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Chapter_27
As Vivienne and Dorian arrived at Hawthorn Mansion, the tension was palpable. The grand entrance was filled with luxury cars, and the lavish atmosphere of the party stood in stark contrast to the underlying animosity Vivienne could feel simmering. Arabella, ever the picture of grace, greeted them with a smile, but her words carried an edge that made Dorian frown. Vivienne was quick to notice the subtle implication behind Arabella’s remark about their “appetites,” a suggestion that hinted at their supposed financial struggles.
Vivienne wasn’t phased by the jibe, but Dorian’s expression betrayed his discomfort, and Cordelia didn’t seem too thrilled either. Arabella, though, was determined to maintain her composure, and her tone was as polished as ever. But when she mentioned Percival’s attendance, things started to take an interesting turn. Vivienne’s cool, indifferent response to the mention of Percival sparked a brief, almost uncomfortable tension between the two women.
The sharp exchange took an even more unexpected turn when Alisa, Michael’s daughter, approached and immediately made a snide remark about Vivienne’s attire, assuming she wasn’t important enough to warrant attending such an event. The young girl’s arrogance only fueled Vivienne’s curiosity, and the moment Alisa crossed a line by attacking her for “snatching” Percival, Vivienne’s patience snapped. Her calm and measured response made it clear she wasn’t backing down.
Arabella’s immediate attempt to placate the situation only made things worse, as Alisa continued to speak out of turn, blurring the lines of family and status. When Alisa mentioned that Vivienne had “stolen” Percival, the room’s attention shifted dramatically. The whisper of scandal spread like wildfire. The truth behind Arabella’s feelings toward Percival, and the unspoken rivalry between her and Vivienne, was now exposed for all to see.
Arabella’s desperation was evident as she fumbled for words. She didn’t want the truth about her feelings for Percival to come out. She didn’t want anyone to think she still had any attachment to him. But despite her protests, Alisa and Coral weren’t backing down. They saw Percival as a prize, a golden ticket to the Ellington family’s wealth and power, and Vivienne’s involvement had suddenly made her the enemy.
Arabella’s emotional reaction—nearly on the verge of tears—was met with a cold response from Vivienne, who coolly turned the situation back on her. Arabella’s refusal to admit she still had feelings for Percival only made her panic worse, and her desperation to quell the growing drama was obvious. The other partygoers began to take note of the drama unfolding before them, and Vivienne’s cutting remarks were starting to unravel Arabella’s carefully constructed façade.
Then, Alisa, fired up and ready to defend Arabella, turned her ire directly toward Vivienne, making a grand speech about Arabella’s many accomplishments. She painted her as the golden child of Havenwood—beautiful, talented, and virtuous—a far cry from Vivienne, who was seen as the outsider. Alisa’s voice was full of self-righteousness as she questioned what Vivienne had that could possibly rival Arabella’s status.
Vivienne, unflinching, simply regarded Alisa with a bemused smile. This was just the beginning, and she knew that the game wasn’t over. She could play along, but she wouldn’t be drawn into their petty drama. Arabella and her supporters were clearly rattled, and Vivienne was only getting started. The social dynamics at play were shifting, and the evening was far from settled.
The stage was set for a confrontation that would likely reveal more than just the truth behind the engagement—it was now about power, manipulation, and who could hold their ground in the face of a family war. What would Arabella do when Vivienne didn’t back down? Would Percival’s presence stir the pot even further, or would he remain a pawn in this game of family politics? The answers were yet to come, but the night was just beginning.
