Chapter 17
Diana’s eyes sparkled with excitement, her face aglow with delight. She was certain that one slap from Melissa would leave Vivienne’s cheek puffed up like a balloon.
Melissa’s hand whipped through the air, carrying a fierce gust of wind, but just as it was about to strike Vivienne’s cheek, she caught it firmly. Melissa’s eyes widened in shock as she stared at Vivienne. Instinctively, she struggled to break free, but her wrist was held fast. Panic flickered in her eyes. “Vivienne, what on earth are you doing?” she demanded.
Vivienne’s mocking smile stretched across her face. She leaned in, her voice laced with sarcasm. “I was taught to show respect to the elderly and care for the young. But if you insist on flaunting your authority, I won’t hesitate to give you a taste of your own medicine.”
“How dare you!” Melissa’s face flushed with anger, her teeth clenched in outrage. “Vivienne, you’re begging for trouble! Warren won’t forgive you for this!”
Vivienne chuckled lightly and suddenly released Melissa’s wrist. “Whether he forgives me or not is none of my concern.”
Melissa staggered in her high heels, nearly tumbling to the floor, but Diana rushed to steady her.
“Let’s get out of here,” Melissa scoffed, biting her lip in frustration, and turned away without a glance back.
Once outside the ward, Diana grumbled, “Mom, Vivienne is getting more and more arrogant. We need to teach her a lesson.”
“Shut up!” Melissa snapped, her voice laced with frustration as she rubbed her sore wrist. “Stop provoking her!”
Diana murmured reluctantly, “Okay.” Her gaze dropped, hiding the malicious glint in her eyes. She vowed to remember this slap, and one day, Vivienne would beg for mercy.
With Melissa and Diana gone, Vivienne finally found herself in the rare silence she longed for. She closed her eyes, savoring the stillness—until, once again, the door swung open.
“Can’t you people take a hint?” Vivienne muttered under her breath, her annoyance thick in her voice as her gaze shifted toward the door.
To her surprise, it wasn’t Melissa who entered, but a tall, unfamiliar man dressed in a sleek black suit. His presence seemed almost deliberate. Vivienne’s irritation flared, but she masked it with a veneer of politeness. “And you are?” she asked, arching an eyebrow, her voice cool.
“Hello, Miss Hayes. I’m Milo Tomas, Mr. Hopkins’ special assistant,” he said, offering a courteous nod. “He specially prepared these fruits for you.”
Vivienne’s sharp gaze narrowed slightly as she processed the name. Mr. Hopkins… the connection was clear instantly. Her expression remained composed, but her voice carried an edge.
“I appreciate Mr. Hopkins’ kindness, but I don’t accept gifts without a proper reason. Please, take them back.” She was never fond of receiving favors from strangers, especially knowing Derek’s intentions toward her. Accepting his offerings would only serve to silently acknowledge his advances.
Milo kept his smile fixed, his demeanor unwavering. His eyes revealed nothing, but his words carried an almost imperceptible weight. “It seems what I’ve prepared doesn’t meet your expectations, Miss Hayes. Please, allow me a moment to arrange something else that will satisfy you.” His implication was clear—if she rejected the fruit, he’d simply return with another offering until she accepted.
Vivienne paused, her fingers tapping against the armrest thoughtfully. With a resigned sigh, she relented, though not without a trace of reluctance. “Just leave it here, then.”
“Of course. Please enjoy, Miss Hayes.” Milo carefully placed the fruit on the table, his movements deliberate, before glancing at Vivienne with a watchful eye.
Vivienne’s gaze shifted to the fruit—freshly cut and arranged with a level of precision and elegance that couldn’t be found in any ordinary market. It was almost too perfect.
“Please convey my thanks to Mr. Hopkins,” Vivienne said, her voice softer but still distant. Just as Milo turned to leave, a thought crossed her mind, and she called out to him, “It’s going to rain outside. Take this umbrella with you.”
Milo froze for a brief moment, and then turned back with a smile that held an unexpected warmth. “Thank you, Miss Hayes.” As he met her eyes, the scrutiny from earlier shifted into something else—a quiet understanding, perhaps even appreciation.