Chapter 188

Vivienne sighed softly, settling into the chair with an air of resignation. “Consider this my last gift to the Mitchell family.”

Sienna regarded her with a mixture of concern and contempt. “I fear this ‘gift’ might only encourage them to further exploit you!” She shook her head. “Frankly, Everett uses his seniority to deceive. He’s aware of his family’s reprehensible actions yet shamelessly invites you to their celebration. What is he plotting?”

Vivienne understood the Mitchells' intentions perfectly. She suspected Warren had informed Everett about their restaurant encounter.

“Their plan is to leverage my influence to elevate the Mitchell family,” Vivienne said, her eyes fluttering open, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

“Do you have a plan for retribution?” Sienna, captivated by Vivienne’s enigmatic charm, leaned closer. “I’d love to hear how you’ll get even.”

Vivienne maintained her smile, but her eyes sharpened. “Yes, I will help the Mitchell family rise.” Their ability to withstand the consequences, however, would be their own challenge.

Everett’s call interrupted her, his tone direct. “Vivienne, ensure you’re on time for the Mitchell Group celebration this weekend.”

She’d anticipated this, yet the confirmation brought a sharp pang of sadness, tightening her grip. Again, she felt marginalized. Three years of friendship, seemingly so easily disregarded. In a self-serving world, she was always the one readily discarded.

“I respect your choice,” Vivienne said, ending the call.

She collected her thoughts before calling Owen. “Have you uncovered anything regarding the matter I asked you to investigate?”

“Absolutely, I’m on it,” Owen replied.

A grin spread across Vivienne’s face. “Send me the details via email.”

News of Vivienne’s participation reached Warren, who promptly informed his parents. Observing Harrison’s excessive joy, Melissa couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “Must you be so thrilled?” From her perspective, Vivienne’s attendance was a significant concession from the Mitchells.

Harrison retorted coldly, “You’re simply too shortsighted.”

“Too shortsighted, am I? You weren’t impressed with Vivienne when she first joined our circle,” Melissa retorted, frustration evident as she tossed her phone onto the couch. “Now that she’s influential, you suddenly want to ingratiate yourselves with her? The Mitchells are such elitists.”

“Enough!” Harrison exclaimed, his brow furrowed. “Had we not driven a wedge between Warren and Vivienne then, would we be begging for her help now? I admit I underestimated her, but I truly appreciate her contributions to our family. Without her, we’d be nothing. Given your and Diana’s actions, it’s no surprise people consider us ungrateful.”

Melissa laughed bitterly. “So now I’m holding the Mitchell family back? When I tried to unite Warren and Natalie, you all agreed. But now that Vivienne is useful, you blame me!”

Harrison sighed heavily, his gaze conveying frustration and despair. “Can you be reasonable for once? I never blamed you. The entire Mitchell family is indebted to her, and I worry about the gossip. Those ruthless journalists are always searching for scandalous stories that could damage our reputation.”

A spark of inspiration lit Melissa’s eyes. “I think I have a solution…”