Chapter 229: Left Her Mind Completely Blank

The question had haunted Vivienne’s thoughts like a persistent shadow. It represented everything—her decision to choose Warren against her family’s wishes, her relentless dedication to the Mitchell family’s success. Her heart thundered in her chest as she voiced the question.

A thoughtful gleam flickered in Warren’s eyes at her question. Vivienne studied his expression, and in that moment of silence, understanding crystallized within her. Her lips curved into a subtle, knowing smile as she gracefully slipped into her waiting car. The vehicle pulled away, leaving Warren rooted to the spot, lost in a fog of confusion.

Only after her car vanished into the distance did her earlier words echo through his mind: “I helped elevate the Mitchell family, giving you the audacity to test my limits repeatedly. But that ends now. Watch closely as I dedicate myself to returning the Mitchell family to their humble beginnings.”

Would she follow through? Warren desperately clung to memories of the compliant Vivienne who had once yielded to his every demand. Surely she wouldn’t destroy what she had helped create. The Mitchell family’s rise had been paved with countless obstacles, each one overcome through Vivienne’s unwavering dedication.

But the current Vivienne was different. She had endured his betrayal and now faced Diana’s calculated assault on her reputation. With her fierce spirit, forgiveness seemed impossible. The realization sent ice through Warren’s veins, making him shudder uncontrollably. Panic drove him to reach for his phone, seeking Everett’ counsel. Then doubt crept in—the Mitchell family had evolved beyond its humble beginnings. Could Vivienne’s words alone topple their empire? They held numerous important development projects, and once loans and government permits were secured, the Mitchell family’s power would be consolidated. Her threats seemed hollow in the face of such stability.

Inside the car, Vivienne sat in contemplative silence, watching the world blur past her window. Derek’s rich, magnetic voice broke through her thoughts. “Aren’t you worried about making your boyfriend jealous now?”

Vivienne leaned into Derek’s offered comfort, a weary sigh escaping her lips. “All these years of dedication suddenly feel absurd.” The truth she had cherished had crumbled to dust, rendering her years of devotion meaningless.

“Have you been to Forestvale?” Derek’s question pierced the silence. Emotion flickered across Vivienne’s features as memories surfaced. “Yes,” she admitted after a pause. “During a summer camp with Owen. One sleepless night, I scaled the school wall and wandered until I found myself in a place…”

That place had shown her life’s fragility and humanity’s cruel indifference. Time had seemed to crawl, each moment stretching into an eternity of horror. People had huddled like terrified animals in filthy corners, desperate to survive the chaos. The memory remained a festering wound in her psyche.

“That was no place for a girl,” Derek observed quietly. Vivienne straightened, studying him intently as if searching for something hidden beneath his exterior. “What is it?” Derek asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Nothing,” she murmured, lowering her gaze. Back then, someone had protected her through that blood-soaked night, speaking those same words. She had spent years searching for answers, but Warren’s responses had left her hollow. Then Derek spoke again, and his words left her mind completely blank.