Chapter 26
“Mr. Wood, it’s quitting time. I’m going to head out,” Vivian said, glancing at the clock.
“Of course, of course!” Richard said, practically tripping over himself to be helpful. “Here, let me give you a ride. You’re my great benefactor!”
Vivian felt a little strange. Ever since she’d come out with the signed contract, Richard had been treating her with an odd mixture of reverence and fear.
“No, thank you. I can just get a cab.” She politely declined. He was being too weird. It must have been the excitement of the deal.
“Miss Enna, Miss Vivian has left,” Lana reported to Sienna from her window, watching Vivian getting into a taxi. “Also, the main Quinn family wants to schedule a meeting to discuss the partnership. Sophie has been trying to find me, likely to try and get an introduction to you and hijack the deal for her own family.”
Sophie was truly shameless, thought Lana. The main Quinn family, one of the five major enterprises in Vallaris, had always been generous to their junior branch.
SIE’s partnership was with the main corporation, who had offered Sophie’s family a small piece of the pie out of familial loyalty. But Sophie, not content with her share, was trying to steal the whole thing.
She had no idea of the scale of the project. Even if Sienna handed her the deal on a silver platter, her small company wouldn’t be able to handle it. Her ambition far outstripped her ability.
“She wants to meet you?” Sienna said, her voice a frozen calm as she watched a bird land on the window ledge. “Then give her the opportunity.”
Lana understood immediately. “Yes, Miss Enna. And the main Quinn Family?”
Sienna’s mood lifted. “When the dust settles, they’ll show their true colors.”
“Understood,” Lana nodded.
Just then, a text from Vivian popped up on Sienna’s phone. She picked it up immediately to check the message.
[Sienna, I got a promotion! I’m the director of my company now. I’m heading back to the apartment to pack some things, then I’ll come home. I bought you your favorite blueberry cake.]
A rare, genuine smile touched Sienna’s lips, warming her cool eyes. She quickly texted her back: [Good. I might be late. I’ll have Elisa prepare a full banquet.]
Putting away her phone, Vivian happily carried the custom-made blueberry cake back to her old apartment building. But as she started up the stairs, she saw Mason waiting for her.
Her good mood evaporated instantly, replaced by a wave of disgust. She walked towards him, voice dripping with disdain. “What are you doing here?”
Seeing Vivian dressed in a smart white blazer and pink skirt, her hair in a bun, Mason was struck by how much she had changed.
She was more confident, more elegant, more attractive. But then he remembered that she had blocked his number, and his anger flared immediately.
“Vivian, you dare to block me?” he roared. “Do you know how many times I tried to call you! I give you an inch, and you take a mile! You were just waiting for me to come groveling, weren’t you? Now I’m here, apologizing. Are you satisfied now?”
He had only found out he was blocked after his calls and texts went unanswered. For her sake, for Chloe’s sake, he was willing to humble himself, to give her an out.
Vivian just laughed. “Mason, a game? You think you’re worthy of playing games with me! I told you, we are over. Now get lost.”
Mason had expected her to melt, to fall into his arms, weeping with gratitude. Not this.
“Vivian, how long are you going to keep this up?” Mason lost his patience. “I don’t have time for your drama, Chloe needs your blood. Let’s go to the hospital. Now.”
Vivian stared at him, aghast. “Are you insane? I told you we’re done, and you still want me to be your girlfriend’s personal blood bag? Dream on, you scumbag!”
Mason was momentarily stunned by her insult. “Did your sister put you up to this? I knew that woman was trouble…”
Before he could finish, Vivian’s hand landed on his face, cutting him off. Her face was a thundercloud of rage, her eyes blazing with a terrifying, unfamiliar light. It actually scared him.
“If you say one more word about my sister,” she hissed, “I will rip your mouth off.”
Mason shut up. He understood now. Sienna was her trigger. “Fine,” he said, changing tactics. “I won’t mention her. But you are coming with me to the hospital. Chloe needs blood. If you defy me, I won’t be so nice.”
Vivian didn’t flinch. She glared at him and turned to leave, but Mason grabbed her arm firmly. “You’re coming with me,” he demanded.
“Let go of me, Mason!” Vivian protested. “Are you crazy? I’m not going!”
But the strength difference was too great. Without more words, he dragged her towards his car, kicking the blueberry cake out of her hands, and threw her into the car.
Terrified, Vivian pulled out her phone to call for help, but Mason snatched it and threw it out the window.
“Mason, you’re crazy!” she screamed, her fists clenched. “This is kidnapping. I’m going to have you arrested!”
“Go ahead,” Mason said nonchalantly. “What are the police going to do? We’re a couple having a lovers’ spat. It’s normal. I’ve already apologized, so you should know when to quit.”
Vivian trembled with rage, her eyes burning with hatred. “Mason, we have broken up. You and Chloe can live or die for all I care. It has nothing to do with me.”
A flicker of doubt crossed Mason’s mind. This had to be another one of her games, he thought. This was another test.
“Vivian,” he said, his patience wearing thin, “I told you, Chloe saved my life. Even if we get married, I will never abandon her. So be a good girl. I’ll give you whatever you want. You will still be the Mrs. Quinn.”