Chapter 6
Just as the car entered Yvonne's neighborhood, I caught sight of her in the distance skipping joyfully in my direction. As soon as she got in the car, she happily took my hand and kissed me on the cheek. "Thank you for making time to have dinner with me even though you've been so busy these days."
I was rather taken aback. With Vivian, she wouldn't have expected anything less from me. But now, the woman who was leagues better than her genuinely appreciated the gesture.
I thought to myself, "Maybe this has to do with how someone is raised."
Vivian was raised spoiled. She was both wilful and brash, believing that the world should revolve around her.
I patted Yvonne's head. "I'm sorry I haven't spent much time with you lately. Why don't we go on a trip abroad once I'm done with work?"
Yvonne enthusiastically agreed, "Yes, yes! I want to go to Sagamore!"
Perhaps a truly healthy relationship was about mutual understanding and making the effort to be there emotionally. The longer I spent with Yvonne, the more I felt that everything I had done for Vivian had been a waste.
After we arrived at the restaurant, I texted the chauffeur and had him check on Vivian. He sent me a video shortly after. In it, Vivian was kneeling outside the gates of the Saddler's residence. It took a while before Mr. and Mrs. Saddler came outside.
Mr. Saddler immediately started berating Vivian, "This is all because your mother and I have spoiled you rotten! Couldn't you have picked a better man?
"Our relationship with Griffith Corporation is already on shaky ground because of you. And now, with Wyatt's scandal, Saddler Group's stock price is tanking. Our stocks will crash if Griffith Corporation withdraws its investment. The company will face immediate bankruptcy!"
"You've had it too good for the past 20 years. And now, you're giving it all up for some troublemaking pretty face!"
The more he yelled, the angrier he got. He raised his hand and slapped Vivian across the face. "Tell Wyatt to get back here immediately!"
Vivian was crying till she was out of breath. "Dad… I can't reach him…"
Mr. Saddler only grew more furious at her response. "So, he won't face the consequences of his actions. Now, he's hiding like a coward. Wasn't he acting all high and mighty before?"
There was nothing Vivian could say. All she could do was continue making calls.
Vivian called me just as I finished watching the video. "Have you seen the news, Lucian? Please help me. Please help Saddler Group…"
Back in the day, hearing Vivian cry like this would've softened my heart. But things were different now. I no longer loved her. I was also the one who orchestrated the entire situation.
Vivian had come to me, sounding all innocent. But all I said was, "I'm sorry, I can't help you. I have to consider Griffith Corporation's future as well."
Vivian choked on her sobs. She was unwilling to accept my answer. "I know I made a mistake, Lucian. I'll do anything you ask, okay? I'll break up with Wyatt tomorrow. Please, I'm begging you…"
I remained indifferent. "I'm having dinner with my girlfriend right now. I'll arrange for someone to deliver the divestment contract first thing tomorrow. This is my personal time. I suggest you stop harassing me, Ms. Saddler."
I thought that would be the end of it. I hadn't expected to see Vivian waiting anxiously in the lobby of my company the next morning when I arrived. The moment she saw me get out of the car, she rushed over and grabbed my arm.
I shook her off. "Ms. Saddler, please mind your behavior in public. If you have something to discuss, please come upstairs."
When she saw that I had relented, she timidly followed close behind me.
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