Chapter 185: Her Status is Far Beyond Anything I Could Reach

Kason hurried forward, his face lighting up with a surprised and delighted smile. He stood modestly before Vivienne. Warren and Natalie understood the weight of Kason's past. Without a past favor from the Chambers family, he wouldn't have given the now-declining family a second glance. Yet, his respect for Vivienne, a woman from the countryside, was striking.

"Miss Holt, it's a pleasure to see you again," Kason said warmly.

Sienna, seeing Kason with Natalie, suspected collaboration and felt indifferent.

Vivienne nodded lightly, briefly meeting Kason's gaze before smiling warmly. "Mr. Collins, it's been a while."

Kason, aware of Vivienne's esteemed position within the Sinclair family, anticipated a cooler reception. Her warmth surprised and humbled him.

"Yes, it has indeed. I thought you'd forgotten me," he replied, chuckling softly.

"You're too modest, Mr. Collins," Vivienne responded, a sly glint in her eyes as she glanced at Warren and Natalie. A knowing smile played on her lips. "I really must be going."

"I was about to leave as well. Would you like a ride?" Kason offered hopefully.

Vivienne politely declined. "No, thank you, Mr. Collins," she said, turning to leave.

Sienna caught up with Vivienne, frustrated. "Why engage with him? Aren't you worried he'll reveal our secret?"

"He's not foolish enough to offend the Sinclair family," Vivienne replied firmly. Her true background remained hidden, per the Sinclairs' wishes—unless Kason challenged their influence.

Sienna pouted. "People gravitate toward those like themselves. He seems close to Natalie."

Vivienne's gaze was cool. "Everyone prioritizes their own interests." Kason's success implied an understanding of that simple truth.

Only after Vivienne disappeared did Kason turn. Natalie stood frozen, disbelief etched on her face. What had just happened? Why Kason's respect and caution? Could her father's downfall be linked to Vivienne? What connection could the Sinclair family possibly have with her?

Natalie swallowed hard, finally asking, "Mr. Collins, do you know Miss Hayes?"

"Not really," Kason replied, his voice steady, though his hesitation was visible. It had been a fleeting encounter years ago. He could have easily embellished their connection, but his status had always been insignificant to her.

Natalie sighed with relief. It seemed her imagination had run wild.

Then Kason added, with a hint of resignation, "Her status is far beyond anything I could reach."

Natalie's shock was palpable. "Mr. Collins, are you certain?" she asked, blinking rapidly. "Miss Hayes has no connections in Lyhaton." How could she possibly possess such noble status?

Kason considered correcting her, but the Sinclairs' control over Vivienne's background silenced him. He nodded. "Perhaps you're right."

He checked his watch, signaling the conversation's end. "It's late. I have a meeting."

"Take care, Mr. Collins," Natalie said, her voice heavy with unspoken thoughts.

Kason's departure left Warren lost in thought, pondering the conversation's unexpected turns.