Chapter 193

Among the guests at Mitchell Group's anniversary celebration were senior leaders and some attendees from Vivienne and Warren's unfinished wedding. Upon spotting Vivienne, guests immediately recognized her. "That's Miss Hayes," one said, "the former head of Mitchell Group's project team. She masterminded the 'Wildheart' hotel project."

"Could she be the person who saved Mitchell Group from collapse?" another asked.

"Indeed," a third confirmed. "Without her, the Mitchell family's fortunes would be vastly different today."

Warren's smile tightened with each compliment Vivienne received, each one a sting to his ego. Despite her departure, he remained overshadowed by her legacy in the eyes of their guests; without her, their current standing would be unthinkable. He watched her, his hand clenching around his wine glass, a vein throbbing visibly. He was determined to prove whether the Mitchell family was incapable without Vivienne, or if she was the one reliant on them.

Everett approached Vivienne and led her to a quiet spot. "Vivienne, I know you resent me. I don't ask for your forgiveness, but I hope you can understand. The Mitchell family has sacrificed much to maintain what we've built. Warren, not you, erred in matters of love. In recompense, I'm prepared to transfer my entire stake in the company to you."

A faint smile touched Vivienne's lips, but her gaze remained cold. "As I stated clearly in our phone conversation, Mr. Mitchell, I appreciated your support during my time with the Mitchell family. I've fulfilled one request; after this, our paths diverge. There will be no forgiveness or understanding extended to anyone from the Mitchell family." For Vivienne, favors and grievances were distinct; there were no outstanding debts, and further engagement would only drain her energy.

Nearby, Melissa’s disapproval was evident. "Miss Hayes, can you really summarize your three years with the Mitchell family in just a few sentences?"

Vivienne raised an eyebrow, her gaze frosty. "What else, Mrs. Mitchell? And what will you do about it?"

Melissa faltered, caught off guard by the direct challenge, but she couldn't ignore the opening. "Your stay with the Mitchell family was under our generous care. Still, considering your efforts for the company, we'll let it slide."

A mocking glint appeared in Vivienne's eyes. She tilted her head, her smile deepening as she glanced at her wine glass, silently urging Melissa to continue.

"Natalie and Warren grew up together, inseparable until a misunderstanding drove them apart. As for you…" Melissa hesitated, wary of provoking Vivienne by referring to her as the other woman. She chose her words carefully. "Warren didn't choose to leave you. Despite societal pressures, he was adamant about your marriage. His actions at the wedding were impulsive, but leaving you was never his plan. You ended things, a move that surprised everyone. With so many witnesses, don't you think you owe them an explanation?"