SWNOVELS Chapter 1-10
Chapter 1
On a July evening, around seven o’clock when the sky was still not completely dark.
On Emerald Mountain, Vivienne was standing in front of a nameless grave, dressed in black casual clothes with a cold expression. She said to the tombstone, “Mother, tomorrow marks the end of our ten–year pact. You asked me to temper my edge for a decade, and I’ve done it. Tomorrow, I’m going back to the Hawthorn family.”
It was so quiet that only the sound of the wind could be heard. Suddenly, a loud “bang” made Vivienne turn her head. There was a black car not too far away, skewed to the side. Obviously, a tire had blown.
A man stepped out of the car, dressed in black sportswear, staggering forward as if he was injured. Then, about a dozen men followed him, all dressed in black.
Percival turned his head and looked back. His face bore a layer of coldness, and he clutched his abdomen with one hand, his lips turning pale.
“Just give up. We’ve paid such a high price. You can’t escape, the men in black closed in on Percival. The leader of the group had an expressionless face, emanating a strong aura of menace.
“You think you can catch me?” Percival narrowed his eyes, his voice icy. He felt a sharp pain in his stomach, like a knife cutting into him. He could feel his blood draining out and knew he couldn’t hold on much longer.
“Let’s see about that,” after the leader of the men in black spoke, he launched an attack towards Percival
Just then, a stone came flying and hit the man in black, who immediately fell to his knees.
“Who’s there?” The man in black yelled.
Vivienne answered casually, “You’re disturbing my mother’s rest. Can you fight somewhere else?”
Everyone turned their attention to Vivienne, their expressions serious. Even Percival looked surprised. The people before him were international assassins, each one a formidable force. Yet they had been defeated by a young girl with a single stone. This girl was something else.
“I hope you will remember to mind your own business in the next life.” The man in black ordered, “Kill her.” His followers immediately rushed at her. Vivienne’s eyes were cold.
“Watch out.” Percival yelled seeing the men rush at Vivienne. But he was immediately stunned. He saw that the dozen or so assassins didn’t even have a chance to react before they all fell in front of Vivienne.
Vivienne was still standing in the same spot, her face emotionless, not even blinking. If it weren’t for the sight of her hand not yet withdrawn, Percival would have thought he was seeing things.
“Get lost.” Vivienne’s voice was ice–cold.
The men in black looked at her as if they’d seen a ghost, “Who are you? What did you do to us?” They still didn’t understand how they had fallen. All they saw was the girl slightly lifting her hand and scattering some sort of powder, then they all fell. They hadn’t even touched a single finger of the girl. While waiting for Vivienne’s response, the men in black all passed out. Vivienne glanced at them and then looked at Percival not too far a away. His heartbeat quickened as he saw her clear eyes, as clear as the moon. Collecting his thoughts, he walked over and said gently, “Thank you.” Vivienne glanced at him, “I didn’t do it to save you.” She just didn’t want her conversation with her mother to be interrupted. After saying that, Vivienne turned around and lightly patted the tombstone, “Mom, I’m leaving. Take care.” Vivienne waved her hand and moved on. “Wait a minute…” Percival didn’t finish his sentence when he fell to the ground.
Vivienne turned back, frowned, and then left. Suddenly, a gust of wind picked up around her. Vivienne stopped and looked at the tombstone, “You want me to save him?” There was no response, Vivienne was silent for a moment, sounding a bit helpless, “Alright, I’ll save him.”
Vivienne crouched down, opened Percival’s clothes and saw that he had a serious wound on his stomach. But it wasn’t a big deal, She took out a small porcelain bottle from her bag, sprinkled some powder, and then took out another bottle and fed Percival a mysterious pill.
If Percival were awake now, he would definitely see that the pill was a highly sought–after healing medicine on the black market. One pill was worth fifty dollars and was in short supply.
After feeding Percival the pill, Vivienne didn’t stay any longer and walked away.
At the Hawthorn Mansion in Havenwood.
“As long as I’m alive, Vivienne will never get into our family.” An angry voice echoed, heard throughout the mansion.
In the living room, Vivienne lifted her eyes slightly to look at the furious Beatrice in front of her. Her gazes were meaningful and her face expressionless. In an angle where others couldn’t see, she showed a hint of mockery.
She was brought back by her father, Dorian. Before she could settle in, Beatrice had already gotten the news and called them to the Hawthorn Mansion. As soon as they entered, Beatrice made it clear that she didn’t agree with Vivienne coming back.
Dorian clenched his fist and gritted his teeth, trying to hold back his emotions. After ten years, he finally found his daughter. He was overjoyed but never expected that his mother would not let Vivienne come back. Moreover, she disrespected Vivienne in front of the whole family.
“She’s not worthy. I will never acknowledge her as my granddaughter.” Beatrice slammed the table, “My only granddaughter is Arabella.*
Beatrice’s gaze turned to Vivienne. Those tired old eyes stared straight at her like a knife. Vivienne lifted her eyes to meet Beatrice’s, then turned away. She didn’t care about the old woman staring at her.
Dorian suddenly looked up, “Now that I’ve found Vivienne, I’m not letting her go again. Mind your own business, mom.”
“You dare!” Beatrice stood up abruptly, her voice booming, “If you dare bring her back, I’ll strip you off your position and revoke your shares?
Dorian laughed scornfully, “Position? Shares? Mom, I’m just a small fry in the company, earning a measly 4 grand a month. It’s you who’s clinging onto me, not wanting me to leave. And about my shares, haven’t you already taken them all back?”
“You!” Beatrice was so angry she was grinding her teeth, “Are you deliberately picking a fight with me?” She couldn’t believe that this son of hers, who’d always been seen as a pushover, would dare to talk back to her because of Vivienne. She knew that Vivienne and her late mother were nothing but troublemakers, out to wreck the relationship between her and her son.
Just as Dorian was about to speak, Arabella, who had been silent for a while, suddenly piped up, “Granny, please let my sister, Vivienne, come back.” “Humph.” The old lady looked at Arabella with less hostility, but still replied coldly, “Let Vivienne come back? Dream on.”
“But she’s Mr. Ellington’s fiancée.” Arabella blinked, flashing a smile.
Chapter 2
The atmosphere turned awkward in an instant.
“Wait, what? Percival’s fiancée?” Beatrice jumped to her feet before finishing her sentence. “Yeah, right. It’s Vivienne who’s engaged to the Ellingtons, not you. Now that Vivienne’s back, you don’t have to marry Percival.”
Richard had always doted on Percival, especially after Percival saved him two years ago, despite ending up disabled. Richard’s affection for him only grew. And he also became more and more reckless, squandering Richard’s money without a second thought.
But for some reason, the Ellingtons suddenly sent someone over a while back, saying that the Hawthorn’s lady had an engagement with Percival and they had to honor it. At the time, Vivienne wasn’t back yet, so the Hawthorn’s lady was Arabella, right?
Beatrice was immediately anxious. Even though the Ellingtons held a high status, Arabella was her carefully nurtured protege. She wanted Arabella to marry someone better, someone who could elevate the Hawthorns to new heights. Although Percival was favored, he lacked real power, and the money he had was still provided by his parents and Richard. It was important to know that the money would run out, and when it did, he might be dependent on Arabella’s wealth.
Beatrice naturally wouldn’t allow that. But because of the engagement with the Ellingtons, she couldn’t just call it off. So she’d been brainstorming ways to smoothly break off the engagement.
Now that Vivienne was back, there was no need to break off the engagement. After all, Vivienne was just a country girl. She was a good match for the disabled Percival. The Hawthorns could even use this opportunity to deepen their relationship with the Ellingtons. It was a win–win.
Thinking of this, Beatrice immediately said, “I agree with Vivienne’s return. You guys go teach Vivienne some manners. She’s getting engaged to Percival in a month. We can’t have her embarrassing the Hawthorns at the engagement party.”
Dorian and Cordelia were stunned and looked at Beatrice in disbelief. They still hadn’t recovered from Arabella’s words earlier.
Soon Dorian lifted his head. “Wait, what engagement party? Isn’t Arabella the one engaged to Percival?”
