Chapter 292: Diana's Attempt to Turn the Table
Vivienne raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a smirk that radiated cool confidence. “Around here, I set the rules.” Her expression remained unthreatening, even in moments of irritation; her brow only slightly creased, yet her presence commanded fear.
Caught off guard, the brand's representative gazed at Vivienne, bewildered. Ennis leaned in to share a few words with him. Suddenly, the man seemed unsteady, as if the floor beneath him had shifted, his face reflecting a storm of emotions. This woman was none other than the CEO of Sinclair Group.
“Also, could you have that suit in the window packed up for me?” Vivienne instructed, pointing out the men’s suit.
After a brief hesitation, the representative managed a strained smile. “We’d like to offer that suit to you as a complimentary gesture of our apology. It will be sent to your address.” He appeared relieved, as though he’d been granted a second chance. With a nod, Vivienne acknowledged his gesture. “Thank you.”
As the security guards arrived, they began to usher the flustered staff out, ensuring Vivienne faced no further disruptions. Meanwhile, Diana, frozen in place until then, began to regain her bearings. She averted her gaze, intending to dissolve into the crowd unnoticed.
“Miss Mitchell,” Vivienne called out coolly, halting her attempt to escape. “It seems you’ve left something behind?”
Upon hearing Vivienne’s voice, Diana hurriedly bowed her head and quickened her steps. Yet before she could reach the exit, a security guard intercepted her, seizing her arm and pulling her back toward Vivienne.
“Let go!” Diana shouted, her frustration spilling over. “Don’t you dare touch me!”
Looking up, Diana’s eyes met Vivienne’s, causing her heart to pound. Terror flickered across her face. “Vivienne, what is it you want from me?”
“Settle your debts, honor our agreement. Can’t you accept defeat, Miss Mitchell?” Vivienne’s faint smile was cold, like a charming but dangerous enchantress.
Embarrassment colored Diana’s cheeks as she stood frozen, momentarily helpless. From the corner of her eye, she noticed Natalie nearby and hurried to her side, seeking solace. “Natalie, how do we handle this?”
Natalie, feeling unfairly implicated, was so frustrated she could have bitten through steel. Diana was still finding ways to implicate her further. Natalie exhaled slowly, her initial look of contempt softening to a gentle smile. “Miss Hayes, you’re staying in Lyhaton, and our paths are likely to cross again. Isn’t it better to ease tensions?”
“Own up to your bet and admit defeat. Kneel if you accept your loss,” Vivienne ordered, her voice firm in the quiet store. Her natural grace and commanding presence created an imposing aura.
Diana, who had always scorned Vivienne’s effortless dignity and authority, retorted heatedly, “Enough with your talk of bets! You manipulated us from the start, holding back a black gold card until the last moment.”
“Oh?” Vivienne’s slight smirk revealed her amusement at Diana’s accusation. “Was it not you who ignored the principle of first come, first served? You’ve consistently tried to undermine me, weaving plots to soil my reputation. You were so sure of your bet, yet now wish to deny it? Does the renowned integrity of the Mitchell family not extend to honoring its commitments? Is this reflective of how the Mitchells are raised?”
What began as a conflict among three women had escalated, with Vivienne’s remarks implicating the entire Mitchell family in the controversy.