Chapter 284: Who Are You Calling Refuse?

Upon hearing this, Julia’s expression darkened with barely contained fury. “Are you deliberately provoking chaos? Here I am, offering you a dignified exit, yet you hurl my generosity back with such contempt! The mere sleeve of this outfit surpasses the worth of your entire wardrobe! Step aside before I summon security!”

“Have your principles become so cheaply bought that you’d abandon them to curry favor with these two?”

Vivienne’s countenance transformed into an icy mask, her penetrating gaze seeming to slice through Julia’s very being. Her voice emerged unnaturally serene, stripped of emotion, yet carrying an unseen weight that sent ripples of discomfort through the gathering. Julia’s commanding presence withered visibly under that steely gaze.

Seeing Julia’s confidence faltering, Diana stepped forward, indignation coloring her words. “Vivienne, has your thirst for attention grown so desperate? Must you perpetually contest everything Natalie desires? These theatrical displays to seize the spotlight have become nothing short of repulsive!”

Natalie’s teeth grazed her lower lip delicately as concern clouded her features. “Miss Hayes, our tastes seem perpetually aligned. While I typically wouldn’t mind yielding, Warren’s upcoming social event demands something exceptional. Might you consider stepping aside this once?”

Vivienne released a chilling laugh that held no warmth. “You may be content to scavenge through refuse for treasures, but I maintain higher standards.”

A shadow fell across Natalie’s frozen smile as she lowered her gaze, masking the tempest of rage building within. Vivienne was such an insufferable woman. How dare Vivienne subject her to such blatant ridicule.

“Who exactly are you calling refuse?” Diana snapped from Natalie’s side.

Vivienne’s eyebrow arched ever so slightly. “Who indeed do you imagine I mean?”

Though no names crossed her lips, her expression spoke volumes, indicating she was talking about Diana and her family.

Diana’s features contorted with fury before a calculating gleam entered her eyes. “Since you’re so determined to claim this outfit, perhaps we should compete for it properly?”

Vivienne’s piercing gaze narrowed as it locked onto Diana, wordlessly conveying that she had already unraveled Diana’s scheme.

“A bidding war—highest offer claims victory. Perfectly reasonable, wouldn’t you agree?” Diana preened, malicious triumph dancing in her eyes. “Should you fail, however, you’ll kneel, apologize, crawl before us, and bark like a dog. How does that sound? Brave enough to accept?”

Her confidence radiated as she observed Vivienne’s silence.

Unable to contain her excitement, Diana pressed on. “Why so quiet? Has fear gotten the better of you?”

Vivienne responded with measured calm. “Very well, I’ll indulge your game. Should I lose, I’ll kneel at Modern Square’s entrance and offer my apologies. But should you lose…”

“We’ll apologize to you!” Diana interrupted impulsively, certainty flooding her veins.

Victory seemed assured—she understood intimately how wealthy men preferred their women: subdued, compliant, and graceful. Should news of this incident spread, it would ignite an unprecedented scandal. Vivienne’s reputation would crumble to ash, and her companion would surely desert her.

A subtle smile played across Vivienne’s lips. “That won’t suffice.”

Diana and Natalie exchanged meaningful glances before fixing their attention on Vivienne, anticipating her next declaration.