Chapter 286: Courting Disaster
Derek was tuned into the livestream. When Vivienne’s tall, graceful silhouette appeared, the usual chill in his eyes gave way to fleeting warmth.
“Sir…” Milo called out.
“Shut up!” Derek cut in, his voice cold.
Vivienne’s voice then resonated with poise. “Should I emerge victorious, not only will you kneel, apologize, crawl before me, and bark like a dog, but you’ll also perform a pole dance in the center of the square!”
Milo, who had been standing close to Derek, was visibly taken aback. The Chambers family had long-standing ties in Lyhaton, while the Mitchells had recently established their own strong influence. Vivienne’s demands for such public humiliation were a direct challenge to the pride of both families. The situation worsened as the inexperienced Mitchell heiress naively accepted the bet.
With a soft sigh, Milo felt sympathy for the foolish Mitchell daughter who had walked right into a trap. In Lyhaton, did anyone rival the Sinclair family’s riches? Bidding against Vivienne was essentially courting disaster.
While Derek remained engrossed in the stream, Milo paused briefly before cautiously suggesting, “Sir, perhaps we should assist Miss Hayes?”
Derek glanced at Milo and responded firmly, “There’s no need.” Vivienne always preferred handling her own battles without anyone stepping in uninvited. An unexpected appearance from him might disrupt her composure and throw off her strategy. Returning Milo’s phone to him, Derek fetched his own to continue watching the stream.
Chapter 784: Courting Disaster
Vivienne’s natural poise and authoritative aura shone through even the remote camera’s lens. Her mere presence commanded attention. Yet beneath her striking looks, a fierce determination was evident. Her face, blending amusement with icy grace, appeared both enchanting and formidable. Derek had no concerns for Vivienne; instead, he almost pitied those naive enough to oppose her.
His gaze sharpened, a subtle smile playing on his lips as he suggested, “We should head to Modern Square.”
Matías found himself chuckling quietly at the unfolding drama. Derek, as usual, was reluctant to let Vivienne handle the situation on her own. As their car dashed along, they watched the live broadcast where Vivienne and Natalie’s bidding war intensified.
“Two million!” Natalie opened the bidding confidently. She then gave Vivienne a seemingly naive look. “Miss Hayes, I don’t mean to compete or flaunt my wealth, but I desperately need this outfit…”
Disinterested in Natalie’s performance, Vivienne casually raised the bid. “Two and a half million.”
“Are you playing games with us, Vivienne?” Diana demanded, visibly upset. “You only upped it by five hundred thousand after our two million bid. Are you just trying to provoke us?”
With an innocent look, Vivienne replied, “We agreed to a fair contest, didn’t we? The highest offer wins. There was never a limit set on the increments, correct?”
Diana clenched her jaw, infuriated. Damn it! How did Vivienne manage to twist the situation to her advantage? A sharp, knowing look flickered in Natalie’s eyes, though she kept her smile steady as she faced Vivienne. It seemed Vivienne wouldn’t back down easily.
With a subtle glance downward to conceal her rising irritation, Natalie retorted, “Three million.”
“Three and a half million,” Vivienne responded. Regardless of Natalie’s offers, Vivienne consistently added half a million more.
14:33
Chapter 286: Courting Disaster
The price for the limited-edition suit had escalated to six million, twice its initial value. Sweat beaded on Natalie’s forehead as she glowered at Vivienne, her jaw set in determination.