Chapter 54: Don't Cause Trouble Where You Shouldn't

The car door slammed shut, effectively concealing them from view.

“Take this for the medical bills,” Milo said, extending a check.

Warren bristled. His pride, as CEO of Mitchell Group, could not be so easily undermined. How could he accept charity from Milo? Dismissing the offer with a flick of his wrist, he retorted, “Do you really think your money means anything to us? You're giving yourself far too much credit!”

Milo's eyebrow arched. Derek usually commanded respect; defiance was rare. Warren, however, displayed remarkable boldness. Was his CEO status fueling this antagonism?

The car window slid down silently. Derek's voice, calm and cold, cut through the air: “I’ll pay what I owe, but take this as a final warning—don't cause trouble where you shouldn't.” The icy tone sent a shiver down their spines, unsettling yet undeniably clear.

Warren and Natalie stared at the black Rolls-Royce, their eyes wide with curiosity. Derek swiftly closed the window, cutting off their gaze.

As the vehicle departed, Warren's expression hardened. Natalie, cradling her injured arm, winced. “Hang in there, Natalie,” he said. “We’re heading to the hospital now.”

Only after their departure did the scene quiet. Bystanders had recorded the altercation, identifying Natalie as a rising star in the entertainment industry. The footage spread rapidly, sparking intense online debate. But as the debate raged, the video, and related web pages, vanished—someone had clearly orchestrated a cover-up. Rumors swirled about the mastermind.

Holding her arm, Natalie’s face paled. “I’m sorry for the trouble, Warren. I didn’t expect this. I hoped Vivienne would forgive us, that she wouldn’t resent you, but I’ve ruined everything.” Tears fell silently, accentuating her pallor.

Warren pulled her close, tenderly wiping her tears. “You’re so considerate, Natalie. If Vivienne were reasonable, she wouldn’t have caused you this pain.”

His face hardened as he recalled Vivienne's actions, his eyes narrowing. “I know I share the blame for how Vivienne ended up like this. I’m honestly concerned about her,” Natalie said, her eyes glistening. “Warren, aren’t you curious about the man in the car? And how Vivienne got into Lonsong Restaurant so easily today? Maybe she’s hit a rough patch and turned to someone powerful for help…”

Warren cut her off sharply. “No! Vivienne might be ruthless, but she isn’t that desperate!”

Throughout their three-year relationship, their intimacy had been limited to embraces, Vivienne holding firm on her pre-marital beliefs. In these modern times, her stance felt old-fashioned, yet Warren respected her strength. And knowing Vivienne's pride, she would never simply cling to a powerful man.

A cold, vengeful light flickered in Natalie’s eyes. She was eager to see how things would unfold. The harm inflicted upon her today, she vowed, would be repaid a hundredfold.