Chapter 19
Jason had planned to reveal Vivienne’s identity at the banquet. He wanted to humiliate the Holts and all those who had looked down on her. But before he had the chance, something had happened to Vivienne.
Hearing this, Vivienne’s gaze turned deep and thoughtful. She said, “Don’t tell Sebastian about our relationship yet. Regina is utterly mercenary. If she learns my true identity, she won’t let me divorce him that easily.
“As for Sebastian, if he could marry me for shares and stay in this marriage for three years, then he’s not as deeply in love as he might seem. It’s better if they don’t
know the truth for now.”
Jason thought of the recent rumors he’d heard.
Sebastian wasn’t even divorced yet, and Regina was already bragging about a potential alliance between the Holts and the Lockharts. Given how shameless she was, if she found out about Vivienne’s true identity, there was no telling what underhanded things she might pull.
But still…
“Vivienne, the rumors about you aren’t good,” Jason said. “They’re saying you married into the Holt family for money. If your identity stays hidden, they’ll keep mocking you.”
Vivienne recalled the ugly expressions of those who had stood by and ridiculed her after she had fallen into the pool.
“Once they learn who I really am, they’ll just switch sides and flatter me. Where’s the fun in that? Without my lineage, they’d still treat me like dirt.”
Looking straight at Jason, she said, “Even without being the heiress of the Lockharts, I can still make them shut up. Jason, I want to handle this on my own.”
Jason knew Vivienne too well. This was her personality. He had no choice but to nod and agree.
After a few days of rest, Vivienne’s condition began to improve. Perhaps out of guilt or just bruised pride from the doctor’s scolding, Sebastian visited her nearly daily.
That day, as Vivienne was reading, a knock came at the hospital room door. Melanie and Mia walked in.
“Ms. Moore, are you feeling better?” Melanie’s voice was gentle. “Sebastian said you needed rest, so I waited before visiting. I hope you’re not upset.”
Vivienne looked at Melanie’s concerned expression and gave a faint smile. “You weren’t the one who pushed me into the pool. Why would I blame you?”
“You were pushed?” Melanie blinked in surprise. “Ms. Moore, didn’t you fall in by accident?”
Vivienne leaned against the headboard, smiling coldly. “Oh? Is that your guess, or did the attempted murderer, Mia, tell you that?”
Hearing that, Mia bristied like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. “Vivienne, you’ll stoop to anything to get Sebastian’s attention, won’t you? You faked a drowning so that he’d come rushing to save you that’s your usual trick! And now you have the gall to blame me for you falling in? Have you no shame?”
Vivienne chuckled. “I’ve met liars before, but you’re in a league of your own. Fine. Play the fool and the victim in front of Sebastian, but spare me the act. My eyes work just fine, Ms. Evans. If you’re not disgusted by your performance, I certainly am.”
Mia was so furious that she tried to rush at her, but Melanie held her back.
“Mia, let it go,” Melanie said softly. “Ms. Moore is still recovering. Don’t argue with her.”
Mia rolled her eyes. “Do you think we wanted to come see you? So what if I did push you? Even if Sebastian knows, he wouldn’t blame me.
“Do you think he visits you every day out of care?” She sneered. “Dream on. It’s only because Melanie pleaded for you.”
