."

"If it was truly so simple, why do you seem so flustered?" Sienna's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Come now, honesty between friends is always best."