Chapter 293: Kneel and Apologize
The store hummed with whispered conversations as speculation about Diana rippled through the crowd. Natalie’s penetrating gaze bored into Vivienne with glacial intensity, as though attempting to pierce her very thoughts. A crushing weight of consequences pressed down on the Mitchell family name. Should Diana break her word, they would be branded as untrustworthy. Yet, if she submitted to the humiliation of a public apology on her knees, their social standing would suffer an equally devastating blow. The family was trapped in an impossible position, with both paths leading to inevitable scandal.
Natalie drew a measured breath, her teeth clenched behind a facade of gentility as she spoke. “Miss Hayes, you understand Diana’s impulsive nature. Why harbor such resentment? After years of the Mitchell family’s unwavering support, surely you could find it in your heart to show mercy? Consider what this public disgrace would mean for someone so young—how could Diana ever hold her head high again?”
“Did such concerns for feelings cross your mind when making that wager?” Vivienne’s voice dripped with icy derision, her eyes glinting dangerously. “Now that you’ve lost, you lecture about morality? Enough. Both of you—on your knees!”
Though softly spoken, her command carried a bone-chilling authority that sent shivers through the onlookers. Horror dawned on both Natalie’s and Diana’s faces. The mere suggestion of kneeling—here, before countless witnesses—was unconscionable. Their positions as scions of the Mitchell and Chambers families made such submission unthinkable.
“You worthless witch!” Diana exploded, pushed beyond her breaking point as shame and fury contorted her features. “Who are you to demand I kneel before you?”
Vivienne’s eyes narrowed to dangerous slits as she advanced. Diana’s pupils constricted in fear as she instinctively retreated, but Vivienne’s grip found her arm with lightning speed. The crack of palm meeting cheek echoed through the suddenly silent room. The force sent Diana reeling into a nearby mirror.
When awareness returned, she clutched her stinging face, eyes blazing with murderous intent as she lunged forward with wild abandon. “You’ll pay for that, you witch! I’ll destroy you!”
Vivienne had anticipated the attack. With fluid grace, she caught Diana’s flailing arm and delivered another resounding slap. Diana’s anguished cry pierced the air as Vivienne seized her by the hair, forcing her to the floor with calculated precision.
“Mark my words—you’ll regret this day! Vivienne Hayes, I swear you’ll suffer for this!” Diana snarled through her swollen, reddened face, teeth bared in impotent rage.
Dismissing Diana’s threats, Vivienne turned her attention to Natalie, lips curving in a cruel smile. “Miss Chambers, will you show wisdom and kneel voluntarily, or shall I provide assistance?”
Fear flickered across Natalie’s features. “Miss Hayes, surely we can reach some understanding? If not for our sake, then for Warren’s?”
“Why should I show you mercy for a cheater’s sake?” Vivienne’s voice carried the chill of midwinter.
Natalie met her gaze, and an involuntary shudder ran through her. Before she could process the words, Vivienne closed the distance between them. One hand gripped Natalie’s shoulder while one foot delivered a precise kick to the back of her knee. The impact drove Natalie to the unforgiving floor with a dull thud, pain etching deep lines across her face. Though the Chambers family had weathered decline, never had Natalie experienced such profound humiliation.