“Once Vivienne’s back, she’s the older daughter of the Hawthorn family. She’s the one engaged to the Ellingtons. Now that she’s back, she should honor the engagement,” Beatrice shot back.
At this, Cordelia furrowed her brows and looked at Vivienne, feeling a pang of sympathy. Beatrice’s scheme was too transparent. No wonder she agreed so easily to Vivienne’s return. She had ulterior motives.
Who didn’t know that Percival was disabled?
Beatrice didn’t even want Arabella to marry Percival before, but now she wanted Vivienne to marry him.
“I don’t agree.” Dorian growled, and his expression darkened. “Arabella is the one engaged to Percival.”
“And so what.” Beatrice retorted. “We can’t afford to piss off the Ellingtons.”
“You guys!” Dorian was so angry his face turned red.
But Beatrice didn’t care. She turned to Vivienne. “If you want to return to the Hawthorn family, you have to get engaged to Percival.”
Vivienne lifted her head to look at Beatrice, her eyes shining brightly. After a moment, she spoke calmly. “Fine, I agree.”
She had to return to the Hawthorn family!
As for the engagement, Vivienne smiled faintly. She came back to the Hawthorn family just in time to call off her engagement to Percival.
After leaving the Hawthorn Mansion, Vivienne went back to Dorian and Cordelia’s house. Eight years ago, Dorian was kicked out of the Hawthorn Mansion by the family elders. Now they lived in a small apartment at Prominent Estates on the edge of downtown. The neighborhood was somewhat run–down. {robably because of its years, walls were peeling. Dorian’s family lived in a small three–bedroom apartment.
Vivienne greeted Dorian and then went to her room. Her luggage was still not unpacked since she just got home today. As soon as she entered her room, someone knocked on the door. She got up to open it and saw Dorian and Cordelia outside, looking like they had something to say.
“What’s up?” Vivienne made way for Dorian to come in.
“There’s something.” Dorian pursed his lips, unsure of how to start.
“Whatever it is, just spit it out Vivienne offered Dorian a seat and stood aside.
“I want to help you cancel the engagement.”
Vivienne lifted her eyes, looking surprised at him.
Cordelia walked over and sat Vivienne down on the bed, softly explaining, “Your dad thinks marriage is a big deal, and Percival is disabled. If you marry him, you’ll have to take care of him for the rest of your life. He hopes you can find a man of good character who truly loves you and will cherish you for a lifetime.”
Cordelia paused, then continued, “But this engagement was set by your mother, so we still need to ask for your opinion.”
Even though she hadn’t spent much time with Vivienne, she felt sorry for her. Percival was disabled. So what if the Ellington family had got money and power? That engagement was nothing but a trap, and once Vivienne fell in, her life would be done for.
Vivienne looked at Cordelia with a slight smile, “Yeah, I’m planning on calling off the engagement.”
Cordelia was Dorian’s second wife and Vivienne’s stepmother. In the short few hours of interaction, Vivienne didn’t find Cordelia off–putting. She also saw that Dorian and Cordelia truly cared for her.
“That’s great.” Dorian excitedly stood up, “I’ll get in touch with the Ellington family right away to talk about calling off the engagement.” Emerald Mountain.
Chapter 2
At an unnamed monument deep in the woods, three people were standing there. The one on the left was a stylishly dressed man with earrings, he looked the tall man next to him, ‘Mr. Ellington, it’s been two days and the girl hasn’t shown up. I guess she might not come at all, let’s get out of here.”
“Let’s wait a bit longer. The man in the middle, with narrow eyes, was staring at the nameless monument with a glint in his eyes. He was dressed in black casual clothes, his short hair covering half of his eyes. His handsome face had a stubborn coldness.
This was Percival from the Ellington family, the one who Vivienne had saved. And the one who spoke first was the young son of the Sterling family from Rivenwood, Leopold Sterling
‘Come on. If you keep this up, your engagement with Miss Hawthorn Leopold touched his earlobe and chuckled, “Miss Hawthorn is a remarkable woman from Havenwood, and your two families have been engaged since childhood. Your grandfather has repeatedly stressed that the engagement banquet must be flawless.”
Percival smirked, “The people from the Hawthorn family haven’t proposed to call off the engagement yet?”
“The Ellington family is the most prestigious family in Rivenwood. Would the Hawthorn family dare to call off the engagement? Even if you’re disabled, they wouldn’t call off the engagement. And let’s not mention that you’re not actually disabled.”
If the Hawthorn family knew that Percival wasn’t disabled, they certainly wouldn’t call off the engagement.
“Well Percival’s eyes dimmed.
If the Hawthorn family didn’t call off the engagement, it wouldn’t be fun.
Seeing his reaction, Leopold knew he’d been talking in vain. He decided not to bring it up anymore, “Since we can’t wait for your savior, let’s get going. Once we find my Mystic Mistress, she’ll be able to save Isolde.”
Percival gave him a puzzled look, “Your Mystic Mistress? Are you sure she really exists?”
Leopold was left speechless, unable to respond to the counterargument. After a while, he said forcefully, “Of course she exists. My Mystic Mistress is beautiful and kind hearted, especially her medical skills. She can cure serious illnesses…”
Before he could finish, he was interrupted by the person standing on Percival’s right, “Mr. Sterling, you don’t even know her name, what she looks like, or even how to find her, yet you boast about how great she is. Your Mystic Mistress must be someone you dreamed of, right? It’d be better to contact the mysterious doctor, Specter Healer.”
She can cure serious illnesses? Even a professor at the medical research institute wouldn’t dare to claim that.
Leopold shouted angrily, “You’re talking nonsense. My Mystic Mistress is not a dream, she is real, like really real. Besides, Specter Healer is hard to find and only treats patients on a whim. We’ve been looking for so long with no news. They might not even be taking patients.”
“I suspect they are not capable at all. Their His medical skills are not even comparable to those of my Mystic Mistress.”
His Mystic Mistress was beyond the understanding of ordinary people like him. Although Mystic Mistress never mentioned her name, and now it’d been ten years, the appearance of Mystic Mistress had also changed, he still believed that as long as he saw Mystic Mistress, he would recognize her.
“Alright, alright, she’s real.” Thomas didn’t want to argue with Leopold anymore, mainly because Leopold had a near–obsessive fixation on his Mystic Mistress.
Percival glanced at them and then turned his eyes back to the monument, bowed, and then turned to say, “Let’s go.”
“Mr. Ellington, where are we going?” Thomas asked.
Percival’s mouth curled up slightly, “To Havenwood. To get my fiancée to call off the engagement.”
Over at Prominent Estates.
Chapter 3
Dorian was about to call off the engagement with the Ellington family when a sudden ring of the doorbell interrupted him.-
Dorian and Cordelia immediately got up to answer the door. Vivienne also got up, seeing as it was basic etiquette to greet the guests.
The visitor turned out to be Arabella. Dorian and Cordelia were taken aback, and even Vivienne raised an eyebrow. Weren’t they just at the Hawthorn Mansion and here Arabella was already on their doorstep?
“Dad, Mom, I came to visit you, and also to see my sister. I brought her some clothes.” Arabella was dressed in a light–colored dress, her hair pulled to the sides, and she wore a sweet smile on her face. She had an air of refined tranquility about her.
Cordelia glanced at the bag in Arabella’s hands and her expression immediately changed. These clothes were bought by Beatrice for Arabella; many were only worn once and never again.
“You’re so considerate.” Cordelia took the bag from Arabella and casually placed it on a cabinet.
“What brought you here all of a sudden?” Dorian glanced at the bag in Arabella’s hand, and his expression turning serious.
Arabella’s gaze shifted slightly, she looked up at Dorian, her eyes welling up with tears, and said in an aggrieved tone, “I know you just found my sister and you want to spend more time with her. I understand if you don’t want to see me, but granny told me to come to teach my sister some manners
Dorian frowned, his gaze on Arabella laced with impatience. Well, here we go again. Over the years, every time she came over, she would be in tears, as if someone had mistreated her. Wasn’t she the one who looked down on them as foster parents after she got Beatrice’s favor? Who was she putting on this act for now?
