Chaos Girl Rewrites the Script novel Chapter 21

“Vivienne, I hear the Everhart family has a stock listing in Solenforth soon. I can see the young Mr. Everhart is quite taken with you. You need to be smart about this and take the initiative, do you understand?”

“Who cares if he has a wife or a mistress? As long as his heart is with you, isn’t that what matters? I’m warning you, you were the one who insisted on being officially recognized by the Ravenshire family, on becoming a daughter of the family. If you want me to make that happen, you have to secure Preston Everhart. Do you hear me?”

“Vivienne, you have to help your mother! I was trying to save up a dowry for you and Isabella, but I lost it all in the futures market. The market is terrible right now, I can’t raise the funds. If I can’t cover the margin call, we’ll be ruined. Please, think of something for your mother. I can see that young Mr. Everhart still has feelings for you. Go and beg him. For someone like him, this little bit of money is nothing! We’re family, aren’t we? For my sake, couldn’t you just swallow your pride this one time?”

“Vivienne…”

Memories splintered, and Vivienne snapped back to reality. She followed Caspian’s pointing finger to her own knee and murmured, “Grandpa, I just wanted to make you happy.”

Just like she had once wanted to make Serena happy.

Caspian gently patted her knee. “Vivienne, you must remember this: someone who truly loves you will never find happiness in your suffering. It would only break their heart to see you compromise yourself. Anyone or anything that teaches you to give in and sacrifice your own well-being is simply plundering you. They’re stripping away the very essence of who you are, Vivienne. Don't let them. Walk away before there's nothing left.”

Vivienne understood immediately, her eyes fixed on Caspian. “What if it’s you, Grandpa?”

Caspian paused, his expression becoming both tender and serious. “If I ever do that, you must stay away from me as well. Vivienne, has your grandmother ever taught you this? The one who truly loves you will always guide you to become better. That is the only standard for love.”

Even if I find myself in a waking nightmare, I must lead you toward the light.

Vivienne lowered her eyes, staring at her knee in thought.

Looking back, she really had compromised herself far too often. No wonder she was later scorned and looked down upon by Athelvia’s high society. She realized her dignity had been surrendered long ago.

Seeing that her spirits were low, Caspian decided not to press the lesson further and changed the subject. “Cedric.”

The value of the Onyx Manor was far more than just a simple manor.

“Why?” she asked, the question slipping out before she could stop it.

Caspian didn’t tell her how expensive the gift was, only smiling as he explained, “You’ve been treated unfairly, sweetheart. Consider this a small token to make things right.”

No one knew that the events at Echostone House today had planted a thorn in Caspian’s heart.

While he was still alive and well, Vivienne could be forced to her knees with just a few words. If he were gone one day, how would she fend for herself against all the wolves and tigers out there? Therefore, he had to give her more support in the limited time he had. Financial backing was just the most basic form of security.

Vivienne stared at the black and white contract, her vision blurring.