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Chapter_91
Gabriel sat back, still stunned by the full gravity of the situation. His mind was swirling with a mix of regret, confusion, and disbelief. He had always thought of himself as clever and ambitious, but now, it was painfully clear that his rash actions had led him down a disastrous path.
“Good,” Mrs. Lockwood continued, her voice stern yet laced with an edge of concern. “You better go to Vivienne and apologize. If you don’t, this won’t just affect you—it’ll drag down the entire family.”
Gabriel swallowed hard, the weight of his failure pressing heavily on his chest. He had underestimated Vivienne, thinking her to be just another naive young woman. Now, he saw how wrong he was. His mind flitted to the way he had treated her—the disdain, the reckless pursuit of a personal vendetta—only to realize he had underestimated the depth of her connections and her intellect.
“I’ll go,” he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. “But… how am I supposed to apologize after everything that’s happened?”
Mrs. Lockwood exchanged a quick, troubled glance with her husband before responding. “You’ll figure it out. Go now, before the situation gets any worse.”
Gabriel hesitated, a conflicted look on his face. He had never been good at admitting his mistakes. Yet, in the face of everything unraveling, it was clear he had no choice. If he didn’t do this, the consequences would be far worse than he could imagine.
Meanwhile, at the Ellington estate, Vivienne was deep in thought, reflecting on the events that had unfolded over the past few days. She had been patient with those who sought her help, but even she was starting to feel the pressure of the ongoing situation with Faye. She was glad to see some progress with Faye’s newfound confidence, but there were still hurdles to overcome.
Percival entered the room, a casual smile on his face, though there was a glint of concern in his eyes as he looked at her.
“Are you okay?” he asked, sitting beside her.
Vivienne gave him a soft smile, though there was a hint of weariness in her gaze. “I’m fine, just… thinking. I have a feeling things are going to get more complicated soon. It’s strange, but I can feel the tension building.”
Percival nodded, his expression serious. “You’re probably right. People are starting to realize just how powerful your connections are.”
Vivienne looked at him, her expression shifting into one of resolve. “It’s not about power, Percival. It’s about what’s right. If people want to test me, they’ll see just how far I’m willing to go to defend those who deserve it.”
Percival’s eyes softened, his hand finding hers. “You’re incredible, Vivienne. Just remember, you don’t have to carry all of this alone.”
Vivienne squeezed his hand, appreciating his support. “I know, Percival. And I’m glad I have you by my side.”
Just as they shared a quiet moment, the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of someone unexpected. Percival stood up, his brows furrowing in curiosity. “I’ll get it.”
Vivienne watched as he walked toward the door, her thoughts still lingering on the challenges ahead. She wasn’t sure who would be standing on the other side, but she had a sinking feeling it wouldn’t be good news.
At the door stood Gabriel, his demeanor nervous, almost apologetic. He cleared his throat, his words stilted as he spoke. “Vivienne, I… I owe you an apology.”
Vivienne’s gaze sharpened as she stood to face him, her stance calm but her mind already working. Percival, standing behind her, glanced at Gabriel with suspicion, but Vivienne gave him a subtle nod, signaling that she would handle it.
Gabriel shifted uneasily. “I’ve made a huge mistake, and I need to make things right. I… I was wrong about you, Vivienne. I misjudged you and your family, and I deeply regret what I did.”
Vivienne observed him closely, her expression unreadable. She had always been composed, but now, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of frustration at the audacity of people like Gabriel. How many others had crossed her path with similar arrogance and ignorance?
“I’m listening,” she said evenly, her voice steady.
Gabriel swallowed, his nervousness evident. “I… acted on my own, without thinking things through. I let Coral manipulate me, and I was too quick to make assumptions. I… I’ve caused a lot of trouble, and now I realize how far-reaching the consequences are. Not just for me, but for my family. I’m asking for your forgiveness, Vivienne. Please. I don’t know what else to do.”
Vivienne studied him for a long moment, her eyes sharp. This was no ordinary apology—it was a desperate attempt to salvage whatever he could after his reckless actions. But Vivienne wasn’t interested in charity; she wanted accountability.
“I’ll consider your apology, Gabriel,” Vivienne finally said, her voice calm but firm. “But actions speak louder than words. I suggest you start by making amends where it counts. This family has been through enough because of your mistakes.”
Gabriel nodded quickly, his shoulders slumping in relief. “I will. I promise.”
As Gabriel left the Ellington estate, Vivienne turned to Percival, her mind still turning over the complexities of the situation.
“Do you think he’ll really change?” Percival asked quietly.
Vivienne sighed. “People don’t change easily. But we can’t afford to let these small mistakes slip away. We’ll have to stay vigilant. For now, I’ll let him prove himself.”