Dorian got suddenly upset, “What manners to teach? Vivienne’s manners are just fine; she doesn’t need anyone to teach her. She’s not marrying into the royal family. Why the need for all these manners?”
“Ha ha!” Vivienne couldn’t help but laugh at Dorian’s comment. Dorian sure had a sense of humor.
Arabella’s beautiful face suddenly turned red as she lowered her head and bit her lip, “Dad, that’s not what I meant. I just…”
“Alright, go tell your granny, I’m calling off the engagement with the Ellington family. Since she looks down on Vivienne, then she shouldn’t care whether she has manners or not,” Dorian said somewhat irritated.
“What? Call off the engagement?” Arabella couldn’t keep up her act, her hands clenching her skirt, hatred almost spewing from her eyes.
What a joke! He sure treated his biological daughter differently.
When the Ellington family thought she was the one engaged to Percival, she had subtly expressed her reluctance to marry Percival, but Dorian had said that it wasn’t up to him to call off the engagement, as it was Beatrice’s decision.
And now?–
Vivienne just came back, and Dorian was in a hurry to call off this engagement. How come he wasn’t saying it wasn’t up to him this time?
“Yes, Vivienne is only nineteen. I’ve only just gotten her back, and I’m not going to let her get married,” Dorian said seriously, “Go tell your granny that she should stop getting any ideas to marry Vivienne off.”
He knew what Beatrice was thinking. He might have listened to her in the past, but on the matter of Vivienne’s marriage, he would make no concessions. If anyone dared to have any designs on Vivienne, he would sever ties with them.
Arabella said, looking at Vivienne and softly saying, “You don’t want the Hawthorn family to be in trouble, do you? This is the result of our grandfather’s lifetime effort. If because of you…” She didn’t finish her sentence, deliberately leaving it hanging.
Hearing this, Vivienne slightly lifted her eyes, her red lips curled into a smile, “Yes, I don’t want to get married. Do you?”
Arabella was stunned, her expression turning sour. Was she to marry that disabled Percival? She was the talented girl of Havenwood, she had made great achievements in various fields, and now she was an honor student, her future bright. Why would she ruin it by marrying that disabled man?
What did Vivienne mean by that? Was she deliberately trying to make her sick?
“This joke is not funny at all,” Arabella managed a smile, looking quite uncomfortable.
Vivienne blinked, tilting her head to look at her, “I’m not joking.”
Arabella almost couldn’t help slapping Vivienne. “You’re the real Miss Hawthorn.” Arabella’s tone suddenly became high–pitched, and the malice in her eyes grew stronger.
“Well.” Vivienne/replied nonchalantly, “So you’re teaching me, the real Miss Hawthorn, how to handle things?”
“You!” Arabella’s hands were clenched tight, and she took a deep breath and said with a light laugh, “You misunderstood, how dare I teach you anything? It’s granny who said that the engagement with the Ellington family is important, especially since after the engagement, they will invest a sum of money in our company, so we can’t call off the engagement.”
Without waiting for Vivienne to speak, Arabella stood up, “Dad, I have to go to the company later, I can’t stay long. Granny said that she didn’t agree with sister and Mr. Ellington calling off the engagement. If you insist on doing this, she’ll take back this apartment.”
Beatrice didn’t actually say this; it was all Arabella’s own words. But she could change Beatrice’s attitude before Dorian could see Beatrice.
Dorian’s expression changed, he was about to say something, but Arabella had already left.
Chapter 4
After Arabella left, Dorian angrily slammed his cup onto the table and said, “What a pain in the ass!”
Cordelia poured him a glass of water and comforted him, “Come on, don’t get your knickers in a twist. She doesn’t consider us family anyway, so what’s the point of getting mad?“–
Arabella was the child they adopted eight years ago. At that time, Dorian was all about finding Vivienne, but after a long search without any luck, he stumbled upon Arabella instead.
Arabella had some resemblance to Vivienne. Dorian, missing Vivienne and feeling sorry for Arabella, took her in. Arabella was very well–behaved, sensible, and had a sweet way of speaking. In addition, she was good at making people happy. Beatrice was wrapped around Arabella’s little finger.
Two years after they adopted Arabella, she was taken in by Beatrice. Over the years, she became a celebrated talent in Havenwood, drawing much envy. However, since Arabella had been with Beatrice, she no longer took them seriously. Though nothing showed on the surface, her words often hurt. Dorian and Cordelia were no fools, and over time, they saw Arabella’s true colors. So naturally, their interactions with Arabella dwindled.
“It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have taken her in.” Dorian said regretfully.
“You were only doing it out of the goodness of your heart too.” Cordelia looked at Vivienne and said, “The issue now is how to call off this marriage. It seems Beatrice has her mind set on marrying Vivienne off. If we disagree, she won’t back down easily.”
“I’m determined to call off this marriage. Even if she takes this apartment back, I can still keep the home fires burning.” Dorian said firmly. Cordelia sighed. She worried that Beatrice wouldn’t let them live in peace in Havenwood.
Vivienne was looking at the content on her phone. The phone screen displayed Percival’s information. As an important figure in the Ellington family, Percival’s information was very detailed. Besides his photo, there was other information, including his phone number.
“Don’t worry about it. I can call off the marriage myself.” Vivienne raised her head, with a smile on her face, “And don’t worry about having nowhere to live. I’ll buy a house for you.”
In consideration of Dorian’s kindness to her, she would return the favor with a house.
“Vivienne…”
Before Dorian could say anything, Vivienne stood up, picked up her phone, and made a call. “Mr. Ellington? I’m the young lady of the Hawthorn family.” As soon as the call connected, Vivienne cut to the chase.
Percival was a bit surprised on the other end, “Yes?”
“I’d like to call off the engagement.” Vivienne’s voice was clear and firm.
Percival was taken aback by this, and after a moment, he laughed, “I agree.”
Vivienne froze for a moment as she looked at the cell phone that had been hung up. He agreed just like that?
In a high–end club in Havenwood.
Percival lounged on the sofa, legs crossed, long fingers holding the phone, his deep gazes staring at the call log on the phone, with a cold smirk on his lips.
“Is that really the young lady of the Hawthorn family, Arabella?” Leopold holding a glass of wine, found it hard to believe.
“She said so herself.” he replied, his voice low and enchanting.
“Hah!” Leopold chuckled, “She’s quite a character. I’m starting to find her interesting.”
Despite Percival’s bad reputation, his family’s wealth still attracted many girls. However, Richard had chosen the young lady of the Hawthorn family as his fiancee. He had assumed that the Hawthorn family would never call off the engagement.
He had investigated that the Hawthorn family’s company had started to go downhill in the last few years and was severely short of funds, and that their engagement to the Ellington family would lead to a large investment, which was the condition of Richard’s engagement. Therefore, Beatrice would never agree to a call off the engagement.
But what he didn’t expect was that she would take the initiative to call it off. She really was the well–known talent of Havenwood, her character unmatched by many girls.
Percival was in a great mood, his eyes narrowed to slits as his fingers worked quickly on his phone.
Leopold went over to look at it and said in surprise, “Mr. Ellington, how did you manage to save the recording of your conversation with her?” Percival’s eyes twitched a bit, his fingers still operating the phone, “How could I not share such good news with my grandpa to cheer him up?” “Your grandpa might have a heart attack from the excitement, right?” Leopold couldn’t imagine Richard’s reaction after knowing about this. “He might not have a heart attack, but he’ll probably throw a fit.” This was Richard’s usual tactic.
He had used all means to get Percival to marry the Miss Hawthorn, which was a headache for him. Now that Miss Hawthorn had called off the engagement, the old man should quiet down a bit.
He took a sip of wine, turned his head to look at Percival, and asked with some confusion, “Speaking of which, why don’t you want to marry Arabella? She’s beautiful, has excellent grades, and has achieved a bit in many fields. Plus with her grades, she’s likely to get into a prestigious university. Such a woman is a rare find.”
Percival put down his phone, picked up his wine glass and gave it a little swirl. “If she’s so amazing, this cripple shouldn’t be holding her back.” he said. Leopold glanced at Percival’s flawless legs and quietly looked away.
