Chapter 80: May They Last Forever
“Mr. Mitchell, didn’t you just declare with such confidence that we could name any price? What’s the matter now?” Vivienne’s lips curled into a faint, mocking smile as her eyes lingered on Warren.
Warren’s gaze remained locked on hers, desperately searching for a flicker of sadness, anger—anything hinting at lingering emotion. But her face was unreadable, detached, as if she were addressing a stranger. The chill in her demeanor left Warren with a gnawing sense of loss, like sand slipping through his fingers.
Was it truly possible for her to cast aside three years of shared memories so easily? Or had she already replaced him—with the man he'd met at Gourmet Spot?
“Vivienne, have you lost your mind?” Sienna hissed, rushing to Vivienne’s side and lowering her voice to a sharp whisper. “How can you let her have the dress? Don't you know those two are planning to announce their engagement?”
In Sienna’s world, the best revenge was denying Natalie what she wanted most. She’d rather shred the dress than let that woman walk away with it.
But Vivienne had a different perspective. Destroying the dress would accomplish nothing; it would only cost her. Making Natalie pay dearly? Now, that was sweeter justice.
“Since Mr. Mitchell is so eager to open his wallet for a lady’s smile, who am I to refuse?” Vivienne replied coolly, one brow arching as a sly smile played on her lips. Her voice dripped with irony. “Or are you reconsidering, Mr. Mitchell?”
She knew Warren’s pride well. A man so used to admiration would never tolerate being questioned, especially not publicly.
Warren’s expression hardened, a glint of frost in his sharp features as he stared her down. Vivienne didn’t flinch. Her tone turned razor-sharp. “You were so sure of yourself earlier, but now you hesitate. Makes me wonder if your so-called ‘true love’ holds any real value to you.”
“F-Five million!” Diana stammered, the outrageous price striking her like a slap. Her face flushed with fury as she turned on Vivienne. “Are you out of your mind? Five million for a dress? Why don’t you just rob a bank?”
Vivienne chuckled lightly. “Isn’t this a more civilized way to take your money? So, what’s it going to be, Mr. Mitchell? Are you in or out?”
Warren’s jaw tightened as he silently produced his bank card.
Sienna’s lips curled upward in triumph as she nodded to a nearby clerk, who quickly processed the card.
“You truly are generous, Mr. Mitchell,” Vivienne said, her tone thick with irony. She paused, savoring the moment, then added with a faint smile, “Let me congratulate you both in advance—wishing you a lifetime of happiness.”
Sienna suppressed a snort at the so-called blessing. A perfect match of deceit and betrayal—may they last forever. Watching Warren and Natalie from a distance, it seemed the perfect sentiment. A snake and a fox—what a fitting pair.
As the transaction concluded, Warren glanced back at Vivienne. She hadn't moved, standing tall with unshakable composure. There was a quiet elegance about her that demanded respect, a grace that didn't falter under pressure.
It was ironic. When they had parted, Warren had feared she’d cling to him. Yet, after their breakup, she’d shown no hesitation or regret. He should have felt relieved. Instead, an inexplicable emptiness gnawed at him.
Natalie noticed his lingering gaze and tightened her hold on his arm, a delicate pout forming on her lips. “Warren, thank you for everything. You’ve made me so happy.” The only thorn in her side was Vivienne. Seeing her had soured Natalie’s mood, even with the dress.
Warren forced a faint smile, his voice distant. “As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters.”
Watching the display, Sienna rolled her eyes and muttered, “What a shame about my dress.”
Vivienne smirked. “Not at all—selling it for ten times the price is more than worth it.”
“You’re right. It felt good to rip them off,” Sienna replied with a shrug.
The two women exchanged a knowing glance before starting upstairs. But as they took a step, Warren’s voice rang out. “Vivienne, don’t forget my grandfather’s 80th birthday celebration next Saturday.”