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Chapter_99
Coral and Gabriel’s apologies failed to make any impact on Vivienne. Her face remained a mask of indifference.
However, when Jaylan spoke, she finally responded. “Regarding the previous incident, you called me in for an investigation, adhering to all legal procedures, without any evidence or an arrest warrant. That’s by the book. You were a straight shooter. So, after your suspension, I did nothing inappropriate toward the Lockwood family.”
Jaylan’s lips twitched slightly. She might not have done anything, but her fiancé certainly had. The Lockwood family’s business had suffered greatly last time—just a lesson from Percival. But this time, Percival wasn’t leaving them any room to recover. He was making it clear that he was aiming for the Lockwoods’ complete downfall.
Jaylan didn’t voice his thoughts. They were here to apologize, not to accuse anyone.
Vivienne’s gaze flicked upward as her fingers delicately brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear. She spoke slowly, her tone laced with an unsettling calmness, “Jaylan, do you remember how you got to where you are now?”
Jaylan stiffened, his eyes widening in shock. He struggled to find the words to respond.
Of course, he remembered.
The Lockwoods’ current position hadn’t been solely achieved through their parents’ efforts, and his own promotions weren’t entirely the result of his merit. The Lockwoods had been given a significant boost—by someone they still didn’t know. Their benefactor had guided them, urging them not to misuse their newfound power. They were advised to perform good deeds and build positive karma. If the Lockwoods strayed, everything they had would be taken away.
Jaylan, Brandon, and Mrs. Lockwood all looked stunned by Vivienne’s words.
After a long silence, Brandon gathered himself and shakily spoke, “Ms. Vivienne, are you…?”
Vivienne didn’t answer him. Instead, she retrieved a ring from her pocket and slid it onto her finger.
At the sight of the ring, Brandon nearly collapsed, his knees trembling. Vivienne’s cold gaze was enough to steady him for a moment.
“Nine…” Brandon began to speak, but the words caught in his throat as he realized something and quickly fell silent.
Vivienne met his eyes with a chilling stare. “I hope this is the last time.”
“Yes, yes, we understand. There won’t be a next time,” Brandon managed, his throat dry, his words barely audible.
“Take your daughter and leave,” Vivienne said, her tone flat and indifferent.
Brandon didn’t dare stay another second and rushed out with Coral.
Once they were gone, Percival’s eyes lingered on Vivienne for a long moment, then shifted to her hand, from which she had just removed the ring. He’d seen a similar ring before, though the one Vivienne wore was slightly different. Without a closer inspection, the difference was hard to notice.
He didn’t understand why Vivienne had that ring, but one thing was clear: it symbolized a power beyond his own, a power he had been secretly nurturing.
Who exactly was Vivienne?
Vivienne, lost in her thoughts, glanced at the students who were still buzzing with panic from the principal’s punishment. Her gaze landed on Arabella, and without a word, she turned and walked away.
The students who had wanted to stand by Arabella exchanged uneasy glances, reminded of their previous suspicions about Vivienne’s supposed fake academic credentials—suspicions that had since been proven false. And it was Arabella who had been the cause of those rumors.
For a moment, doubt began to creep into their minds about Arabella.
Arabella sensed the shift in the air and knew what was about to unfold. Just as she was preparing for the worst, her phone rang. It was Beatrice.
She answered quickly. “Grandma, I saw the news. How are you? I’ll come see you right now.”
After hanging up, she asked her teacher for permission to leave and rushed to the hospital.
At the hospital, Arabella arrived at Beatrice’s ward and was taken aback to see her rarely visiting aunt, Iris, sitting by the bed.
She paused for a moment, then smiled. “Aunt Iris, you’re back?”
Iris gave her a glance, her expression cool. “Yes.”
Arabella was momentarily taken aback by the icy reception. She had long felt the distance between herself and Iris, who always seemed to treat her with a sense of coldness as if Arabella owed her something.
Deciding not to dwell on it, Arabella turned toward Beatrice. Both Beatrice and Michael were watching her, their gazes heavy.
Beatrice’s expression softened, but there was a shadow in her eyes. She beckoned Arabella closer. “Arabella, come here. Grandma has something to say. I want you to be honest about the incident with Vivienne and the accusations you made about her stealing your credit on Twitter.”
Arabella’s heart sank, a wave of guilt washing over her. “I understand, Grandma.”
Meanwhile, back at Cloudcrest High School, Arabella’s apology and clarification video had just gone live on Twitter when Vivienne saw it.
In the video, Arabella tearfully admitted that Vivienne was the one who had cured Faye Churchill, that she had not stolen the credit, and that her earlier accusations were born out of jealousy. Arabella sincerely apologized and asked for Vivienne’s forgiveness.
Despite the heartfelt confession, the online sentiment didn’t change.
Though Arabella’s words were apologetic, her tearful demeanor made it seem like she was the wronged one, a portrayal that only fueled the suspicion among netizens that she had been pressured into making such a statement.
The internet erupted, with many turning against Vivienne, but she couldn’t help but chuckle to herself. Arabella’s unwillingness to post the video earlier had unknowingly shifted public opinion in Vivienne’s favor.
Was Arabella still playing mind games? Interesting.
Just then, Vivienne’s phone rang. An unfamiliar number flashed on the screen. She frowned slightly before picking up.
“Vivienne,” came a soft voice from the other end of the line. “It’s Iris. Do you remember me?”
“Iris…” Vivienne paused, a wave of nostalgia rushing over her. A warm, gentle face filled her mind. How could she forget? Iris had been one of the only kind figures in Vivienne’s childhood, along with Dorian. Iris had played with her, bought her treats, and shared stories. In the Hawthorn Mansion, Iris had occupied half of Vivienne’s few happy memories.
Vivienne had only heard that Iris had moved to Ozoria with her husband. She never expected her to return so suddenly.
“Iris,” Vivienne replied softly, “I remember.”
“I’ve missed you all these years,” Iris continued, her voice filled with warmth. “I’m so glad Dorian found you, Vivienne… Can I see you?”
Vivienne hesitated, her heart still softened by the past. “Sure.”
Vivienne had believed her heart had hardened over the years, but people like Cordelia and Iris reminded her that some warmth could still reach her.
“I also want to see Thaddeus,” Iris added with anticipation. “Shall we take him to the amusement park after school?”
“Sure,” Vivienne agreed.
