Chapter 42: Wait and See

Cameron couldn't recall the last time Benjamin exuded such a commanding aura. He hesitated briefly, then offered a faint smile. "I understand."

Benjamin's grip tightened around his cane as he spoke with unwavering authority. "I don't care what means you employ—just make sure Vivienne gets even with the Mitchell family for every wrong they've done to her."

"That won't be a challenge," Cameron replied without hesitation.

Benjamin's eyes narrowed, and he nodded, a glimmer of satisfaction in his expression. "Is there anything else on your mind?"

Recognizing the unspoken signal to conclude, Cameron pressed his lips together. Instead of leaving, he recounted everything he had witnessed earlier that day.

Benjamin listened intently, but when Cameron finished, a shadow flickered across his face, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly. "You're telling me they've already met?"

Cameron's gaze was steady, his dark eyes fixed firmly on Benjamin. "I'm afraid it's more than that," he said, his tone measured. "I spoke to the doctor at the hospital. He told me Vivienne didn't return to her ward last night."

Those words hung in the air like a storm cloud, casting an eerie stillness over the study. The significance of a night spent away from the hospital was far from trivial.

Benjamin said nothing, his thumb absently brushing over the gemstone set on his cane's top. The silence stretched until, at last, he exhaled deeply. "We'll wait and see how things develop."

Cameron's jaw tightened. "Actually, we could—"

"What?" Benjamin interrupted sharply, his voice laced with frustration. "That's a fire the Sinclair family can't afford to play with. We can't risk openly opposing that man."

Cameron clenched his teeth, his hand balling into a tight fist. "No matter what, I won't let him take Vivienne away so easily!"

Without waiting for a response, Cameron spun on his heel and stormed out, the door closing with a resolute thud. The heavy silence returned, wrapping itself around the room like a shroud.

After what felt like an eternity, Benjamin sighed deeply again. His gaze drifted to the framed photograph on his desk. In the photo, a young Hailey Sinclair stood in the prime of her youth, dressed in a flowing white gown. Her long, silky hair spilled effortlessly over her shoulders, framing a face that radiated charm and vitality. An unmistakable elegance surrounded her, enhanced by the quiet confidence of someone born into privilege.

Benjamin traced a finger gently over the glass. "Hailey, if you're watching over us, protect Vivienne. Keep her far away from these raging tempests."

Cameron left the study, his expression carved from ice, his demeanor unapproachable. "Uncle Cameron," Vivienne called softly, turning toward him as his footsteps echoed in the hall.

The icy edge in his gaze flickered, softening slightly. "I'll have Colton pick you up tomorrow morning," he said, his tone firm and brooking no argument. Colton was one of Cameron's most trusted men, responsible for his personal safety—a clear statement of how seriously he took the situation.

Vivienne blinked, startled. "Uncle Cameron, there's no need. It's better to keep Colton with you. I can always arrange for a driver from the house."

Compared to her relatively peaceful environment, Cameron's world was riddled with danger. Ever since his rise to power, factional infighting had been constant. She couldn't allow Colton to be diverted to her side at such a crucial time.

Cameron, wary of arousing her suspicions, relented. "Very well. But if anything happens, call me immediately."

"Okay," she agreed gently.

After seeing Cameron and Harvey off, Vivienne returned to her room, where Weston approached her with a stack of papers. "Miss, these are the company's documents from the past few years. Please take a look."

"Thank you, Weston," she said, accepting the papers. Suddenly, something crossed her mind. "Oh, and inform the board of directors that there will be a meeting at nine tomorrow morning."

Weston gave a small nod. "Understood. I'll take care of it right away."

Once the door closed, Vivienne flopped lazily onto her bed. She checked her phone and noticed a message on WhatsApp from Derek. Her gaze flickered with unspoken emotion as she stared at it.