Chapter 243: Would You Join Me Tonight?

To Vivienne, the Mitchell family felt as distant as strangers. Perhaps this realization dawned when she severed ties with Warren, or maybe when she recognized him not as the savior she'd sought, but as a source of dependency rather than love.

Strangers rarely become entangled in the complex emotions of love and resentment. Therefore, her actions against the Mitchell family were a reflexive response to their provocations and violations of her personal boundaries.

Vivienne paused, taking a sip of wine. Derek looked up. "Is the food not to your liking?" he inquired.

"No, I'm just not particularly hungry," Vivienne replied, setting down her glass and delicately wiping her mouth.

Derek's eyes dimmed, a chill concealed within their depths. He softly said, "Out of sight, out of mind."

Vivienne's attention snapped to him, her eyes narrowing. "What are you plotting?"

"I committed to staying out of it, but I won't let them continue unchecked," Derek replied. His eyes held an intriguing, slightly intimidating depth; a quiet confidence emanated from him. He believed Vivienne's troubles stemmed solely from the Mitchell family, and eliminating them would bring her peace.

Noticing something in his expression, Vivienne asked, "What actions have you taken against the Mitchell family?"

"Take a wild guess," Derek replied with a smirk, leisurely tasting a shrimp. His simple act possessed an enchanting elegance.

Vivienne diverted her gaze, shielding her inner turmoil with her wine glass. "If you prefer not to say, that's fine."

"What concessions did you extract from the Mitchell family?" Derek pressed.

A subtle shift in Vivienne's demeanor. "Five percent of Mitchell Group's market value, along with the land in the southern commercial district."

She held no interest in the Mitchell Group's shares; after severing ties with the family, they were as undesirable as burning coals. But a token punishment wouldn't suffice. Understanding Melissa's self-centered nature and her high regard for Diana, Vivienne knew where to strike.

Real revenge isn't about trading blows; it's about hitting where it hurts most. Melissa valued the Mitchell family's financial well-being and her daughter, Diana, above all else. Wrecking the family outright would be expensive, but targeting Diana seemed a more feasible strategy. After all, Diana was at the heart of the conflict.

Caught between her family's wealth and her cherished daughter, Melissa faced a daunting decision. The southern district land held no real value for Vivienne; she sought it solely to oppose Warren, knowing Mitchell Group aimed to expand there.

Provoked by the Mitchells, Vivienne resolved to retaliate with double the severity. How else could she fulfill her role as a true avenger?

Hearing her declaration, a subtle smile flickered across Derek's face as he toasted her. "It's clear why fate has brought us together." Their natures were similarly ruthless and vengeful, both harboring a deep-seated desire for retribution.

Vivienne mirrored his smile as their glasses clinked, and she sipped her wine. "Do you have plans the day after tomorrow?" Derek inquired.

A slight look of curiosity crossed Vivienne's face. "What for?"

"I was thinking of getting some air," Derek explained. "There's a charity event happening, and it might interest you."

"I was planning to attend as well," Vivienne replied.

"Excellent." Continuing their conversation, Derek slid closer. He gently leaned in, his fingers delicately caressing her cheek before lingering on her lips. "Would you join me tonight?" His question, simple yet profound, held a deeply personal invitation.