Chapter 203: Can’t Lose Her
Everett watched as Vivienne’s figure disappeared into the distance, her every step radiating unwavering resolve. He understood now—this was the only mercy she would ever grant the Mitchell family. The Mitchells could do nothing but seethe as she walked away, untouched and unbothered. No one, however, burned with rage quite like Melissa. The thought of being made a fool by Vivienne—of having their grand anniversary celebration shattered, their family’s reputation dragged through the dirt—was unbearable. Fury swelled inside her, a storm of humiliation and resentment, until it finally snapped what little composure she had left.
“Vivienne Hayes, stop right there!” Melissa lunged forward, grabbing Vivienne’s wrist in a vice-like grip. “You think you can just cause chaos and walk away like nothing happened?” Before anyone could react, Vivienne twisted effortlessly, breaking free and seizing Melissa’s arm instead. She smirked, her grip firm. “And if I do? What exactly are you planning to do about it?”
“How dare you!” Melissa’s breath hitched, her frustration flashing in her eyes as she struggled for words. Vivienne scoffed, her laugh sharp and cutting, before shoving Melissa aside and striding off without so much as a glance back.
Just then, the doors swung open, and a line of men in black filed into the room, their movements precise and unnervingly controlled. Melissa’s anger twisted into something smug. “Vivienne, did you really think you could just walk away?” But before she could finish, the men marched right past Vivienne and surrounded the Mitchell family instead.
Melissa’s triumph shattered. Her face darkened as she snapped, “Have you all lost your minds? Look again and tell me who your real boss is!” The men remained unmoved, their cold, mechanical stares sending a creeping chill through the room. Melissa felt an icy shiver creep down her spine beneath the men’s unyielding stares. Her throat tightened as she swallowed hard, taking slow, cautious steps backward in a weak attempt to mask her fear.
The tension in the room hung thick and suffocating until Vivienne’s soft laugh sliced through it like a blade. She cast the Mitchell family a glance filled with nothing but scorn before turning on her heel and striding away, her presence commanding.
With the men in black flanking her departure, the weight of their oppressive aura gradually faded. A collective breath of relief swept through the room. Melissa’s fingers curled into fists as she watched Vivienne disappear, her frustration burning hot in her reddened eyes. “What are we supposed to do now? The reporters won’t let this slide! Once word gets out, Warren will be torn apart, and the company will take a hit!”
Everett’ expression darkened, his voice cutting through her panic like cold steel. “You have no one to blame but your own greed.” Everett’ plan had been simple—convince Vivienne to forgive the Mitchell family, and then leverage her influence to their advantage. But Melissa had been reckless. She had plotted to force Vivienne into covering up Warren and Natalie’s scandals, shifting all the disgrace onto her while Warren emerged as a man of unwavering devotion. As if someone like Vivienne could ever be so easily played.
For three years, the Mitchell family had treated her as nothing more than an inconvenience. They had belittled her to her face and slandered her behind her back. Now, seeing her true worth, they had the audacity to turn to her for salvation. This disaster was entirely of their own making.
“But I did it for the Mitchell family!” Melissa protested, indignation flaring in her expression as she bristled under Everett’ reproach. “Was I supposed to just stand by and let Warren be branded a heartless cheater?”
Everett’ gaze cut toward her, sharp and knowing. “Spare me the excuses. Don’t think I haven’t noticed you encouraging Warren and Natalie’s affair behind the scenes.” A flicker of unease passed through Melissa’s eyes, but she masked it quickly.
Just then, Diana stepped forward, her tone laced with defiance. “Grandpa, be reasonable! Everything my mom did was for my brother! And besides—” She hesitated, and then pressed on, “Who really knows what happened the night Vivienne disappeared? Do you seriously think my brother should marry a woman like her?”
“Enough!” Everett’ cane struck the floor with a resounding crack, his voice reverberating through the room like a thunderclap. His cold, authoritative glare silenced any further objections. Diana shrank back, retreating beside Melissa. Everett’ eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable but grave. No matter what, they couldn’t afford to lose Vivienne now.