Three Years Forgotten, Why Go Crazy When I Say Goodbye? novel Chapter 138

The subsequent corporate audits moved at breakneck speed. Less than a week later, the official announcement was made: Sinclair Group had won the bid.

To celebrate Vivienne's victory, Julian hosted a lavish dinner at The Sapphire Lounge, New York City's most exclusive private club, a sanctuary reserved strictly for the ultra-wealthy and elite.

Inside the private dining room, Vivienne sat in the seat of honor, her face glowing as she soaked up the endless stream of compliments.

Toby was the first to speak up. He didn't understand what a corporate bid was, but he loved mimicking the adults. "Congratulations, Auntie! Auntie isn't just the prettiest girl in the world, she's the smartest too! You're the best!"

With a giggling cheer, he threw himself into Vivienne's arms.

In public, he still referred to her as "Auntie." Vivienne had carefully coached him: at home, he was allowed to call her "Mommy," but around outsiders, "Auntie" was the safer play.

Vivienne caught him, planting a kiss on his cheek. "Aren't you the sweetest! But you know, your dad did a lot of the hard work for this project. If he hadn't stepped in, we might not have won. Go on, say thank you to your dad."

Eager to please, Toby spun around to face Julian. "Thank you, Dad! I'm gonna learn everything from you so when I grow up, I can be a strong man and protect Auntie just like you do!"

He had always been fiercely manipulative with his affections. His little speech had the entire room bursting into laughter. Seth Sterling was so delighted he scooped the boy up and spun him in circles.

"You hear that? You're going to grow up to be a responsible man, Toby. You and your dad are going to keep Vivienne safe from everything!"

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