Her Gilded Revenge For Stolen Fate novel Chapter 71

Chapter 71

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“That’s not quite fair, Grandma,” Nina suddenly said. “Celia has grown all kinds of flowers and plants before, and every single one was always healthy and strong.

“Usually, they didn’t even require meticulous watering or exposure to sunlight, yet they’ve all grown just fine. It’s only with Emerald Orchid that something has gone wrong. Honestly, I think someone must have messed with it.”

Anyone with half a brain could tell Nina was hinting at someone. For once, Dorothy, sitting in the northwest, didn’t step in to stop Nina.

Vivian raised an eyebrow. Dorothy was always so cautious, always played it safe, almost to a fault. She never gave anyone a chance to talk behind her back.

Even though Nina could be outspoken and impulsive, with Dorothy keeping her in line, nothing ever got out of hand. But now, Dorothy was unusually silent, not reining in her daughter at all. There had to be a reason for this.

Then it hit her. With Stephan, the renowned scholar, visiting Aurea Manor, and Dorothy running herself ragged trying to find a top–notch tutor for Chris, Vivian suddenly understood why Dorothy was acting so strange.

“Who would dare cause trouble in Aurea Manor?” Beatrice said, looking genuinely puzzled.

Nina said, “Yesterday, we were all at Celia’s Wisteria Attic. We saw Sylvia and Vivian walk right by, and the next thing we knew, Emerald Orchid’s blossom just dropped straight to the ground.

“They were the closest to it. Even if they didn’t actually tamper with the flower, their presence must’ve affected it somehow.”

As Nina said this, she gripped her silk handkerchief a little tighter, her nerves showing.

Not long ago, on Celia’s birthday, Nina had taken it upon herself to invite Luna and the others over. But then Charles stirred up trouble, embarrassing the whole family in front of everyone.

No one spelled it out, but Nina knew Celia had already realized she was involved. Now, with Emerald Orchid mysteriously ruined, Nina decided to pin it all on Vivian, hoping to get back in Celia’s good graces.

It’s not like they hadn’t always been at odds anyway. Sylvia wasn’t even on Nina’s radar.

With every word Nina spoke, Beatrice’s face grew darker and darker. She couldn’t believe her granddaughter would stir up trouble at a time like this. Nina was as thick as a brick.

“Nina, don’t go spouting nonsense without any proof,” Beatrice said, barely holding back her anger.

“What do you mean by no proof? It’s obvious you’re favoring Vivian and just won’t admit it,” Nina said loudly, making sure everyone heard her.

“So, tell me; what proof do you actually have?” Beatrice asked back, her patience gone.

Nina flinched. She instinctively turned to look at Dorothy, panic flashing in her eyes.

Dorothy sighed and said, “It’s all my fault. I blurted out what that old priest said years ago, and Nina happened to overhear.” She looked apologetic, but kept talking. “But maybe that priest wasn’t just talking nonsense after all.”

Celia pretended to be confused, sounding all innocent. She asked, “Aunt Dorothy, what did that priest actually say? Don’t keep us guessing.”

“He said Vivian’s fate is like autumn frost and winter snow, cold and forbidding,” Dorothy replied.

Celia gasped. It was as if she never expected her own sister to have such an ominous fate..

12:01 Wed, Jan 14 D M

Chapter 71

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“Even so, you can’t just blame Vivian for Emerald Orchid’s blossom falling off,” Celia said, stepping in front of Vivian as if she were a protective older sister.

Still putting on a show, Vivian thought.

“Celia, there wasn’t a single scratch on Emerald Orchid. The whole blossom just fell off, like someone just chopped its head off. If that’s not a warning from heaven, then what is? It’s just too weird and unlucky,” Nina said, her voice dripping with disdain.

Just then. Sylvia burst into tears and said, “Lady Nina, it’s all my fault, not Lady Vivian’s. If we’d known we’d disturb Emerald Orchid and ruin Lady Celia’s act of filial piety for the Duke of Ironvale, we never would’ve gone near the greenhouse.”

Sylvia deliberately reminded everyone just how important that Emerald Orchid was to Mark. Everyone knew that Beatrice cared most about her brother, Mark. If Mark passed away with regrets, Beatrice would surely blame Vivian for it.

In the sprawling Aurea Manor, aside from Beatrice and Flora, nobody really cared about Vivian. Without Beatrice watching over her, taking Vivian’s Fortune would be like taking candy from a baby.

As these thoughts flickered through her mind, a faint smile flickered through Sylvia’s tears unnoticed by all but Vivian. ‘Mom is always so impatient, Vivian thought. ‘She thinks she has everything figured out, treating me like a fool she can. easily deceive.‘

Vivian shifted slightly, facing Sylvia and pretending to be casual. She asked, “Mom, do you really think I was the one who caused trouble for Emerald Orchid?”

“Vivian.” Sylvia said, her eyes rimmed with red, on the verge of tears.

She was putting on the same pitiful act as Celia always did, so weak and delicate. Vivian felt sick just looking at her. One more glance and she’d lose it.

“Honestly, I don’t think Emerald Orchid’s blossom fell off because of some so–called ominous energy. There must be another reason,” Vivian said, idly twirling her pearl bracelet.

For some reason, seeing how confident Vivian was, Celia suddenly felt a chill run down her spine. ‘No way. That’s impossible, Celia thought. ‘I pulled this off so smoothly, not a single trace left behind. There’s no way Vivian can catch me

“What reason?” Flora, who had been quiet all this time, finally asked.

Vivian glanced at Flora, graceful yet visibly troubled, as if truly worried for her children. Matthew was always a source of worry for her, and now Celia was, too. Vivian couldn’t really blame her for that.

“The Emerald Orchid wasn’t due to bloom yet, but someone tampered with it, forcing it open early so it would wither at just the right moment. Doesn’t that make it look like it was cursed or something?” Vivian said, taking her time with every word.

None of the ladies here was a fool; they all picked up on what Vivian was really hinting at. Nina said, her voice sharp, “So, Vivian, are you saying Celia set you up and tried to frame you?”

Vivian kept her cool and answered, “I never said that.”

Celia smiled, certain Vivian wouldn’t have the guts to embarrass her in public.

“But I do mean exactly that,” Vivian said, her voice steady and clear. Vivian couldn’t help but smile even wider as she took in everyone’s stunned expressions.

“Vivian,” Sylvia shouted, her eyes practically popping out of her head. She barreled over, nearly tripping in her haste, and clamped onto Vivian’s hand with a grip that could’ve left bruises.

“Lady Celia is as flawless as crystal; how could you throw such filthy accusations at her?” Sylvia snapped, her voice shaking with outrage.

12:01 Wed, Jan 14 M.

Chapter 71

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“Slander or not, let’s just see for ourselves,” Vivian shot back, her voice cool and steady.

“Vivian, what are you getting at?” Flora asked, her voice tinged with worry.

“Mom, I can show everyone exactly what happened yesterday.” Vivian replied, sounding calm and sure of herself.

As she spoke, Vivian clapped her hands, and Judith came in carrying a flowerpot. Inside was a regular orchid, nothing nearly as rare or valuable as Emerald Orchid.

Vivian stood in front of the pot, adjusting it for a good while before beckoning to Celia. “Celia, would you please step over here?” Vivian said.

Celia stayed rooted to the spot, her expression awkwardly stiff.

“Guess you’re not going to cooperate, Celia,” Vivian said, pretending to be disappointed.

Feeling everyone’s burning stares on her, Celia muttered a curse under her breath. She reluctantly walked over to Vivian.