Prominent Estates.
12:48
Chapter 4
The moment Vivienne entered her room, her phone began to ring. Upon seeing the caller ID, her expression turned serious. She walked to the window to take the call.
“We found something.” a deep male voice said from the other end of the line. “The day your mom died, the Four Prominent Families of Rivenwood were all at your house.”
Vivienne’s gazes darkened. “The Four Prominent Families of Rivenwood?”
“Yes.” the man on the line continued. “The Ashford family, the Pendleton family, the Churchill family, and the Ellington family.”
Vivienne was taken aback. “The Ellington family? Percival’s family?”
“Yes,” the man paused slightly. “The Ellington family is the most powerful among the Four Prominent Families of Rivenwood, a true top–tier aristocracy. Of the families associated with yours, apart from the Ellington family, the other three families are of a lower rank.”
The man went silent for a moment, then continued, “The other three families came to your house looking for something. I’m not sure what exactly. The member of the Ellington family who came to your house was Percival.”
Vivienne’s gaze turned icy, and her beautiful eyebrows furrowed. “Percival? What was his motive?”
“It seems he was looking for someone.”
Vivienne didn’t respond. She leaned on the bed, her fair, slender fingers gently tapping the windowsill. After a while, she finally spoke up. “Keep investigating what the other three families were looking for. As for the Ellington family, don’t bother. I’ll look into it myself.”
“Got it.”
Chapter 5
Chapter 5
After hanging up the phone, Vivienne pushed open the window, staring at the blue sky outside with a cold expression. “Mom, who did you piss off?”
She left the Hawthorn family when she was only nine. All she remembered was her mother being bullied by Beatrice, but her mother always put up with it. At that time, she didn’t understand why her mother, who was clearly a smart and capable person, would be bullied and not fight back. It wasn’t until they left the Hawthorn family and found themselves pursued by various parties that she understood her mother’s mysterious Muay Thai, Her mother wasn’t ignorant of resistance, she was evading those who were after them.
Until one day, her mother received a call. She noticed her mother’s unusual expression, but due to her young age and multiple escape experiences, she thought someone was after them again.
But that night, her mother committed suicide. Her mother ended her life with a poison she developed.
Before leaving, she told Vivienne to go to the Emerald Monastery to find Finnian, to learn Muay Thai from him, and warned her not to leave the there for ten years and to hide her abilities. Her mother made a special request that after her death, she should be cremated, and there was no need to erect a tombstone.
Ten years later, she was to return to the Hawthorn family to find her father, Dorian, and fulfill her engagement with Percival.
She did everything else. The only thing she didn’t do was marry Percival.
For the past ten years, she lived in the shadow of her mother’s death, she had to seek revenge, and couldn’t let marriage hinder her. But now she found out that Percival was also involved in the events back then.
The engagement was cancelled, so to find out the truth about the past, she had to find another way.
A burst of urgent knocking interrupted Vivienne’s thoughts. She opened the door, only to see Beatrice barging in with a bunch of people.
About ten people squeezed into the small living room, including Beatrice’s eldest son, youngest son’s family, and Arabella.
Their faces were filled with rage, especially when they saw Vivienne, as if they couldn’t wait to tear her to pieces.
“Vivienne! You irresponsible girl! Who gave you the right to break off the engagement with the Ellington family? You’ungrateful child! Do you even care about me anymore?”
The moment Beatrice saw Vivienne, her old and blurry eyes almost spit fire. She couldn’t believe that Vivienne would unilaterally break off the engagement. If it wasn’t for Richard’s call, she wouldn’t even know.
He’s call she wouldn’t eve
Since Vivienne just returned, the Hawthorn family hadn’t publicly announced her identity, so Richard didn’t know that the person to be married to Percival was Vivienne, not Arabella. But Beatrice didn’t care, as long as Richard wanted to get engaged with the Hawthorn family’s daughter, as long as Vivienne went there, the Hawthorn family wouldn’t lose anything. But Vivienne actually broke off the engagement!
Vivienne’s gaze was icy, and an aura of coldness emanated from her. She stared at Beatrice for a long moment without saying a word.
“It was me who let Vivienne break off the engagement.” Dorian shielded Vivienne behind him and spoke with a stern expression. “If you have a problem, take it up with me.”
Beatrice slapped him, her anger bursting. “You’re the one who betrayed the family. Do you know what this marriage means to the Hawthorn family?” She didn’t want Arabella to marry Percival before, but she didn’t really cancel the engagement. She just wanted to find a way that could get the Ellington family’s investment and protect Arabella. But with Vivienne’s move, if it caused the dissatisfaction of the Ellington family, the Hawthorn family’s company wouldn’t get a penny.
“What does it mean?” Dorian sneered. “Isn’t it just for your pride? You look down on Vivienne, so you’re willing to sacrifice her?”
Dorian’s older brother Michael spoke up, frowning. “How can you say that about our mom? She’s doing this for the Hawthorn family, and besides, the Ellington family said that Vivienne wouldn’t be mistreated if she married over.”
“Yeah, although Percival has physical limitations, he’s from a wealthy family. Look at Vivienne, she grew up in the countryside and didn’t receive higher education. She might not even have finished high school, right? She’s nineteen now and can’t go to college, so she can only find some lowly paid jobs to get by.” Dorian’s second brother Joseph added. “With her qualifications, she can only find jobs like waitressing, her future partner can only be ordinary, so what’s wrong with marrying Percival? At least she’d have a worry–free life.”
“Enough!” Dorian roared. “Vivienne is my daughter. I have the right to decide who she marries. No matter how good Percival is, Vivienne won’t marry him.” “You!” Michael was so angry his face turned red. “You’re unreasonable!”
Béatrice stared at Dorian and angrily said. “You are not in charge of this family. As the granddaughter of the Hawthorn family, Vivienne should contribute to the family. The Hawthorn family doesn’t keep freeloaders.”
“Ha!” Vivienne let out a cold laugh, her eyes filled with disdain.
Beatrice turned her head sharply, her eyes like venomous snakes. “What are you laughing at?”
Vivienne lifted her head, and her cold gazes fixed on Beatrice. “I’m laughing at your poor memory. It seems like I haven’t spent a penny of yours since l was born. You never raised me. Why would you expect me to contribute?”
She may had been young back then, but she still remembered that this granny of hers never even bought her a single piece of candy. “You!” Beatrice was so angry she could hardly breathe, glaring at Vivienne with a hint of resentment. This little brat sure had a sharp tongue. “Vivienne!” Michael shouted angrily, “How can you talk to your grandmother like that? She’s your elder. Is this how your mother taught you?”
Vivienne’s red lips curled slightly, her hands in her pockets, giving off a relaxed demeanor.“Sorry, my mom’s dead, if you have any questions, you can go ask her in the underworld directly about how she taught me?”
Michael’s face turned red, “You’re absolutely ill–mannered.”
Chapter 5
Vivienne’s nonchalant attitude annoyed the rest of the Hawthorn family too. But with Beatrice there, everyone kept their mouths shut. However, the looks they gave Vivienne were as if they wanted to eat her alive.
Vivienne just slightly lifted her chin, not caring about their looks at all.
Beatrice stared at Vivienne for a while, taking a deep breath before making an effort to suppress her anger. Her tone softened slightly as she spoke. “This marriage was arranged by your mother. She wouldn’t want anything bad for you, right? Richard also said that he hopes you could continue with this engagement to Percival.”
Vivienne just smiled at her, without saying a word.
Beatrice frowned, and said coldly, “Vivienne, I want to remind you that the place you’re living in now is provided by me, and if you don’t marry Percival, I’ll take back this apartment. In addition, your father will be kicked out of the company. As long as I’m around, he won’t find a job in this city. Without money, he won’t be able to support your family.”
Before Vivienne could say anything, Dorian stepped forward and said seriously, “You want the apartment, then take it. I’m capable. I don’t believe I can’t support my wife and child. I won’t let Vivienne fall into hardship.”
