Chapter 218

"Vivian, I'm begging you." Victoria clenched her fists, her nails digging deep into her palms.

"Begging requires the proper posture." Vivian swirled her wine glass, amusement dancing in her eyes.

"What do you want?"

"You're the one begging, not me." Vivian took a delicate sip. "Leave if you're not sincere."

Victoria inhaled sharply. "I sincerely invite you to the High Tea Party. Let bygones be bygones. Please honor us with your presence."

Vivian set down her glass. "Drink this, and I'll go."

She pushed the glass toward Victoria. "But I should warn you—it's drugged."

Victoria's pupils contracted.

Her gaze locked onto the wine, the rim still bearing Vivian's lipstick mark. This woman wouldn't poison herself. It had to be a bluff.

"I'll drink." Victoria grabbed the glass and downed it. "You'd better keep your word, Dr. Laurent."

Vivian gestured to Finn, who handed over the invitation. "I'll be there."

As Victoria turned, a cold smirk twisted her lips. If Vivian dared show up, she wouldn't leave unscathed.

The moment the door shut, Lucas exploded. "Viv, it's obviously a trap!"

"I know." Vivian toyed with the invitation. "She drank 'drugged' wine without hesitation. How desperate."

"Then why agree?"

"How could I refuse such a well-set stage?" Vivian chuckled. "I might even steal the show."

Isabella leaned in. "Did you really drug it?"

"Of course." Vivian arched a brow. "I never lie."

Finn blinked. "When? We didn't see you do it."

"When she turned to grab her purse." Vivian wiggled her pinky ring.

Before Isabella could ask about the drug's effects, the door burst open. Victoria staggered back in, her face flushed and the back of her dress soaked.