Chapter 20

Vivienne and Sienna, engrossed in conversation, stopped abruptly upon seeing Warren and Natalie at the door. Vivienne's warm smile vanished, replaced by a cold stare. "Leave now!" she commanded.

Natalie's response was subtle; her lips trembled slightly as she clutched Warren's hand tighter, her face clouding over. Warren sensed the chill from Vivienne, his brow furrowing. He soothed Natalie's hand with a gentle touch. Vivienne felt a sharp ache in her heart at this display of affection, as if it had stolen her breath. Such warmth was unfamiliar to her.

For over three years, Vivienne had tirelessly networked with investors to support Warren, receiving only occasional attention in return. Yet, Natalie seemed to effortlessly unlock Warren's tender side with a single sorrowful look. Vivienne realized the profound gap between love and mere obligation.

"I need to speak with you," Warren said, urgently guiding Natalie into the room. "Why did the Sienna family suddenly pull their funding?"

Vivienne's eyes returned to their usual indifferent look. "Did you come here just to blame me?"

"This is serious!" Warren exclaimed, his expression grim. "The Bayside project desperately needs funding. With the Sienna family pulling out, the project is in jeopardy. Do you realize how critical this is for Mitchell Group?"

"I do," Vivienne replied casually.

There had been a time when she had thrown herself into Warren's ventures, driven by her feelings for him and viewing the Mitchell Group's success as her own. Now, detached from Warren, the company's well-being no longer concerned her. A slight, scornful smile touched her lips. "And why should Mitchell Group's fate matter to me now?"

"Vivienne!" Warren's voice rose, frustration boiling over, his eyes ablaze. "You've always been meticulous about keeping our personal and professional lives separate. Why this sudden change? Regardless of our personal issues, I will find a way to make it up to you. But using the company as leverage for revenge? How is that any different from being an opportunistic scoundrel?"

Vivienne elegantly picked a cherry with a fruit fork, spat out the pit, and calmly retorted, "I devoted myself to Mitchell Group without reserve, and that was expected of me. But now, when I distance myself, I'm labeled a scoundrel? Your hypocrisy astounds me."

"Warren has been buried under the weight of company issues, and it's been tough on him," Natalie said innocently, her gaze fixed on Vivienne. "Mitchell Group isn't just a business to him; it's his life's legacy. Vivienne, I understand there are hard feelings, but helping Warren would mean the world. I would sacrifice anything for that."

"Why don't you just sacrifice yourself then?" Vivienne blurted.

Tears welled up in Natalie's eyes as she absorbed Vivienne's hostile words, her lips trembling. She turned to Warren, seeking solace.

Moved by her distress, Warren wrapped his arms around her, casting a reproachful look at Vivienne. "Why must you be so harsh? Natalie's caught in the middle here. It's me who's haunted by past feelings, me who still yearns for her. If you're upset, blame me!"

Overwhelmed by emotion, Natalie admitted through sobs, "This is all my fault. I never should have returned, never should have come between you. I've only made things worse."

Sienna, who had been quietly observing, finally lost her patience. "Enough, Natalie Chambers! Can't you stop your acting for a moment?"

Natalie turned her tearful eyes toward Sienna. Sienna was simply dressed, yet exuded elegance. Even her casually layered bracelets were rare, limited-edition pieces from around the world.

Since when did someone from such an elite background get involved with Vivienne?

Acting as if unfairly treated, Natalie pressed closer to Warren, a glint of resolve in her eyes. Warren shielded Natalie, his expression stern as he looked at Sienna. "Watch your words, Miss."

"Well," Sienna responded with a smirk, her gaze scornful, "perhaps you should remember your place, Mr. Mitchell. It would serve you well." Her words hinted at a deeper threat.

Warren's expression hardened. "What exactly are you implying?"