Beatrice was so angry she almost slapped him, but she held back, biting her teeth at Dorian, “Fine. You have guts, I’d like to see how long you can last.” Beatrice said coldly, “I’m giving you an hour, move out immediately.“
Chapter 6
Beatrice was lounging on the living room couch, watching Dorian and the girls pack up.
Dorian glanced at Beatrice without saying a word, then led Cordelia and Vivienne to the bedroom to pack their things.. realized Arabella had tagged along.
as they entered the room, they
She looked at the simple bedroom, and a hint of discontent flashed in her eyes. However, she quickly masked her emotions and softly said, “Dad, are you really moving out? You don’t earn a whole lot every month. How’re you going to support the family? Where are you guys gonna live? Why not just listen to my grandma’s advice?”
Dorian turned his gaze to her without uttering a word.
Seeing his silence, Arabella turned to Vivienne, “Dad’s made a lot of sacrifices looking for you over the years. Now that you’re back, you’re just gonna let him live on the streets?”
Vivienne looked up, a mocking smile forming on her indifferent face.
“Why not marry Mr. Ellington? At least you’d have a secure future. If it were me, I definitely wouldn’t let dad wreck his relations with his own family because of me,” Arabella rambled on.
Vivienne flashed a faint smile, crossed her arms and replied, “You sure have a way with words, so why don’t you marry him? The Hawthorn family has taken care of you all these years. Shouldn’t you repay them?”
Arabella’s expression darkened, and while she mentally cursed Vivienne, she maintained a smile, “Too bad you’re the one engaged to Mr. Ellington. for Viv Vivienne’s smile widened. For some reason, Arabella felt a pang of anxiety. Without waiting for Vivienne to say anything, she quickly added, “If you guys are so set on this, I won’t say anything more. But Dad, grandma said if you don’t finish packing within an hour, she’ll have someone throw your stuff out.“, “I got it.” Dorian responded, not bothering to say anything more.
Seeing this, Arabella had no choice but to return to the living room. Once she left, Dorian looked around the room full of stuff, and felt a bit worried, “With so much stuff, we definitely won’t finish packing in an hour. Should I call some movers to help?”
Cordelia nodded, “Yes, that’d be faster.”
Watching them busily packing, Vivienne felt a warmth in her heart. Aside from her mother and Finnian, only they would protect her like this. Vivienne bit her lip and slowly suggested, “Just pack the essentials. I have some money, we can buy a fully furnished house later, and get the rest of the stuff once we’ve moved to the new place.”
“How can we do that?” Cordelia immediately retorted, “You just got back. We can’t use your money. Even though Havenwood isn’t as expensive as the the house. bigger cities, house prices are still high. Don’t worry about the house. We’ll rent one for now and figure out the rest later.”
“Yeah, Vivienne, save your money for yourself. Don’t worry about the rest, Dorian felt a sense of relief.
Vivienne had endured a lot since childhood, earning some money through part–time jobs, but she was still willing to offer it to help them now. This warmed his heart.
“The money for the house…”
Vivienne wanted to say she had already saved enough for a house, but Dorian cut her off, “But what Vivienne just said make sense. We just need to take our clothes and identification. Leave everything else. We can just rent a furnished house.”
“Alright.” Without another word, Vivienne went to her own room to pack. She didn’t have much stuff, just a few sets of clothes, her laptop and phone. She packed quickly. After a glance at Dorian and Cordelia’s room next door, she composed her countenance, took out her phone and sent out a text.
In the living room.
Beatrice was waiting for Dorian’s family to admit their mistakes to her, but to her surprise, after a long wait, they walked out with their luggage. Each of them carried a suitcase, leaving behind everything else, and left without a backward glance.
Beatrice stood up abruptly, her face turning green with rage, “Fine, just fine. You guys are really something. I want to see how you’re going to survive in this city without me.”
Dorian only turned to look at her once without saying anything, and walked away.
Once they left the neighborhood, Dorian looked at the bustling streets and sighed, “Let’s find a hotel to stay in for the night, and I’ll go house hunting.” Vivienne nodded, and they checked into a nearby hotel.
Three hours later, Dorian returned looking disappointed. Cordelia immediately went over, “How’d it go? Did you find a place?”
Dorian shook his head, “I found a few suitable places that we could afford, but when it came to signing the lease, the landlords wouldn’t rent to me after seeing my ID. I asked for the reason, and it turns out my mom said some things. She told people that if they rented a house to me, they’d be going against our family.”
Beatrice had some sway in this city. With her words hanging in the air, naturally no one would rent to him.
Dorian slapped the table in frustration, “My mom’s really pushing me into a corner.”
Cordelia didn’t expect Beatrice to be so ruthless and was at a loss for words.
Vivienne poured Dorian a glass of water, “Drink some water first. Don’t worry. Someone will be willing to rent to us.” Dorian sighed, “I guess we have no other choice. I’m really sorry.”
After resting for a while, Dorian still didn’t give up and was about to check again when someone knocked on the door. He got up to open the door and was surprised to see Jacob, “Jacob?”
Wasn’t this the real estate agent? How did he find them here?
“Mr. Hawthorn, good evening. Jacob greeted with a cheerful smile, “I saw the address you left on the form was here, so I came over.”
Dorian was confused, he left an address? He didn’t remember doing that. But he didn’t ask further, instead, he asked, “What can I do for you?” “So here’s the deal. Tranquil Estates has a beautifully furnished house available, with four bedrooms and two living rooms, for a monthly rent of five hundred dollars. Sounds perfect for you guys. What do you think?”
Upon hearing this, Dorian and Cordelia were completely gobsmacked.
Tranquil Estates? A lavish four–bedroom house? Get out of here! That was one of the poshest neighborhoods in town. It was full of loaded folks. Buying a small two–bedroom one already cost half a million dollars, let alone a four–bedroom. That was over a million dollars.
Cordelia was the first to snap back to reality, and she quickly dragged Dorian aside, “How are we so lucky to bag this sweet deal? You don’t think it’s a trap set by your mom, do you?”
Hearing her suspicion, Jacob hurriedly clarified, “You’ve got it all wrong. The owner is moving abroad and wants someone tidy to look after the place. He checked out your family profile and was super impressed, that’s why he’s offering this bargain. If you guys don’t want it, I’ll just have to…”
“We want it.” Before Jacob could finish his sentence, Dorian jumped in. “We’ll sign the contract right now.”
Chapter 7
Vivienne, dressed in black casual wear and a leisure hat, found the corresponding room number according to the message someone sent in WhatsApp, and pushed open the door.
The person inside saw her and quickly stood up, “You’re here.”
He was Matthew from Emerald Monastery, who had been handling affairs for Vivienne over the years.
“Mhm.” Vivienne took off her hat and put it on a chair nearby. “Where’s the stuff?”
Matthew handed her a bag of documents, “I was planning to buy a villa, but you were in a hurry, so I could only find a house in Tranquil Estates. I bought it for three times the market price. Here are the property certificate and the transfer procedures, all done.”
This house cost a whopping four million dollars. They could have bought a villa with that money. Matthew felt a pang of regret when he thought about it. “No worries, as long as there are no major problems. Vivienne put the bag of documents into her purse, then took out a ceramic jar, “Sell it.” Matthew’s eyes bulged in surprise, ‘A whole jar? That much?”
These were mysterious healing pills that were being fought over on the black market. Each one was worth half a million dollars, and having more money didn’t guarantee you could buy them. Vivienne only supplied one pill at a time, and it would take four or five months before she could supply another. As a result, the value of the healing pills was extremely high.
This time Vivienne actually brought out a whole jar. How could it not be shocking?
“Ah, I spent four million dollars, and I have to earn it back. Otherwise, I’ll have to scrimp and save next month.” Vivienne rubbed her temples, looking a little down. She was rather lazy and didn’t want to spend too much energy on money matters. Over the years, she had only earned a total of four million dollars by selling healing pills, and she had just spent it all today.
She needed to earn some more money. She still had to support her father and mother.
Dorian and Cordelia also had a son, who was attending a boarding school kindergarten.
Cordelia’s eldest daughter, Astrid, didn’t need her support. She was older than Vivienne and had her own job. But after Vivienne returned, Cordelia used the legacy for Astrid. This money, Vivienne still had to earn back.
