Chapter 276: A Humiliating Experience
Gregory hastily snuffed out his cigarette, anxiety etching his brow. “You don’t really expect me to marry her, do you?”
“Why not?” Chelsea responded with a shrug, her gaze fixed on Gregory. “You’ve known each other since you were kids, practically friends. And with my help, you two would be an ideal couple. Don’t you agree? Imagine how fortunate you’d be if Vivienne accepted your proposal.” Her eyes shimmered with a mix of hope and wistfulness as she spoke.
A visible twitch marred Gregory’s forehead. Contrary to what Chelsea suggested, he and Vivienne hadn’t been close as kids. Throughout their school days, he barely acknowledged Vivienne, mainly because she bore a different last name and technically wasn’t a Sinclair. His aunt Chelsea, however, always favored Vivienne. As the older brother of Callie Hoffman, Gregory frequently antagonized Vivienne to defend his sister.
During a school trip, he ended up with Vivienne as his partner by mere chance. He intentionally left her alone in the wild, aiming to intimidate her and teach her a lesson. Ironically, he got lost instead and found himself ensnared in a trap, dangling from a tree all night. It was a humiliating experience he’d rather forget. Since then, Gregory had learned his lesson about crossing Vivienne. He made sure to maintain a cautious distance whenever she was around.
Chelsea’s current enthusiasm about matching him with Vivienne was unsettling, to say the least. Could this supposed perfect match be a plot against him?
Chapter 276: A Humiliating Experience
Lost in thought, Gregory was startled by Vivienne’s voice at the villa’s doorway. “Aunt Chelsea, happy birthday.”
Chelsea beamed as she approached Vivienne, taking her by the hand and escorting her to the living room. “I’m thrilled you could make it.” A soft smile played across Vivienne’s lips.
“Gregory, join us over here,” Chelsea called out, prompting Gregory to make his way to Vivienne. “Vivienne, this is Gregory. You two were in high school together. Ring any bells?”
Vivienne’s eyes met Gregory’s, a knowing smile touching her lips. “Ah, I remember a little.” She spoke in a relaxed tone that almost sounded indifferent. Gregory felt a chill run through him at her lightly amused look. He managed a forced smile. “It’s been a while, Miss Hayes.”
Immediately after speaking, Gregory berated himself internally. Such a cliché way to start a conversation! It almost suggested he had been longing for her since their school days.
Vivienne regarded him with a grin that brightened her face. “Mr. Hoffman, indeed, it’s been quite some time.” Seeing her smile, Gregory’s mind flashed back to the embarrassing incident when he was left hanging from a tree. He quickly looked away.
The group began chatting comfortably on the sofa. However, their talk was interrupted when Vivienne took a phone call from Derek and stepped away. Chelsea fixed Gregory with a look of annoyance as soon as Vivienne was out of earshot.
“You’re quite the talker around other girls. Why do you clam up around Vivienne? Show some spirit, won’t you?”
“Aunt Chelsea, give me a break!” Gregory pleaded, his face etched with discomfort.
Owen, lounging on a nearby armchair, caught Gregory’s pained expression and struggled to hold back his laughter. “Mom, go easy on him.” He was somewhat familiar with the past incident. Though Owen and Gregory were cousins, he couldn’t help but think Gregory had only himself to blame for his troubles with Vivienne. He deserved it.
The Jilted Heiress: Return to the High Life