Chapter 99

Vivienne settled into a single-seater sofa, her posture rigid with defiance. Her gaze swept coldly across the Mitchell family women, led by Melissa, challenging them with an unspoken daring that crackled with barely contained tension.

“Natalie got exactly what she deserved,” Vivienne said, her tone glacial.

“That’s ridiculous!” Diana retorted, jabbing a finger at Vivienne. Her voice, shrill with anger, scraped like metal. “If it weren’t for you, you heartless woman, escalating everything, how would Natalie have ended up blacklisted? Ten million in compensation? Are you trying to ruin her? And now you sit there acting innocent after destroying her career! You’re unbelievable!”

Diana’s fury poured forth. Stepping forward, chest heaving, she continued, “You’re jealous of Natalie! Jealous of her upbringing, her family, and that my brother chose her over you! You retaliated at the first chance. Honestly, it’s a blessing my brother left you. Marrying you would’ve ruined this family!”

“Diana, that’s enough,” Natalie interjected gently, tugging at Diana’s arm.

Natalie’s voice trembled, her eyes flicking to Vivienne with wounded innocence. “It’s all in the past, and I made mistakes too. Miss Hayes, if my presence or Warren’s choices caused you resentment, I’ll bear the blame. This is all my fault…”

Vivienne’s eyes hardened, cutting Natalie off. “Yes, it is your fault,” she snapped, her voice devoid of sympathy. “You brought this on yourself.”

Diana’s anger flared. “What do you mean? You’re clearly at fault! You knew my brother loved Natalie, yet you clung to him, dreaming of marriage. Your abandonment was justified!”

A sharp glint emerged in Vivienne’s narrowed eyes. “You have a point. I deserved being abandoned. But since I was cast aside, shouldn’t I also reclaim the investors I painstakingly brought to the Mitchell family?”

Years ago, when the Mitchell family teetered on the brink of financial ruin, Vivienne had worked tirelessly to secure crucial investments. Her efforts had not only saved the family but elevated them to Lyhaton’s elite.

Melissa, acutely aware of this history, had long been wary of Vivienne’s leverage. She had cultivated relationships with the investors’ wives, but understood that loyalty was transactional. If Vivienne offered better incentives, who could guarantee their allegiance?

With calculated composure, Melissa interjected, “Enough. Since this is all in the past, why resurrect these painful memories?” Her tone was patronizing. “Emotions aren’t always rational. What happened at the wedding was inappropriate on Warren’s part. If you harbor grievances, make demands. We’ll accommodate you.”

A mocking smile curled Vivienne’s lips. “A bit inappropriate”? On her wedding day, she had been publicly abandoned and ridiculed, and this was their tepid acknowledgment.

Vivienne drew a deep breath, suppressing her resentment. Today was Everett’s eightieth birthday, and she refused to create a scene.

“I’m going to wish Everett a happy birthday,” she announced, rising.

Seeing her prepare to leave, Melissa stood. “Since you’re back, why not stay for a meal?”

The invitation was hollow. With the Mitchell family prospering and the guest list filled with wealthy individuals, there was no genuine place for Vivienne.