Matthew chuckled awkwardly, “Ms. Hawthorn, don’t you feel guilty saying that?”
Just selling this jar of healing pills should bring in at least ten million dollars, right? And she was talking about scrimping and saving.
“I’m really broke.” Vivienne blinked, looking very serious.
“Ah, yes, you’re broke.” Matthew looked at the sky speechlessly.
Vivienne put on her hat and patted Matthew on the shoulder, “I gotta go. I’ll leave the task of making our business great to you.”
Matthew thought to himself, “You really think too highly of me.”
Vivienne left, planning to go to a nearby shopping mall to buy some gifts for her family. Just as she was about to enter the mall, there was a commotion ahead.
“Whose child is this? Are her parents not with her? Look, what’s wrong with this child? Why is she convulsing?”
“It seems this child came here alone. She suddenly fell to the ground. Is she sick?”
“Is there a doctor? Come and take a look, please!”
Vivienne’s gaze fell on the crowd, and with just one glance, her eyes narrowed. A girl about five years old was lying on the ground, looking extremely weak. Her face was so shocking, it couldn’t really be called a face. At this moment, she was convulsing, making her already shocking face even more terrifying.
After a while, she stood up and walked into the crowd.
When the crowd parted, a voice came, “Oh dear! This child is really ugly!”
Vivienne looked over and saw Arabella and two other girls standing there, their faces filled with disgust.
Then another girl said, “Arabella, aren’t you studying medicine with Dr. William? Why don’t you go and take a look? This girl looks pitiful.”
“I’ve only learned a bit, and this girl’s illness looks serious. I’d better call an ambulance.” Arabella’s gazes were cold.
Vivienne walked past them, looking at them expressionlessly, then walked into the crowd. She picked up the little girl, fed her a healing pill, and then took out a bag of silver needles she carried with her.
Arabella was surprised to see Vivienne. When she saw Vivienne take out a bag full of silver needles, preparing to give the little girl acupuncture, she immediately stepped forward and said, “What are you doing? Stop right now!”
Vivienne gave her a cold look and ignored her. Just as she was about to start the acupuncture, a middle–aged woman suddenly rushed in, pushed Vivienne away, and cradled the little girl in her arms, “Who are you? What are you going to do to her?”
Vivienne’s face turned gloomy in an instant. She hated being disturbed while treating patients. But seeing the little girl’s condition wasn’t good, she still patiently explained, “She’s having an attack. I’m going to give her acupuncture.”
Upon hearing this, the middle–aged woman breathed a sigh of relief, “Are you a doctor?”
Before Vivienne could answer, Arabella interjected, “Vivienne, don’t mess around. You haven’t properly studied the arts of acupuncture. How can you casually treat people? If something goes wrong, the Hawthorn family will be affected.”
Arabella was really afraid that Vivienne would cause a big problem. Now she was the granddaughter of the Hawthorn family, the Hawthorn family’s affairs would affect her, and if the Hawthorn family had a problem, she would be affected too.
12-49
Chapter 7
Hearing Arabella’s words, the people around also started to say, “Miss, we understand you want to save her, but you can’t risk it. This is a matter of life
and death.”
“We should wait for the ambulance. I’ve already called for it.”
The middle–aged woman’s expression changed drastically when she heard this, and she hugged the little girl even tighter, “What? You’re not a doctor?” Vivienne’s expression was so cold that it was hard to approach, and there was a chill in the air around her. Those who knew her would know that she was getting angry.
Just then, the little girl suddenly vomited white froth, her eyes rolled back, and her face turned pale as paper. The middle–aged woman was startled and quickly asked, “Is there a doctor? Someone please save her.”
Vivienne didn’t have time to be pissed, she yanked the little girl away from the middle–aged woman. Before the woman could utter a word, Vivienne shot her a look, “If you want her to kick the bucket, keep stopping me.”
The woman froze in her tracks, glanced at the little girl, then back at Vivienne, and kept her mouth shut.
Arabella saw Vivienne ignoring everyone and injecting the girl, and fier face turned beet red. She shrieked, “Do you have any idea what you’re doing? You trying to screw over the Hawthorn family?”
Vivienne suddenly turned her head, her gaze icy and filled with anger, “If you yammer one more word, I’ll shut you up.”
Faced with Vivienne’s icy glare, Arabella felt a chill, and clammed up.
Elsewhere.
A black sedan was speeding along, the atmosphere inside was as cold as ice. Percival sat in the back seat, his face emotionless, an aura of seriousness and menace surrounding him.
Leopold glanced at him and murmured, “I’ve arranged for the nearest doc to take care of her. Isolde will be just fine.”
Isolde was Richard’s youngest granddaughter, and Percival’s most cherished little sister. Percival didn’t initially plan for her to come to Havenwood, but she wasn’t happy in the Ellington family, so she insisted he bring her.
Percival’s heart softened, so he brought her here and purchased a villa for her. He sent the nanny who had been looking after her to continue taking care of her here.
Lately, Isolde had been feeling insecure about her looks and didn’t want to go out. So Percival had the nanny take Isolde for a walk around the villa. But who would’ve thought, they’d end up at the shopping center. As they passed by, Isolde saw a pair of earrings she thought her future sister–in–law would like, so she went into the mall with the nanny. However, when the nanny was paying, people started pointing at Isolde. She couldn’t take the pressure and bolted, which triggered her condition.
The nanny couldn’t find her and urgently called Percival. They found out what happened at the mall through surveillance and rushed over.
Percival’s hand clenched his phone tight, his voice as cold as ice, “Step on it.”
Chapter 8
At the entrance of the mall.
Seeing Vivienne being stubborn, Arabella angrily walked off with the two girls next to her. She definitely didn’t want to get in trouble because of Vivienne.
After Vivienne gave the little girl an injection, her breathing gradually became steady. Just then, the ambulance arrived at the scene. She removed the silver needles from the girl’s body and placed them in a needle box. She then reassured the middle–aged woman, “She’s out of danger for now, but she still needs to be taken to the hospital for further treatment.”
After saying that, Vivienne stood up to leave.
“I’m from the Hawthorn family.” She dropped this line before she turned and left.
When Percival and his group arrived, they just caught a glimpse of Vivienne’s retreating figure. This time, he was in a wheelchair, being pushed by Thomas. Percival watched Vivienne’s back, feeling a sense of familiarity. Before he could think more about it, Leopold had already reached Isolde and asked, “Isolde, how are you doing?”
Isolde gave him a weak smile. “Leopold, I’m fine. A lady just saved me. She was amazing.”
Isolde was still semi–conscious when Vivienne first arrived.
“A lady?” Leopold was a bit puzzled.
“Yes, a beautiful lady. She gave me a pill and I felt better. And…” Isolde’s voice grew excited. “She used a few needles on me. It was a bit painful but I felt so much better.”
Leopold was taken aback, then laughed, “Well, she can’t be better than Mystic Mistress.” In his heart, Mystic Mistress was unrivaled.
Percival glanced back at the figure disappearing into the distance, deep in thought.
“I’m sorry. I got you worried.” Seeing Percival’s silence, Isolde thought he was angry and cautiously apologized.
Percival looked into her clear eyes, and all his anger and worry vanished. He gently patted Isolde’s head, his voice gentle, “Let’s go to the hospital first.”
In the VIP ward of the hospital.
Bruce burst into the room, his handsome face filled with excitement. “Mr. Ellington, good news, the toxins in Isolde’s body have been reduced by more than half.”
He was Isolde’s personal doctor and only responsible for her condition. He had also come to Havenwood with Isolde, but Isolde, due to her insecurities about her appearance, tended to avoid people. So he usually didn’t appear in front of her. He had therefore not accompanied them to the mall.
Leopold shot up from his seat, staring at Bruce in disbelief. “Are you serious?”
Percival’s eyes also showed a hint of surprise. “Are you sure?”
“Yes!” Bruce handed Percival the medical report, his voice filled with excitement. “Not only that, the pus–filled boil near Isolde’s eye has also disappeared.” Hearing this, Leopold’s eyes widened. “The boil is gone? Are you kidding?”
