Chapter 53: I Can Apologize

“Warren…” Natalie clung to him, trembling. “I was just teasing Vivienne. I never imagined she’d react so strongly.” Tears streamed down her face.

Warren, seeing her distress, felt a sharp pain in his chest. His jaw tightened. “Vivienne, you heard her. It was a joke. Why did you overreact?”

“A joke?” Vivienne’s lips curled. “Have you ever seen anyone joke about life and death? But then again, Natalie is your golden girl, isn't she? Even her flaws are excused.”

“You!” Warren’s eyes blazed. “Apologize to Natalie. Now!”

“Are you mad?” Vivienne’s gaze was icy. “Fine, I’ll apologize—when she kneels.”

Natalie recoiled, burying herself deeper in Warren’s arms. Warren’s grip tightened, his heart aching for her.

“Vivienne!” he roared, his voice shaking. His eyes burned with disbelief. “How did you become this person?”

Vivienne’s expression didn’t waver. “Because you never understood me, Warren,” she said flatly. “I live by one rule: an eye for an eye. If someone strikes, I strike back harder.”

Warren’s brows furrowed. “You’re impossible.”

Vivienne laughed dismissively. Turning to Natalie, she said, her voice steady but laced with warning, “Let me give you a lesson. Celebrity life has a price. Joking about someone’s life is reckless—and dangerous. You’re new here, building your image. If tonight becomes public, do you think your career will survive?”

Each word struck Natalie like a blow. Panic flickered in her eyes. Her plan to humiliate Vivienne had backfired terribly. Bitterness choked her.

“Miss Hayes, my boss is waiting,” Milo announced, appearing silently. His tone was smooth, his posture impeccable.

Vivienne nodded, brushing an imaginary speck of dust from her sleeve. Without looking back, she walked away.

Natalie watched, helpless and furious, as Vivienne departed unscathed. Her arm throbbed, preventing retaliation. She nestled against Warren, frustration evident in her eyes.

From the corner of her eye, she saw Vivienne enter a sleek Rolls-Royce. As the door opened, a man inside came into view. He wore a tailored suit, exuding an almost otherworldly elegance. The dim light illuminated his sharp features and chiseled jawline. He radiated power—calm, controlled, and utterly commanding.

Who was he? And why had she never seen him in Lyhaton before?