Chapter 166
The Vaughn family held an esteemed position as one of Lyhaton's four major families, and their patriarch Wesley's unshakeable bond with Benjamin had weathered countless storms. This connection made Vivienne's attendance at the wedding banquet not merely expected, but mandatory.
Raina's wedding announcement had captivated the city, as befitted the Vaughn family's prominence. However, Vivienne awoke to vastly different headlines. The morning news blared reports of a governmental investigation into the Chambers family for tax evasion, the authorities launching their inquiry with decisive force.
At the dining table, Vivienne watched the televised footage of Natalie's father being escorted away by officials, her expression betraying nothing but cool detachment. The turn of events hardly surprised her; she had never intended to let Natalie escape consequences, though she hadn't needed to orchestrate them. The Sinclair family's intervention allowed her to observe events unfold from a comfortable distance.
While Vivienne maintained her composure, Sienna practically bubbled with vindictive pleasure, her words tumbling out in an excited rush. "Now this is what I call divine justice!" she declared, gesturing animatedly. "Did Natalie honestly believe her status as the Chambers heir made her untouchable? Everything they had was built on borrowed prestige, yet she still managed to engineer her own downfall. The sheer audacity!"
Vivienne's lips curved into a subtle smile. "She must have truly provoked you to inspire such passion."
"Without question," Sienna confirmed immediately.
Vivienne noticed Sienna clutching her wine glass, her eyes sweeping the room with focused intent. "What has caught your attention?" Vivienne inquired, curiosity piqued.
"Word is, a distinguished guest from the Vaughn family is attending. Why else would Lyhaton's wealthy ladies dress as though competing for attention?" Sienna's gaze settled on Vivienne, her smile knowing. "Though I wonder—are you deliberately understating your appearance to avoid the spotlight, or perhaps saving your best for someone special?"
A telling flush colored Vivienne's cheeks. "What ridiculous suggestions you make."
The implication of saving her best for someone special struck uncomfortably close to home.
Sienna's eyes danced with understanding. "Others might not see through you, but I certainly do. For someone as naturally reserved as yourself to display affection publicly—you must have found someone truly remarkable."
"It was merely a chance encounter," Vivienne deflected, her tone deliberately light. Privately, however, she acknowledged how swiftly and unexpectedly her relationship with Derek had evolved. She had chosen to yield to this forceful man's persistence.
"That explanation might satisfy others, but not me!" Sienna declared with conviction. She clasped Vivienne's hand, her voice softening with genuine concern. "I'm glad you're allowing yourself to meet new people. I just can't help wondering who managed to capture your heart so soon after you broke up with that worthless Warren."
Warren spotted Vivienne across the room. After a moment's hesitation, he approached, only to overhear Sienna's unflattering assessment of his character.
Following an awkward pause, he cleared his throat. "Vivienne."
Sienna turned to face him, her expression devoid of embarrassment. "Oh my, did you happen to hear me criticizing you?"
Before Warren could respond, she continued breezily, "Well, if you heard it, so be it. I prefer honest speech."
Warren's expression darkened, though he remained silent. With countless eyes upon them, engaging in an argument with a woman would only damage his carefully cultivated image.
"Vivienne," he addressed her directly, pointedly ignoring Sienna. "I need to speak with you privately."