Chapter 6
When Vivienne Hayes first fell for Warren Mitchell, a man from a rougher world, the esteemed Sinclair family—her mother's lineage—fiercely opposed her. Fueled by defiance and what she believed to be undying love, Vivienne disregarded their protests. She severed ties with the Sinclairs, concealed her identity as Benjamin Sinclair's granddaughter, and immersed herself in the complexities of the Mitchell family.
Benjamin's rage ignited upon learning of her betrayal. In a swift, ruthless move, he froze her accounts, cutting her financial lifeline in an attempt to reclaim her. For three years, a silent war of wills ensued.
The Sinclairs waited patiently, clinging to the hope that Vivienne would eventually see the truth. Then, news of Warren's rejection struck them like a storm. The audacity of anyone rejecting Benjamin Sinclair's granddaughter was incomprehensible; the Mitchells' insolence was an affront they couldn't ignore.
Cameron Sinclair's anger simmered, a slow burn demanding retribution for the insult to his niece. Yet Vivienne met his gaze with a faint, knowing smile, her eyes as calm as still water. "You've already started planning for me, haven't you, Uncle?"
"Come back to the Sinclair family," Cameron urged, his stern features softening. "Your grandfather isn't young anymore, and the company's burdens are weighing heavily on him. Neither Sinclair nor I wish to assume leadership—you're the one we're counting on." His gaze warmed with quiet devotion. "But if your heart lies elsewhere, tell me. I'll support your choice."
His words pierced the walls Vivienne had erected, stirring a torrent of regret. She relived her furious departure from the Sinclair estate, her pursuit of a man undeserving of her, her abandonment of those who loved her most. Guilt washed over her, sharp and cold. Blinking back tears, she whispered, "Thank you, Uncle."
"You're my sister's only child. Of course I'll look after you." Cameron gently tousled her hair, his eyes filled with affection. "Rest. I'll be back soon."
After he left, Vivienne went to the hospital garden, drawn by the sun's warmth. Under a tree, Natalie Chambers observed her, wrapped in a knit sweater, her eyes following Vivienne's every movement.
Even in simple hospital attire, Vivienne possessed an effortless grace. Standing alone, she commanded attention—a striking figure not of delicate charm, but of fierce, unwavering presence.
"Quite an unexpected meeting," a voice interrupted her solitude. Vivienne turned, her expression hardening at the sight of Natalie, whose lips curled into a triumphant smirk.
"Vivienne, it's been a while."
A chill settled between them as Vivienne's gaze darkened. "Miss Chambers, you're like an uninvited shadow."
Natalie continued, unperturbed. "I almost feel sorry for you, Miss Hayes. How many three-year stretches can you waste on a man who will never love you in return?" Her voice softened, tears welling as she grasped Vivienne's arm. "Vivienne, it's my fault. Please, forgive me…"
"Get your hands off me!" Vivienne recoiled, shoving Natalie away with a grimace of disgust.
The push was slight, but Natalie stumbled theatrically, teetering as if about to collapse. Before Vivienne could decipher the performance, a harsh voice cut through the air. "Vivienne, what are you doing?"
The sound of that voice clarified everything. Natalie's actions were a calculated performance—and Vivienne realized that stepping away from this scene meant allowing the script to unfold without her participation.