Chapter 164

Natalie Valois staggered up from the ground, her dress covered in dust.

"Who are you calling a rabid dog? I'll tear your mouth—"

"What will you do?" Vivian Laurent cut her off sharply.

She deliberately stepped behind Ethan Roscente. Vivian knew Vincent Valrose's act was just to curry favor with the powerful CEO.

Why not use the ready-made shield?

"You want to hit me now? That murderous glare—should I expect you to finish me off when we get home? Maybe I shouldn't return to the Valrose household at all." Vivian raised her voice intentionally.

Vincent grabbed Natalie's arm. "Mind your manners! Apologize to your sister!"

He turned with an ingratiating smile. "She tripped on her own. Vivian dear, your sister's young and foolish. Be the bigger person. I'll have your room prepared immediately. What breed of dog would you like? Daddy will get you the finest."

Vivian watched Vincent's groveling display—like a dog begging for scraps.

She smirked. "I want a backstabbing wolf."

"A...backstabbing wolf?" Vincent's smile froze.

"Yes." Vivian smoothed her hair. "My mother raised one once. It cost her life. I'd like to see how vicious these creatures truly are."

Vincent's face drained of color. The insult was unmistakable.

"Such a sense of humor, Vivian." He forced another smile. "Why not bring Mr. Roscente for lunch? I can send help. The sun's scorching—hardly suitable for someone of Mr. Roscente's stature."

His eyes darted to Ethan. "Mr. Roscente, the Valrose estate is quite pleasant. Perhaps—"

"Do I know you?" Ethan's icy tone sliced through the air. "Why would I eat at your house?"

Vincent choked on his words.

His gaze locked onto Vivian sheltering behind Ethan. This only confirmed their intimate connection.

"Mr. Roscente seems quite close to my daughter. I'm Vincent Valrose, her father. Since—"

"Enough." Vivian laughed derisively. "Trying to claim connections now? Are you worthy? Does he even acknowledge you? The embarrassment."

Vincent's face cycled through shades of gray. Never in his life had he endured such humiliation.

Yet he couldn't even retaliate. The Roscente Group held Valrose Realty's fate in its hands. For now, Vivian had to be treated like royalty.