Though Isolde was not conventionally beautiful, she wasn’t born this way. At the age of two, Isolde was poisoned, which caused many boils and sores to appear on her face. The poison was so strong that even after three years of continued medical investigation, they still couldn’t identify what the toxin was. Let alone control its spread. In fact, if they couldn’t find an antidote, Isolde might not survive past this Christmas.
Percival found this deeply troubling. Few knew that he should have been the one poisoned, but his sister had taken the blow for him.
“How could I joke about something like this?” Bruce retorted. “I’ve double-checked. The toxins in her body have indeed been reduced by more than half.”
Bruce turned to Percival, asking excitedly, “Mr. Ellington, which doctor did you find? They’re incredible.”
He had been studying medicine since he was young and was one of the few medical prodigies of his time, but he was helpless when it came to Isolde’s condition. This was a huge blow to him, so hearing that someone was able to reduce Isolde’s toxins by half made him very excited. He also saw this as an opportunity to learn and discuss the matter.
Percival’s eyes flickered as he looked at Isolde, then asked Eartha, “Did the person who saved Isolde today leave a name?”
After thinking for a moment, Eartha replied, “She only said she was from the Hawthorn family. I didn’t get the chance to ask more before she left.”
“From the Hawthorn family?” Leopold pondered for a moment, then said, “The only Hawthorn family in Havenwood is Arabella’s family. Did Arabella save her?”
Thinking of this, Leopold slapped his thigh. “Right, it must be her. I heard Arabella has been studying medicine with Dr. William, and she’s very beautiful too. That aligns with Isolde’s description.”
Percival said nothing.
Leopold laughed and walked up to him, joking, “Mr. Ellington, why don’t you make use of your good looks and marry Ms. Hawthorn?”
Percival looked up at him, then smacked him across the face. “Get lost.”
He felt a headache coming on. Since he had agreed to call off the engagement, there was no turning back. He was silent for a moment, then said, “Thomas, prepare some gifts to send to the Hawthorn family’s house. Say they’re from me.”
Normally, he should go in person. But he thought the lady from the Hawthorn family might not want to see a disabled person like him.
At Tranquil Estates.
When Vivienne returned home, Dorian and Cordelia were sitting motionless on the couch, their expressions carrying a hint of tension. Vivienne poured a glass of water, looking at them, “What’s up with you guys?”
Chapter 8
Dorian, upon seeing Vivienne, immediately stood up and grabbed her arm, saying excitedly, “Slap me, quick!”
Vivienne silently withdrew her hand, coughed lightly, “What’s bothering you?”
“I feel like I’m dreaming.” Dorian looked at the house, cleared his throat, and said, “I did a quick search, and the furniture alone in this house costs a few thousand dollars. And they’re renting this amazing place to us for just fifty dollars a month. You tell me, is this some kind of trap?”
While speaking, Dorian glanced towards the door, then whispered, “Should we run for it? If the scammer shows up with his henchmen, we wouldn’t be able to escape.
Vivienne’s mouth twitched, wondering if they were paranoid or something. She patted Dorian’s shoulder, “Mr. Hawthorn, we’re at Tranquil Estates now.”
Dorian blinked, “I know. The most luxurious neighborhood in Havenwood.”
“Do you think anyone would dare to conduct such illegal pyramid schemes in such a high–end area?” Vivienne was somewhat helpless.
“After all, you’re the son of the Hawthorn family, and you’ve seen a lot. Why are you so nervous about a house?”
Dorian was stumped, “You’re right.”
He paused for a moment, then asked again, “But why is the landlord renting this apartment to us so cheaply?” He couldn’t figure it out.
Vivienne rubbed her temples, “Didn’t the agent tell you? The landlord needs someone to look after the house?”
“But isn’t fifty dollars a month too little?”
Vivienne chuckled, “Maybe the landlord is ‘rich and kind–hearted“.”
“That makes sense. The landlord is indeed rich and kind–hearted.” Dorian nodded.
‘Rich and kind–hearted‘ Vivienne said – no, she was not kind–hearted at all. And she was broke. But what could she do? Her father was a penniless man. Cordelia, who had been nervous on the side, also relaxed, “Since there’s nothing wrong with the house, let’s just live here with peace of mind. We’re able to live in such a nice house, it must be because of the good luck Vivienne brings us.”
Chapter 9
Vivienne returned to her own bedroom and walked to the window, her expression extremely serious. She thought about the little girl she had just saved at the entrance of the mall, her brow furrowed tightly.
She had spotted it instantly. The girl was poisoned, and not just by any poison but a potent one concocted by her own mother that could mutilate the face if it took effect. Before her mom passed, someone had come to snatch the formula for the poison. It had taken her years to figure out the antidote.
Vivienne tapped her fingers lightly against the window sill, deep in thought. Time was running out for the girl. Who in the world took the poison formula, and why on earth would they poison a kid?
Vivienne ceased her tapping, pulled out her phone and dialed Matthew.
“Can you check if any hospital admitted a five–year–old girl with sores all over her face today?”
Matthew responded with a quick “okay” and hung up. Vivienne leaned against the window with her phone in hand, waiting quietly. About half an hour later, Matthew called back, “Found her. She’s in the VIP ward in Havenwood Hospital’s internal medicine department.”
“Alright, got it.”
Two days later.
Vivienne arrived at Havenwood Hospital. As she got out of the cab and walked into the hospital, a black sedan zoomed past her.
Inside the car, Percival caught sight of Vivienne in the rear–view mirror. His eyes narrowed instantly, “Stop the car.”
Thomas hit the brakes hard, sending everyone lurching forward. He turned to ask, “What’s up, Mr. Ellington?”
Percival didn’t answer. He didn’t even wait for Thomas to help him with his wheelchair. He just opened the car door and got out. He scanned the crowd, for the figure he saw earlier but couldn’t find her.
Leopold got out of the car and walked up to him, asking, “What’s going on?”
Percival withdrew his gaze, “Nothing, let’s go.”
On the other side.
Vivienne entered the VIP ward. She stood at the ward door, looking at the little girl.
The girl looked much better after taking her medicine. Vivienne rested her hand on the doorknob, debating whether to go in.
This was one of the toughest decisions she’d ever made in her life. Getting involved could blow her cover. Her mother’s affairs were complicated, and she needed to remain low–key. But the thought of the little girl’s bright, clear eyes gave her pause. If only someone had helped her ten years ago, she wouldn’t have had to watch her mother die right before her eyes. She couldn’t bear the thought of the same thing happening to this five–year–old girl.
Just as she was hesitating, the ward door opened. “Miss, is that you? Are you here to see me?” Isolde asked, her eyes sparkling as she grabbed Vivienne’s hand, feeling very delighted. She’d caught a glimpse of someone outside the ward who resembled the lady who’d saved her, so she ran out without thinking. To her surprise, it was really her.
Vivienne looked down at the hands holding hers, then up into Isolde’s clear eyes. Her heart was inexplicably softened. She gave a small smile, “Yes, I came to see you.”
“I knew you’d come to see me,” Isolde said excitedly, tugging at Vivienne’s hand. “Miss, can we go in?”
Vivienne was pulled along by her, unconsciously entering the ward room.
Eartha looked surprised to see Vivienne, “Ms. Hawthorn?”
Vivienne nodded, “Yeah, I came to take care of some things and saw you guys here, so I came over.”
Eartha quickly poured Vivienne a glass of water, “Please, have a seat.”
Vivienne nodded, then turned to Isolde, “I’m here to check on you.”
Isolde nodded, smiling, “Great.”
Her obedient demeanor left Eartha stunned. Because Isolde always hated it when doctors examined her. She’d only behave a little when Percival was around, but as soon as he left, no one could touch her. Yet now, she was voluntarily extending her hand to Ms. Hawthorn, so well–behaved it was unbelievable. If she hadn’t seen it with her own eyes, Eartha would’ve thought she was hallucinating.
Vivienne placed her hand on Isolde’s wrist and used the medical knowledge she possessed to check her pulse. After a moment, Vivienne’s brow furrowed deeply and her complexion grew increasingly grim.
