Chapter 210: Vivienne Should Be Held Accountable

Natalie stood in front of Warren, dressed in a white dress. Tears had streaked her pale face, and the marks of Vivienne’s slaps stood out on her cheeks, red and swollen. She looked like a flower beaten down by the storm.

“Warren…” Her voice cracked with a heartbreaking rasp as she leaned into his chest, her tears threatening to spill. A pang of pain shot through Warren as he saw her distress, his brows knitting together. He enveloped Natalie in his arms, his hand soothing her trembling body. “Don’t worry. I’m right here.”

Feeling out of place, Sonia decided to quietly slip away. She threw a meaningful look over her shoulder as she left. True to her suspicion, Natalie coaxed Warren into her room, a cunning smile briefly crossing Sonia’s face.

Just then, a servant appeared, bearing a tray with Bryson’s coffee. “Mrs. Chambers.”

“Hand it over,” Sonia responded, accepting the tray and heading toward Bryson’s study. Entering the room, she coughed as smoke filled her lungs. After setting down the coffee, she waved her hands to clear the smoke and opened the balcony window for some air.

“Why are you smoking so much?” she scolded.

Bryson inhaled deeply from his cigarette, releasing a slow puff of smoke. “Warren is here?”

“Yeah, he’s in Natalie’s room,” Sonia replied, her smile suggesting she knew more than she let on.

Bryson’s face tensed slightly. He put out his cigarette in the ashtray and said in a calm voice, “If he’s here, it means he still has feelings for Natalie. If he cares, we can work with that.”

“What are you suggesting?” Sonia asked. Having been an opera troupe actress in her younger years, she knew how to capture a man’s heart but was unfamiliar with the complexities of the business world.

She observed Bryson’s serious face. “Is there another plan you’re considering?” she asked.

“Natalie’s reputation is in ruins this time, and the planned marriage alliance between the Mitchell and Chambers families is once again delayed. Clearly, I believe Vivienne should be held accountable for this.”

As he voiced these thoughts, a sharp, cold gleam flashed across Bryson’s eyes. At that moment, Vivienne shivered, suddenly feeling cold. “Achoo!”

“Are you coming down with a cold?” Derek asked, grasping Vivienne’s slightly chilled hand and draping his coat over her shoulders.

Vivienne just sniffled slightly. “No, I’m alright.”

They drove toward Vivienne’s apartment. This wasn’t Derek’s first time escorting her home, so Vivienne didn’t give it much thought. Upon reaching her apartment door, Derek lingered, clearly reluctant to leave. Vivienne acted innocent, widening her eyes as if clueless. “Well, I’m home now.”

Her message was unmistakable; she was telling him to leave. Yet, Derek appeared tired as he admitted, “I’m just so tired. All I need is a nap, Vivienne.”

Vivienne was momentarily lost for words. That explained how he managed to go without sleep. He had planned this all along!

Instead of forcing his way in, Derek explained gently, “I’ve been on a flight for over ten hours and haven’t slept in two days. I came straight to see you after landing.”

“And?” Vivienne played dumb, a suppressed grin twinkling in her eyes.

“I just need to rest on your couch for a bit.”

Noticing the genuine exhaustion in his eyes, Vivienne gave in, stepping back to let Derek into her apartment.