Chapter 213: Old Resentments and Current Frustrations
Everett knew this wasn’t an ideal resolution, but it was necessary to protect the Mitchell family’s public image. If they turned their backs on Natalie now, Warren would carry the reputation of a heartless traitor forever. The incident had irrevocably linked Natalie and Warren.
“Natalie is the Chambers family’s sole heir. They won’t abandon her, and now neither can you. Think strategically about the future,” Everett advised Warren, his face giving away no emotion.
Warren’s brow furrowed slightly. “I understand, Grandpa.”
Then Melissa, who had been silent until now, spoke up with noticeable frustration. “What about Vivienne? She’s brought nothing but scandal to our family. Are we supposed to just overlook her actions?”
Anger was evident as Melissa thought about Vivienne’s audacious behavior at the anniversary event. Without Vivienne’s provocations, the Mitchell family wouldn’t be subjected to such humiliation, and Warren wouldn’t be facing unfounded criticism.
Everett’s expression turned grim as he scoffed coldly, “Don’t think your scheming goes unnoticed!”
Melissa’s gaze wavered under his accusation. “Had you disciplined Diana better, would she have faced such humiliation? She only has herself to blame.”
With that, Everett leaned on his cane and began to exit the room. Upon reaching the staircase, he spotted Diana near her bedroom. “Return to your room and contemplate your errors. Don’t come out until you understand what you did wrong.”
His message was clear. She was confined to her room until she recognized her faults. Diana’s face still bore the marks of yesterday’s slap from Milo, and the pain had tormented her through the night. Overwhelmed by her grandfather’s harsh words, Diana felt unjustly accused and was seething with anger.
She was at a loss, unable to grasp what she had supposedly done to deserve this. Diana believed her grandfather was unfairly directing his frustration toward her, fueled by Vivienne’s devious actions against their family. It was clear to Diana that Everett had always preferred Vivienne, consistently prioritizing her over others. Even with Vivienne no longer part of the Mitchell household, he seemed to continue his protection of her.
Everett chose not to seek vengeance against Vivienne for her betrayal, opting instead to focus his disciplinary efforts on Diana. This only intensified Diana’s growing hatred for Vivienne.
Frustrated, Diana stormed back to her room, slammed the door with force, and collapsed onto her bed, her face buried in her pillow as she let out her pent-up frustrations. She was baffled by Vivienne’s ability to allure such a remarkable man, whose presence was commanding and whose tone carried an air of arrogance. Obviously, he wasn’t just any rich man.
Ever since Vivienne had left their family, Diana had eagerly awaited the moment Vivienne would be humiliated. However, contrary to her wishes, the outcome had been different. Her old resentments and current frustrations were nearing a breaking point. A sinister glint appeared in Diana’s eyes, reminiscent of a snake poised to strike its prey. This time, she resolved to tarnish Vivienne’s reputation thoroughly. She was curious to see who would still stand by Vivienne.
Motivated by this idea, Diana leapt from her bed and hurried over to her computer. Vivienne had just started her day at the office when Sienna came rushing in, exclaiming, “Those ruthless people from the Mitchell family are stirring trouble again.”
“What’s going on?” Vivienne inquired, glancing at the visibly upset Sienna while she shut the file she was examining.