Chapter 278: An Additional Gift

Vivienne looked slightly confused. When had she prepared an additional gift for her aunt? Soon after, the butler returned, holding a red box.

“What’s this, Vivienne?” Chelsea asked, eyeing the box that resembled a jewelry case.

Vivienne was at a loss for words, biting her lip in uncertainty, when Milo, who had just arrived, intervened. “Mrs. Sinclair, this sapphire necklace from Miss Hayes dates back to 1960. It matches the blue diamond she recently acquired for you, completing the set.”

The charm of fine jewelry was irresistible, and even Chelsea, used to luxury, looked amazed. “Is this the set from the Helos auction?”

Milo replied confidently, “Yes, it is.”

Initially baffled by the surprise gift, Vivienne’s confusion cleared upon seeing Milo. “This is incredibly generous, Vivienne. There’s no need for such extravagant gifts,” Chelsea marveled at the jewelry, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Vivienne cast her eyes downward. She had merely talked about attending her aunt’s birthday. She hadn’t expected Derek to arrange for such an opulent gift under her name.

“If that will be all, I should be going,” Milo said, nodding to Vivienne before departing.

Once the jewelry was safely stored, Chelsea excitedly suggested a game of cards. Vivienne sat at the card table, her thoughts drifting elsewhere. During a break, she pulled out her phone and messaged Derek: “Thank you for your generosity.”

He responded promptly, “Just expressing my best wishes in a small way.”

Reading his message, a spark appeared in Vivienne’s eyes as she quickly replied, “That’s quite lavish for a small token.”

Derek responded, “As your man, I have to ensure you never appear less than capable.”

Vivienne fought to keep her expression neutral, though a smile nearly escaped. Callie, from across the table, misread Vivienne’s restraint for arrogance and scoffed, “So, having a bit of money makes you better than us?”

Chelsea, without hesitation, played her card on the table. “Callie, are you really trying to spoil my evening on purpose?” Though Chelsea spoke softly, her words cut sharply.

“Aunt, I was just…”

“You and Gregory should head home now; it’s getting late, and your parents will be worried,” Chelsea said firmly, her face devoid of emotion.

Callie’s lip quivered slightly, her eyes clouding with annoyance. “Alright, I’m out of here!” She stood up abruptly, gathered her belongings, and left the room with a dramatic flair. Gregory, not wasting a moment, grabbed his coat and followed Callie out.

Once the Hoffman siblings were gone, everyone resettled in the living room to enjoy some coffee and light conversation. “Vivienne, did you give any thought to what we discussed earlier?” Chelsea inquired with a warm smile, setting her coffee cup down.

Vivienne paused, and then realized Chelsea was talking about the invite to Calan’s charity event and the overnight stay. “Absolutely,” Vivienne answered.

Chelsea’s expression lit up with delight at her confirmation. Just then, Cameron, looking intrigued, chimed in, “Owen mentioned you’re seeing someone?”

Suddenly, all attention in the room shifted to Vivienne.