Chapter 57: Many Secrets

As soon as the words left Milo's lips, an unsettling silence fell over the car, heavy as a shroud. Milo silently cursed himself, wishing he could rewind time. With a tentative glance at Derek's expression, he scrambled to recover. "Miss Hayes's performance tonight was truly remarkable," he ventured cautiously.

Derek's frown deepened, and Milo's thoughts raced. Then, like a desperate gambler, he added, "Only a woman like her could possibly be worthy of you, sir."

The tension in Derek's jaw eased. Milo exhaled internally, his respect for Vivienne soaring. He even considered giving thanks for her unintended rescue.

"You did well tonight," Derek remarked, his deep voice carrying its usual chill, but with an undertone Milo couldn't decipher. Was Derek praising him? For what? Could it be related to Vivienne?

After a beat, he cautiously responded, "We had nothing to do with the video spreading online."

Derek's lips curled into a cryptic smile, his tone almost indulgent. "She has her secrets," he murmured, more to himself than to Milo.

By the time Vivienne returned to Sinclair Mansion, the night was late. She carried her bouquet of roses to her room. After a quick shower, she was drying her damp hair when her phone buzzed.

Answering, she heard a familiar, languid drawl. "Someone's snooping into information about the CEO of Sinclair Group."

"Are they better than you?" Vivienne asked casually.

The voice scoffed, dripping with mock offense. "Better than me? Come on. I'm the best hacker alive—no contest."

"Does their reputation make you tremble, then?" Vivienne teased playfully.

Owen Sinclair, the voice on the other end, bristled. "Vivienne, insult me if you must, ignore my brilliance if you dare, but do not humiliate me like this!" As a revered, albeit unofficial, member of the hacker alliance, Owen prided himself on being untouchable.

Vivienne smiled faintly. "Then what are you so worked up about?"

Owen faltered. After a long pause, he grumbled, "I cleaned up your mess, and this is the thanks I get?"

Vivienne took a slow sip of water. "I didn't ask for your help, Owen. I could've handled it myself. In fact, I haven't even called you out for botching my plans."

"Botching?" Owen spluttered. "Fine, fine. Next time, I'll just let you fend for yourself!"

"Who's investigating me?" Vivienne asked.

There was a mischievous chuckle. "Warren Mitchell. The CEO of Mitchell Group."

Vivienne's expression didn't flicker. It was exactly what she'd expected. No matter what Warren tried, she was confident he wouldn't uncover anything meaningful.

"I can't believe you fell for that guy," Owen blurted, incredulous. "Back then, the Mitchell family was circling the drain, and even now, they're not in your league. Honestly, I was beginning to think someone had cast a spell on you."

Everyone in Vivienne's circle had been baffled by her choice of Warren Mitchell.

She pressed her fingers to her temples. "Do you remember when we snuck out of school five years ago?"

Owen's tone sharpened. "You're saying… that night… Warren was the one who saved you?"