Chapter 81: Fainting

Vivienne paused momentarily but neither turned nor acknowledged Warren. His comment, however, caught Sienna's attention. Her brows lifted. "Didn't you sever all ties with the Mitchell family? They barely tolerated you then. Why the sudden invitation to Everett's birthday party?"

Vivienne had previously concealed her identity while with Warren. Not a single Mitchell family member had shown her kindness; behind closed doors, they ridiculed and excluded her, deeming her presence unseemly. They feared she would embarrass them.

Vivienne's tone was calm, measured. "Everett gave me something years ago. Once I return it, all ties will be severed."

Sienna sighed, her gaze distant. "Everett had such sharp instincts. It's a shame his family lacks his wisdom." She shook her head. "But I'm uneasy—what if they cause trouble at the party?"

Vivienne glanced at her, her voice light but firm. "That's their decision. As long as they're not afraid of ruining it themselves."

Leaving the studio, Vivienne returned to the company. She immediately immersed herself in a two-hour meeting concerning the southern district land, focusing intently. Afterward, she retreated to her office, continuing her work.

The hours flew by. As she finally looked up, the setting sun cast golden hues across her office. Scarlett entered quietly, professional as always. "Miss Vivienne, Courtney says he has something urgent to discuss."

Vivienne frowned, not from annoyance at Courtney's timing. A sharp pain shot through her abdomen, causing her to tense. She drew a steadying breath, pressing her hand to her stomach. Her voice remained even. "If it's not urgent, tell him he doesn't need to meet with me."

Scarlett nodded and left. The moment the door closed, Vivienne hunched over her desk, her breathing shallow as the pain intensified. Her other hand clenched into a fist.

After what felt like an eternity, the pain subsided. Slowly, she straightened and exhaled shakily. She poured herself warm water, the gentle heat soothing her with each sip.

Initially, Vivienne dismissed it as a typical stomachache, believing rest and water would help. However, by day's end, the pain returned, sharper and more insistent, raising serious concerns.

Her phone buzzed as she doubled over, her teeth clenched. She reached for it, but another searing wave of pain hit, like a blade twisting within her.

A sharp gasp escaped her as her knees buckled, sending her to the floor. The phone slipped from her hand, clattering loudly.

"Vivienne…" Derek's voice, cool yet warm, filtered through the phone, softening the chill in the room.

Curled on the floor, Vivienne pressed her hands to her stomach, her body trembling. With a shaky breath, she tried to respond. "D-Derek…" Her voice cracked.

She didn't know if he heard before the call ended. Desperately, she tried to call for help, but her hands trembled uncontrollably, her grip faltering as pain blurred her consciousness.

Through the haze, she heard the door burst open. Scarlett's frantic voice cut through the fog as she knelt beside her. "Miss Vivienne… Vivienne!"

Vivienne forced her eyes open, catching a glimpse of Scarlett's panicked face. A weak smile tugged at her lips. "I'm… fine…"

The words barely left her lips before her vision went black, and she lost consciousness.

"Vivienne!" The voice, steady yet faintly trembling, was familiar enough to pierce her fading awareness. Somewhere, she thought she must be dreaming of Derek. How else could she hear his voice so clearly? How else could she feel his strong arms gathering her, anchoring her to reality? The faint scent of earth clung to him…