Chapter 219: Did I Seek Your Intervention?

“Never compromise your true self for anything or anyone,” Derek assured her softly, looking her in the eye. He added, “There’s no need for you to change; I’ll learn to adapt to your world…”

This reassurance touched Vivienne deeply, prompting tears she had long held back to spill over. Her tears, once restrained, now cascaded down her cheeks unchecked. Derek’s typically composed eyes reflected a surge of concern and slight panic at her distress. Fumbling a bit, he reached out to wipe away her tears, whispering comforting words. “Shh, it’s alright. No more tears.” He pulled her into a tight embrace.

Through her sobs, Vivienne chuckled slightly, teasing him, “Derek, are you sure you’re good at comforting?”

He frowned slightly and replied, “Honestly, gentleness isn’t my forte, but for you, I’m willing to become better.”

Vivienne’s eyes, still moist, brightened with a soft smile. She took a moment, and then responded softly, “Thank you.”

Derek said, “As I’ve mentioned, I don’t just want thanks through words…”

Before he could finish, Vivienne sealed his lips with a gentle kiss, reminiscent of the fleeting kiss the night before. Their kiss, brief yet deeply tender, seemed almost dreamlike. As he drew closer, Vivienne gently pressed against his chest, whispering, “Derek, our time is short today. Just one hour.”

A slight frown marred his features, perhaps upset that their moment was brief. Soon after, they arrived at a restaurant. The authentic risotto flavors rekindled Vivienne’s appetite, and she savored every bite.

At that moment, her phone rang on the table. She caught a glimpse of the notification, hastily swallowed her food, and began to cough. A hand with prominent knuckles quickly offered her a glass of water.

Gratefully, Vivienne took a sip before answering the phone. “Vivienne!” Owen’ voice came through the phone, resonating loudly. Slightly startled, she moved the phone away from her ear and responded with composure, “Yes, Owen? What’s going on?”

“What do you mean ‘what’s going on’? Haven’t you seen the barrage of online attacks against you?”

“It’s possible they’re not really targeting me,” Vivienne replied calmly.

Hearing her tone, Owen scoffed, “Sure, those manipulated photos might deceive some, but to me, they’re amateurish.”

Indeed, the circulating photos were a concoction of genuine and doctored images, largely altered by sophisticated means.

“You already knew this, yet you still pose such a question.”

Owen found himself at a loss for words. Was he being manipulated?

“I’ve taken down all the offensive posts…”

“Why would you do that?” Vivienne exclaimed. “Sienna and I orchestrated that campaign for exposure. Why would you delete them without consulting me? Restore them now!”

On the other end, Owen’ confusion deepened. He had acted out of a desire to help, yet here he was being reprimanded instead of receiving gratitude?

“Vivienne, you’re becoming quite audacious. Who exactly do you think you’re commanding? I’m a sought-after hacker. People plead for my assistance, which I don’t always grant. I offered you my help out of generosity, and you don’t seem to appreciate it at all. Tsk!”

“Did I seek your intervention? You barged in and disrupted my strategy without so much as a discussion. There are plenty eager to assist me. I chose you because I trust your capabilities. Now, are you telling me you regret your decision?”