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Chapter_79
Beatrice was taken aback by Vivienne’s icy words. Her face contorted with a mix of anger and disbelief. “What did you just say?” she hissed, her voice trembling with fury. She couldn’t believe Vivienne, who had always been the obedient granddaughter, was challenging her like this in front of the entire family.
Vivienne stood tall, her gaze unwavering. “You heard me,” she said coolly, her words cutting through the tension in the room. “If you really care about the Hawthorn family’s honor, maybe you should think about what you’re doing. It’s not just about the money—it’s about dignity. And I refuse to let you destroy mine for the sake of greed.”
The room went silent as everyone processed what Vivienne had just said. For a moment, the entire gathering seemed to freeze in time. Beatrice’s grip tightened on her chair, her knuckles white, but she couldn’t find her voice.
Dorian, standing to the side, exchanged a look with Richard. The tension was thick enough to slice through with a knife. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of guilt. He had tried to do what was best for Vivienne, but now his mother was pushing everything to the edge.
“Vivienne, stop,” Dorian whispered, trying to get her to back down. But Vivienne didn’t flinch.
“Why should I stop?” Vivienne responded, her voice rising slightly. “For years, I’ve been playing along, following everyone’s expectations. But not anymore. I’ve worked too hard to get where I am, and I won’t let anyone drag me back into their schemes. If the dowry is a deal-breaker for you, then maybe this engagement was never meant to be.”
Beatrice’s face flushed a deep crimson as she glared at her daughter. “You little…” Her words faltered. How dare Vivienne speak to her like this? She had raised her, supported her, and now this?
Richard, sensing the growing tension, stood up slowly. “Enough, everyone,” he said, his voice firm. “This engagement is about Vivienne and Percival, not about money or pride. Dorian, you’ve already made your decision, and Vivienne has made hers.”
He turned to the Hawthorn family with a cold gaze. “This has gone far enough. The dowry is 88,000, as agreed. If that is not acceptable to you, then we will not proceed with the marriage.”
A shocked murmur rippled through the Hawthorn relatives. Beatrice’s face turned even darker, but no words came out. Dorian stepped forward, looking at Vivienne with a mixture of admiration and regret.
“Vivienne, I’m sorry,” Dorian said softly, his voice cracking. “But I won’t let my mother control everything. If this is what you want, I respect it.”
Vivienne gave a slight nod, her expression resolute. “Thank you, Dorian. I appreciate that.”
Cecilia, still standing nearby, exchanged a glance with Richard, who was watching everything unfold with a mix of frustration and resignation. He had hoped for a smooth engagement, but the Hawthorns’ greed had derailed it completely.
“Vivienne is right,” Cecilia finally spoke, her voice icy. “You can’t demand a price for dignity, and you certainly can’t expect everything to be handed to you just because of who you are. I’ve had enough of this.”
Beatrice’s face twisted with fury, but Richard cut her off before she could respond.
“We’ll be leaving now,” Richard said, his tone final. “Vivienne, Percival, let’s go.”
Vivienne nodded in agreement, her gaze still fixed on Beatrice. As she turned to leave, she caught Percival’s eye, his calm presence providing a brief moment of reassurance. Together, they walked out of the room, leaving the Hawthorn family in stunned silence.
The tension in the room was palpable as the door slammed behind them, leaving a bitter taste lingering in the air.