Although Isolde had taken her medicine, the poison had already infiltrated her organs. Some of the toxins had been cleared, but her damaged organs were still failing, making treatment challenging.
Eartha felt a twinge of worry, “Is our young miss okay, Ms. Hawthorn?”
Vivienne glanced at Isolde, her lips pressed together. She reached out to stroke Isolde’s head, speaking softly, “I can cure your disease, but it might be a little painful. Are you scared?”
“Really?” Isolde’s eyes lit up. “Can my face go back to the way it was?”
“Yes.”
Then I’m not scared.” Isolde said seriously, “As long as you’re here, I’m not scared.”
Vivienne smiled, “Good, but I have one condition. You can’t tell anyone I’m treating you, not even your family.”
Vivienne thought: Better play it safe.
Chapter 9
“Deal.” Isolde patted her chest in assurance.
Vivienne then turned to Eartha, “And you?”
Eartha looked a little troubled. She was just a nanny, and she couldn’t make such decisions on her own.
“She’s okay with it too,” Isolde chimed in before Eartha could answer.
“But…”
Eartha wanted to say something, but Isolde suddenly burst into tears, “Eartha, I get called a ‘freak‘ every day. I have no friends, and I can’t go to school.
I’m miserable.”
Taken aback by Isolde’s tears, Eartha quickly comforted her, “Don’t cry. I’ll agree to Ms. Hawthorn’s request.”
With her affirmation, Vivienne nodded, “Okay, I’ll start treating you tomorrow.” After leaving her phone number, Vivienne left.
Inside a private villa.
As soon as Percival walked in, he heard a wailing voice, “Oh good heavens, why am I so unlucky! I finally found a wife for your grandson, but he was such a goof that he scared her off… At my old age, I can’t believe I still have to worry about his marriage. I can’t take it anymore, please come and help me.”
Percival watched as Richard was blowing his top in the living room, his brows furrowing. He pinched the bridge of his nose, helplessly saying, “Grandpa. It was the Hawthorn family’s daughter who wanted to call off the engagement.”
No sooner had he spoken than Taran bellowed, “You ungrateful grandson! Are you trying to make me a promise breaker? I promised Evelyn that I would marry him to the Hawthorn family’s daughter, but this ungrateful child is making me break my promise. What am I supposed to do? How am I going to explain this to Evelyn when I meet her after I die?”
Percival leaned back in his wheelchair, taking a deep breath. Behind him, Thomas and Leopold didn’t dare to utter a word. Speaking at this point would only invite Richard’s wrath.
“Enough. What do you want?” Percival was getting a headache.
“You’re coming with me to the Hawthorn family.” Taran sprung up abruptly, his sudden movement causing Leopold and Thomas to look on in shock.
Percival rolled his eyes. What else could he say?
Chapter 10
Beatrice looked at the head of the Ellington family, Richard, in front of her, and she dared not even breathe audibly. “What brings you here out of the blue, Mr. Ellington?” she asked.
She then turned to look at Percival, who was sitting in a wheelchair, feeling nothing but scorn. What use was having the status of the Ellington family?
Percival was disabled and the future of the Ellington family wouldn’t be in his hands.
“Madam, about the marriage arrangement between our families, I hope you could give it another thought.” Richard said, sitting upright, radiating a sense of authority.
Beatrice didn’t expect the Ellington family to take this marriage arrangement so seriously that Richard himself would come. She was caught off guard, “I’m not opposed to it. It’s just that the kids aren’t on board.”
At this moment, she felt a bit miffed at Vivienne. What a clueless child. She had made the decision on his own, putting her in such a passive position in front of Richard.
“The two kids haven’t met before, so it’s normal for them not to have feelings for each other. They’ll develop a bond as they spend more time together. Don’t worry, my grandson is very caring, and he won’t let Arabella down.”
Without waiting for Beatrice to respond, Richard took out a check, “To show our sincerity, consider this 10 million dollars an investment. On the day of the engagement, we’ll give another 10 million dollars as a gift.”
Beatrice’s eyes widened, a 10 million investment plus a 10 million gift? The Ellington family was truly loaded. She was so stunned that she couldn’t speak.
Seeing her hesitation, Richard continued, “A few days ago, Arabella saved my granddaughter; she’s a savior to the Ellington family. This shows that our families are meant to be, don’t you think?”
Beatrice was taken aback, “Are you mistaken? I didn’t hear Arabella say she saved your granddaughter.”
“She saved a five–year–old girl at the mall entrance a few days ago, that was my granddaughter, Isolde.”
It turned out that Percival had asked Thomas to deliver a thank–you gift that day, but something came up, and the gift wasn’t delivered.
Arabella, who had just returned from outside, overheard this and stopped in her tracks.
At the mall entrance? Did Vivienne really save that girl?
Arabella composed herself and walked in. “Granny.” She greeted Beatrice and when she turned to see Percival, her expression froze. He was so handsome. When did such a good–looking guy appear in this city?
She quickly averted her eyes, then turned to Beatrice and asked, “Who are they?”
Beatrice introduced them, “This is Mr. Ellington from the Ellington family, and his grandson, Percival.”
Upon hearing this, Arabella’s expression changed and she looked at Percival with disdain. So this was the disabled guy. But what was the use of just being good looking?
Recalling Richard’s previous words, Arabella scoffed, the average–looking little girl at the mall entrance was Percival’s sister?
This brother and sister duo, one was so ugly and the other was disabled.
Although this was what Arabella was thinking, she didn’t show it on her face, “Nice meeting you, Mr.Richard.”
“Pleasure.” Richard replied with a smile, “Arabella, I want to thank you for saving Isolde the other day. Name your reward. Don’t hold back
He had been in the business world for many years and naturally noticed the disdain in Arabella’s eyes. But she was Arabella, the daughter of the Hawthorn family. Even if he was a bit displeased, he couldn’t show it.
Hearing such a generous offer, Arabella was somewhat tempted. The Ellington family was the largest family in Rivenwood, and everything they owned was valuable. However, she quickly suppressed this thought. She didn’t want to have anything to do with Percival. She laughed and said, “I just did what anyone would do. If anyone else had fallen ill at the entrance of the mall, I would have helped.”
Arabella then added, “By the way, Mr.Richard, I think you might have misunderstood. I’m not the daughter of the Hawthorn family.”
Hearing this, Richard, Percival, Leopold, and Thomas were all surprised. After a while, Leopold suddenly looked at her, “You’re not the daughter of the Hawthorn family?”
“Yes, I was adopted by my father. My sister was only brought back home a few days ago.” Arabella replied with a gentle smile.
Y
Leopold stared at Arabella for a few seconds, and his expression suddenly darkened, “Is the Hawthorn family trying to dodge the marriage agreement by using a stand–in?”
The fact that Arabella was adopted was true, which they knew from their investigations. But they had never heard that Dorian, who had adopted Arabella, had another daughter.
Richard’s face also turned grim. He didn’t necessarily want Percival to marry Arabella; he had just promised Evelyn and had been trying to make this marriage happen. But the Hawthorn family using this as an excuse was too much.
Percival’s deep gazes narrowed slightly, his long fingers tapping on his leg. The person who had called him did sound different from Arabella.
“Since then, can we call her over for a chat?” Richard’s face brightened up a bit.
“I’ve already given her a ring. She should be on her way over,” Beatrice explained gingerly.
When Vivienne arrived at the old house, Dorian and Cordelia were already waiting for her. She walked over and greeted, “Dad.”
“Mm–hm.” Dorian nodded, then explained, “Cassie gave me a buzz out of the blue, says your grandma’s got heart attack and wants us to hurry back.
After all, she’s my mom.”
Vivienne was a bit flummoxed. Heart attack? What kind of excuse was that? Instead of taking her grandma to the hospital for her heart attack, they waited for her son to come visit in person? Did her son have some magical healing powers? Only a straight shooter like Dorian would buy such a story.
“I see. Let’s go check on her then.” She wondered what kind of game Beatrice was playing.
They followed the nanny inside.
As soon as they entered the living room, they saw Richard and the others. Vivienne looked up at them, and her gaze met with Percival’s.
Both of them were taken aback.
It was him?
It was her?