The Stand-In Who Burned the Script novel Chapter 23

Vivian turned her head. The woman stood there in a simple white dress, her makeup pristine, her long hair draped naturally over her collarbones. Aside from the cold, venomous look on her face, she really did play the part of a refined, well-educated socialite.

Amara locked her eyes onto Vivian and spoke again before Vivian could utter a word.

"No wonder Dad said he couldn't find you these past two days. You were busy harassing my mother? I thought you looked down on us?"

"Amara..."

Penelope frowned, shaking her head in disapproval, signaling her to stop.

"Mom!" Amara closed the distance in two steps and linked arms with Penelope. When she turned back, her glare looked ready to impale Vivian. "You have no idea how she treats me... And she actually wants the Stella Pendant? Dream on!"

Vivian clenched her fists, fighting hard to keep her emotions in check.

She really should have checked her horoscope before leaving the house today.

The fact that the Stella Pendant was with Amara was an unpleasant surprise;

Amara showing up at this exact moment was an even worse one.

But since she was already here, she had to play her hand. Vivian met her gaze and said coolly, "Name your price."

"My price?" Amara scoffed. "Strictly speaking, I'm Dad's favorite daughter now. I have everything I could ever want. You just happen to share some blood with us. What right do you have to negotiate with me?"

She patted her mother's shoulder gently and stood up.

Step by step, she walked right up to Vivian.

Raising a single finger, she hooked it under Vivian's chin.

"We can make a deal... but honestly, you don't have a single thing I want. How about... you just ruin that pretty face of yours?"

"..." Vivian stared at her without blinking, remaining completely silent.

The sheer intensity of that gaze sent a chill down Amara's spine.

She dropped her hand and casually took two steps back, masking her unease. "Aside from that, I won't accept any other form of exchange."

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