The Betrayed Heiress’ Return to Elegance 256
Posted on March 29, 2025 · 1 mins read
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Chapter 256: A Quiet Contest

As they sat down at the table, a quiet contest unfolded between Sienna and Derek. Derek poured the coffee for Vivienne, while Sienna took charge of the water. He carefully prepared the shrimp; she elegantly put more food on Vivienne’s plate. It was as if they were competitors in an unspoken challenge, each vying to surpass the other.

Vivienne picked up on the mounting tension and shot Sienna a puzzled look. Her expression seemed to question, “What are you trying to do?”

With a nonchalant shrug, Sienna faced Derek, her smile laced with provocation. “I believe you haven’t made your introduction yet, sir.”

“Derek Hopkins, pleased to be known as Vivienne’s boyfriend,” he replied warmly, his gaze on Vivienne brimming with tenderness.

A cold sensation swept over Sienna. Vivienne wasn’t comfortable displaying her evident closeness with Derek in Sienna’s presence. She gently pulled back her hand and offered a soothing smile. “Let’s eat.”

Sienna observed this discreet gesture and a smirk of triumph spread across her face. “Vivienne, where did your relationship with him begin?” Sienna inquired. Her tone indicated that Derek was not as important as he might believe. After all, she had never heard Vivienne mention him.

Vivienne’s expression tightened slightly. “It all started the day before I was to leave Warren.” That was intended to be her wedding day with Warren. Left alone by him, Vivienne found herself wandering in an unexpected storm. She was dressed in her wedding gown and seeking refuge, and a twist of fate had Derek’s car almost accidentally striking her. This fateful mishap set the stage for their romance.

“You… him…” Sienna’s eyes widened as she processed the revelation, her look darting between them. She didn’t expect that Derek was the one who had rushed Vivienne to the hospital that day, nor was she aware that he was the owner of that particular suit jacket.

“All this while, you kept this from me, choosing only now to disclose it?”

Derek casually lifted his glass in a quiet salute to Sienna, his eyebrow arched and a subtle smirk on his face. Sienna was annoyed. The sheer audacity was maddening! Yet, he had successfully orchestrated the entire unveiling.

Sienna finished her drink with a defiant tilt of her head and an arrogant air. Throughout the meal, she observed how carefully Derek catered to Vivienne’s preferences.

“Mr. Hopkins, what are your long-term intentions with Vivienne?”

Vivienne’s grip on her utensils tightened as she awaited Derek’s reply. Derek looked Sienna directly in the eye and replied firmly, “I am committed.” At that moment, Sienna seemed to grasp his sincerity. It was commonly said that dating without the prospect of marriage was mere fun. Derek’s demeanor indicated his serious intentions toward Vivienne, aiming for a future together. Hearing this, Sienna’s initial animosity toward him diminished somewhat.

Sienna spent the lunchtime watching Derek and Vivienne closely. Her face held a look of restraint, as if she had much more to share but Vivienne’s presence was stopping her.

“I’m going to the restroom,” Vivienne said.

“Do you need company?” Sienna offered.

Vivienne declined with a shake of her head. “I won’t be long.”

As soon as Vivienne exited, Sienna’s demeanor shifted. She faced Derek with a grave expression and said, “Mr. Hopkins, my doubts about the depth of your affection for Vivienne are strong. From an outside perspective, it’s hard to see the genuineness of this relationship. She was deeply involved with someone for three years; they nearly married. But he left her abruptly. I’m unsure how you captured her affection, but here’s my plea: you’ve chosen to be with her; now be certain you can prevent any harm. Vivienne might appear stoic, but she’s profoundly tender-hearted. A hint of kindness from someone, and she’s all in. Her aloof shell merely protects a delicate soul. She conceals her deepest cares beneath a veneer of detachment. Remember, don’t let her trust in you be misguided or taken for granted.”

Listening intently, Derek responded calmly, “I value your insights.”


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