Chapter 13 Make Eliza Pay
Vivienne only cried for a few minutes. Then she wiped her face, and that cool, calm look returned like nothing could break her.
Soon, they arrived at the Whitford’s villa. She went straight to the guest bathroom.
A hot shower made her feel alive again.
On her way to the kitchen, she overheard Celina on the phone.
‘So you’re taking their side? You want to see Vivi ruined? She’s sleeping in my bed, wearing my clothes, eating my food, and I’ll make sure she won’t spend your money, okay? Hello? Jonathan?”
Vivienne’s nails dug into her palm.
After a moment, she walked away quietly.
Later, she finished everything Celina had cooked. Determined to leave, she lied and said she had property and money.
Celina tried to stop her. “Your dress is still soaking in the washbasin.”
‘Then I guess I’ll have to trouble you to wash it for me,” Vivienne said, trying to put her at ease.
Celina’s face softened. “I’m covering for my mother-in-law tomorrow night. It’s some exclusive Seraphic Radiance dinner thing. Let’s meet after that.”
Vivienne nodded. Then she walked out, dazed.
Her mind was on the records Kimberly had pulled-Sebastian had spent a crazy amount on Eliza, and seven figures just at Seraphic Radiance. Vivienne bet Eliza was on the guest list too.
‘What a joke!” Vivienne muttered bitterly.
Eliza was getting ready to dazzle at an exclusive event, while she might end up fighting the homeless for a place to sleep.
‘Look at you, Vivienne. Used to think you were untouchable. Now look where you’ve ended up,” she said to herself.
Her eyes were hollow, with no light left in them.
Behind her, Philip called out, “Ms. Lancaster, wait!”
Vivienne turned.
He rushed over, out of breath, holding out the bank card.
It was black, with no logo, and had the letter K engraved on it.
Chapter 13 Make Iliza Pay
She stared at him, confused, and didn’t take it.
“It’s from the guy in the Maybach. He said it’s for you, and knew your last name, too,” Philip explained.
“He didn’t give a name?” she asked.
“Nope.”
“What did he look like?”
“Honestly, creeped me out. I didn’t even try to look.”
Vivienne thought of the anonymous email.
This Mr. K seemed close, watching but never stepping in. He offered help, but left the choices to her.
After a pause, she took the card.
Nothing ever came free.
Vivienne figured Mr. K wanted something from her, but she didn’t care for now.
She needed the money to stay afloat.
Then she used the card to book a hotel room and pay the manager to grab things like makeup, clothes, and some bags.
It was midnight when she went to bed.
But the moment she closed her eyes, all she could see was Eliza stealing the spotlight at that dinner party.
Vivienne couldn’t block it out.
she headed straight for the venue at the crack of dawn.
Seraphic Radiance served women with money and status, no matter their age. The female servers wore plain uniforms and veils so they wouldn’t draw attention. That gave Vivienne a way in.
She followed one out to the parking lot.
‘Hey, I need your access. 35,000 dollars. Take it or leave it,” Vivienne said,
The girl stared at her, stunned..
Twenty minutes later, Vivienne slipped into the venue.
Just after nightfall, Eliza walked in with Sebastian right next to her.
Vivienne remembered how much he used to hate these occasions. He never let her come.
hapter 13 Make Eliza Pay
Look at him. He can’t get enough of Eliza,” she thought.
Seb, everyone here is so elegant and gorgeous. If you weren’t with me, I think I’d just turn around and leave,” Eliza nurmured.
ebastian brushed a few loose strands from her forehead. “It’s your first one. I’ve got you.”
he rubbed her shoulder against his. “I feel so lucky with you here.”
‘ivienne watched them coldly. All she felt was hate.
he Hartwell family had real sway in Northgale. Naturally, the flattery went straight to Sebastian.
le couldn’t step away, so Eliza wandered off to explore.
ivienne came up to help.
With her head down and the veil on, Eliza didn’t recognize her.
ebastian paused, gave Vivienne a quick look, but the suspicion faded, and he went back to the conversation.
he tried to lead Eliza toward where most of the men were gathered, but Eliza veered off.
f Eliza wanted to be the perfect wife for Sebastian, she needed her own connections. So she made her way toward the wives.
he was sharp and good with people.
Ier humble attitude and the way she handled the cold shoulders were impressive.
nd clearly, she had done her homework-she knew exactly what each woman liked.
hey warmed to her fast.
I don’t know much,” Eliza said gently. “It means so much you’d take the time to talk to me. Honestly, I know this jewelry is not eally me. But my sister-in-law gave it to me and said it looked perfect on me. Told me to save it for something important.”
Their faces changed at her words.
Vivienne clenched her jaw nearby.
Everyone here knew she would never give Eliza jewelry worth millions.
The lie was calculated. First, it made Eliza look kind, like she was still trying to defend Vivienne’s name even after being hit.
Second, it made Vivienne look cruel and ungrateful.
Eliza played the “sweet and wronged” role like a pro.
If that was the story she wanted to sell, Vivienne was happy to help her lean right into it.
She led Eliza into a private lounge.
The moment the door shut, a smirk played at Vivienne’s lips.
“Ms. Benton, you said this jewelry was from Vivienne? Then let’s give it back.” Vivienne’s voice was low and cold.
Her eyes narrowed, a flicker of malice in them.
Eliza froze. “W-who are you?”
“I’m here to make you pay for what you did,” Vivienne said, pulling off the veil.
Eliza opened her mouth to scream, but Vivienne shoved the veil in.
Taller and stronger, Vivienne overpowered her and threw her onto the couch.
“Thanks to you, I’ve got no job and 300 million in debt. So guess what? From now on, I’ve got nothing better to do than watch you. Every minute. Every step. You better stay glued to Sebastian,” she hissed.
Eliza’s eyes turned red. “Vivienne, don’t make another mistake. Someone might come in.”
“That’s exactly what I want.”
Vivienne’s smile was creepy, her tone flat and indifferent. The threat hung heavy in the air.
