Chapter 186

Upon returning to the Mitchell estate, Warren went directly to Everett's quarters. His entrance caught Everett's attention; he handed the birdcage he held to a servant. "What brings you here? Trouble at the company?"

Another servant offered Warren a glass of water. After the servant left, Warren said, "Grandpa, Natalie and I encountered Vivienne today while we were with Kason."

Everett met Warren's gaze, silently prompting him to continue.

"I noticed something odd about Kason's demeanor toward Vivienne," Warren said. "Given his elevated status, you'd expect minimal acknowledgment of our family, and even less of Vivienne. Yet, he treated her with a surprising blend of respect and… apprehension."

Everett was familiar with Kason's reputation for integrity and sternness. He knew that were it not for the Chambers family's assistance years ago, Natalie would struggle to meet him now.

Everett's brow furrowed. "Do you suspect Vivienne might have withheld aspects of her background from us?"

Vivienne's unexpected revelation of her ownership of Timeless Treasures at the recent birthday celebration had taken everyone by surprise. The Mitchell family had previously discreetly investigated her past. Initially viewed as a poor country girl, Vivienne lacked the influence and power the Mitchells desired; consequently, they had readily chosen Natalie over her. However, a further astonishing revelation emerged: Vivienne was a renowned restoration expert and consultant to the Department of Cultural Relics.

This discovery not only surprised Everett but also unsettled him. He sensed a deeper, unknown layer to Vivienne's past.

With a solemn nod, Warren voiced his concern. "This is complicated. I trust you to help ensure Vivienne's presence at the Mitchell Group's anniversary event."

Warren had devised a plan on his way to his grandfather's quarters. Upon Vivienne's arrival at the anniversary event, he intended to immediately inform the press, emphasizing her connection to the Mitchells to publicly secure their association. Even if Vivienne wished to distance herself, the resulting media attention would necessitate her support. This would undoubtedly elevate the Mitchell family's standing in Lyhaton.

Lost in thought, Everett suddenly asked, "Did Kason offer any insights into who might be targeting the Chambers family?"

Warren, after a moment of reflection, replied, "He suggested Natalie had angered someone powerful. He was vague, but I suspect the Sinclair family."

The Sinclairs, known for their immense wealth and power, were Lyhaton's most prominent family. Society's elite adhered to a clear hierarchy of status and influence. The Sinclairs occupied the highest tier, followed by the Vaughn, Holt, and the quietly influential Hoffman families. The Mitchells barely clung to the third tier. Neither the Mitchells nor the Chamberses possessed the prestige to interact freely with those under Sinclair protection. What circumstances could have prompted them to antagonize someone connected to the Sinclairs?

A sudden thought struck Everett. "Isn't the surname of the new Sinclair Group CEO Hayes?"

"Correct," Warren confirmed.

Considering Vivienne's trajectory since leaving the Mitchell family, Everett contemplated the possibility. Vivienne's multiple identities, whether deliberately concealed or not, suggested a complexity that couldn't have been hastily created. Her background had always been intricate.

Everett gazed intently at Warren and murmured, "The Sinclair Group's CEO, Miss Hayes… and Vivienne… could they possibly be one and the same?"