Chapter 96

Emily Garnache stared at the exquisite dishes on the menu, swallowing hard. Yet she hesitated about the shared table suggestion. Though this person was Vivian Laurent's friend, they were still a stranger.

She was about to decline politely when a shrill female voice interrupted.

"Some people don't even have reservations yet dare to put on airs here?"

Natalie Valois approached in high heels, linking arms with Oliver Roland. Her red nail polish glinted harshly under the lights.

"Vivian, must you haunt me everywhere like a jinx?" Her crimson lips curled. "Still obsessed with someone else's fiancé?"

Vivian's eyes darkened. "Watch your mouth."

Curious glances turned their way from other diners.

Oliver's face turned ashen as he grabbed Natalie's wrist. "Enough. Let's go."

She yanked her arm free. "Why should I leave? She ruined our last engagement party! Now she just happens to be here—you really think this is coincidence?"

Her heavily powdered face twisted with rage. "Vivian, you've always played the innocent victim while being a scheming bitch behind the scenes!"

"Natalie!" Oliver snapped. "Vivian didn't know we'd be here. Stop this nonsense."

"I'm being unreasonable?" Her voice rose sharply. "Oliver Roland, remember who your fiancée is! You're defending this homewrecker?"

"I invited Vivian." Emily interjected timidly. "I chose the time and place—"

"Silence!" Natalie shot her a glare. "Who asked for your input?"

Emily's eyes instantly reddened, fingers nervously twisting her clothes.

Vivian patted her shoulder gently before turning an icy gaze on Natalie. "I have zero interest in your man. If you can't keep him, that's your problem."

"Spare me the act!" Natalie scoffed. "This place requires reservations a week in advance. Did you book?"

She smirked at the waiter. "Do they have reservations?"

The waiter shook his head.

"See?" Natalie shrilled. "She stalked us here! Raised in the countryside with no manners—what else can she do besides seduce men?"

Oliver tried to speak but was drowned out by her tirade.

Emily trembled with anger. "Vivian would never—"

Vivian pulled her back sharply, eyes glinting like steel blades.