Chapter 325

Vincent Valrose rubbed his hands together with an ingratiating smile. "Vivian, you've already taught Pearl a lesson and got your room back. Surely you're satisfied now?"

Vivian arched an eyebrow. "Do you think so?"

"I'll do anything to make you happy," Vincent lowered his voice. "Just put in a good word for me with Mr. Roscente."

"Tell him I follow your every command. We must invite him for dinner soon."

Vivian nearly laughed aloud. His wife lay battered in the hospital, yet all he cared about was currying favor with Ethan Roscente.

"You're mistaken. Ethan and I aren't acquainted. Feel free to verify that yourself."

"Impossible!" Vincent insisted. "The way he defended you last time—you must be close!"

He still didn't know Vivian was Ethan's ex-wife. The Roscente family had sealed those records tightly.

"Your imagination runs wild," Vivian scoffed. "Ethan Roscente, interested in me? Your schemes are misguided. I've lost my appetite for this dinner. Excuse me."

As she stepped through the Valrose estate gates, an involuntary smile curved her lips.

She'd intended to ignore the Valrose family, but they'd insisted on provoking her.

Natalie and Pearl's clumsy schemes had been child's play to dismantle.

Tonight, she'd sleep soundly. As for the Valrose household? They'd likely spend the night tossing and turning. The thought lightened her steps.

......

In the hospital ER, Pearl moaned in pain.

The doctor's diagnosis required hospitalization—her facial and foot injuries wouldn't heal quickly.

This meant hiding at home, unable to show her face in public.

"That little bitch!" Pearl shrieked. "I should've strangled her when she was five!"

Regret gnawed at her. Showing mercy to Vivian years ago had created this monster.

"If not for my money, she'd have starved in that backwater village! Ungrateful wretch!"

"A dog knows to wag its tail! Who does she think she is? This is the Valrose family—she has no right!"

Pearl's face twisted with rage. She'd meant to teach Vivian a lesson tonight, yet found herself hospitalized instead.

Natalie fanned the flames. "You're right, Mother! Since her return, my engagement collapsed, projects failed, and I've been humiliated!"

"Now even Father obeys her. She clearly wants to seize our inheritance and drive us out!"