Chapter 178

The disturbance in the entrance hall drew many onlookers, but they paused upon seeing Derek nearby. He watched Vivienne with quiet intensity. Bathed in the warm, yellow hallway light, his features were strikingly handsome, his profile sharply defined. Draping his jacket over one arm, he casually settled into a chair, crossing his legs. The smirk playing on his lips—usually hidden by his indifference—now held a teasing charm, drawing everyone's gaze and radiating warmth. In Lyhaton, only the influential had unrestricted access to the Gourmet Spot.

The hesitant staff, wary of causing a scene, quietly alerted their manager, Edmund Walker. However, Edmund was already observing Derek with keen interest. He saw that Derek wasn't intending to intervene; instead, he seemed to enjoy watching the unfolding drama, like a parent amused by a child's antics, confident in the child's ability to manage the situation.

Natalie, sprawled on the floor, felt the scornful glances. She clenched her fists, looking down, struggling to control her bitterness.

“Oh dear, Miss Chambers, are you alright?” Vivienne's voice dripped with insincerity as she peered down. “I was only trying to help you with your heels, but you seem rather clumsy.”

Natalie's gaze snapped up, fury twisting her expression. Her body tensed, ready to retaliate.

“Vivienne, what are you doing?” Warren's stern inquiry cut through the tension.

Warren's concern was evident as he approached and saw Natalie on the floor. He knelt, offering a hand to help her up, gently cradling her in his arms.

“Warren…” Natalie whispered, feigning fragility as she leaned against him, tears welling in her eyes, tugging at his heart. She was adept at stirring his compassion.

Choosing silence over confrontation, Natalie presented herself as a victim of undeserved mistreatment. This seemed the best way to gain Warren's sympathy, portraying Vivienne as the aggressor.

Warren's heart sank at Natalie's sorrowful expression. “Vivienne, how can you act so irrationally? There’s no need for aggression, even if you disagree with Natalie!” He then noticed bruises on Natalie’s wrist, his eyes darkening with disapproval as he glared at Vivienne. To him, she seemed a villain.

Vivienne met Warren’s accusatory gaze with a derisive smirk. “If you find me so objectionable, Warren, keep your distance. I’m not here to cater to your comfort.”

As Warren intervened, Derek moved to stand beside Vivienne, his arm protectively around her. His tone was cold and resolute. “Humans may be biased, but the camera’s lens is not. Would you care to review the footage and see the truth?”

Fear flashed across Natalie’s face as her hands clenched tighter. Vivienne dismissed Warren with a scornful smile.

“The two of you are truly well-matched,” she sneered, her words laced with sarcasm and derision.

As Vivienne walked away, Warren’s troubled expression showed his instinctive desire to follow her.