Chapter 165

"Vivian, those words cut deep. Being a Valrose is your birthright." Vincent Valrose's face turned ashen.

Vivian gave a humorless laugh. "Exactly why it's my greatest shame."

Ethan Roscente's lips quirked in amusement. This version of Vivian was like a rose in full bloom - vibrant and thorned.

She'd never been one to suffer fools gladly. Unprovoked, she remained civil. Wronged, she retaliated tenfold.

The docile bride he'd married was a carefully constructed facade. He much preferred this unvarnished truth.

Even her coldness toward him was preferable to deception. Especially when her fox-like eyes gleamed with cunning schemes.

"You—" Vincent trembled with impotent rage.

He forced a conciliatory smile. "I know I've failed you. I want to make amends."

Vivian arched a brow. "What perfect timing."

"Timing?" Vincent looked genuinely confused.

She gestured to the construction site behind her. "See this land?"

Vincent nodded.

"I took this project from Natalie." Vivian's tone remained even. "The storm collapsed one building. Faulty materials mean demolishing everything."

Vincent's pulse spiked. Was she expecting compensation?

"Project failures are your responsibility," he said hastily.

Vivian's smile turned glacial. "Relax. Ethan's covering the costs. But someone colluded with suppliers, planted spies—"

Her gaze sliced toward Natalie.

Natalie's spine prickled with dread. "That's slander!"

Her tracks were covered. Vivian couldn't possibly have evidence. This had to be a bluff.