“How shameless of him! I have always treated him like a son, and now look at what he has done to my boy.”
She paused, shaking her head as if heartbroken.
“Honestly, I’m not surprised he’d stoop this low. He’s desperate.”
Vivian sighed, her tension slowly melting in the face of her mother’s words.
Of course, Mother’s right.
Jackson was fiery, but he would never act so crudely, especially in their own home.
The notion that he’d needlessly provoke Louis seemed absurd.
And even if Jackson did provoke Louis, so what?
Victoria’s eyes gleamed immediately. She took the card carefully, doing her best to maintain a look of modest reluctance.“Oh, Vivian, you’re too generous. I hate to take so much from you, but... well, if you insist.”Vivian smiled, feeling a small surge of satisfaction.This was how the rich handle things—effortlessly and with class. “Consider it a small price to pay to rid ourselves of Louis’s pathetic attachment to that ring.”Victoria’s smile was sly, though she masked it with a look of maternal concern. “Thank you, darling. But… there’s something else that worries me.”“What?” Vivian asked, her tone laced with impatience.Victoria leaned closer, her voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper.“I’m afraid Louis might not stop at just pestering you. He’s... well, he hinted he’d keep bothering us until you either marry him again or... compensate him.”Vivian’s eyes flashed with indignation.“Compensate him? He’s out of his mind. What does he think I owe him? I gave him everythin
After all, Ben was the Gatsby heir! Not just anyone got to say that.Vivian blushed, looking down shyly. “Thank you, Jackson,” she murmured, sneaking a glance at Ben. “And thank you, Ben, for standing by me. I… I couldn’t have asked for a better partner.”Victoria seized the moment, her tone gentle but insistent.“Vivian, darling, you know how rare it is to find a man of Ben’s caliber. Don’t let this opportunity slip by. Ben is a true gentleman, with class, stability, and a good heart.” She turned her attention back to Ben, her eyes gleaming with approval. “Am I not right?”Ben smiled, though his mind was already dissecting Victoria’s intentions.He understood too well that she was merely pushing this marriage for her own gain. She saw him as a ticket to elevate the Howard name.However, he kept his expression neutral, his smile polite. “Mrs. Howard, it’s clear to me that Vivian deserves the best. She’s a kind, capable woman—someone who brings value to everything she’s involved
Ben settled into his chair with practiced grace. "I've finalized all the wedding preparations for next week.""Neckor Island," Ben announced, a slight smirk playing at his lips.Victoria frowned slightly."What makes it so special?"She had never heard of it.However, Vivian gasped audibly. "Did you just say... Neckor Island?" Her voice trembled with excitement. "The actual Neckor Island? The Grandest Island ever?""The very same," Ben confirmed, watching her reaction with calculated pleasure."Mother!" Vivian exclaimed, practically jumping from her seat. "How can you not know about Neckor Island?”“It's only the most prestigious wedding venue in the entire world!""Not just anyone can host their wedding there. It requires... certain qualifications.""The minimum cost for a wedding there is one billion dollars."Vivian explained with unspeakable joy, tears streaming down her face. "Indeed, and the richest man in the world, Terminator X himself owns Neckor Island," Ben interject
"Vivian," Ben began, leaning back with a satisfied grin, "that's one more surprise about our wedding day on Neckor Island."Vivian's eyes sparkled with excitement, ears ready.“As far as I know, Neckor Island is reopened specifically by Terminator X himself to host a speical private dinner.” Ben continued, pausing for dramatic effect, “and it’s on the same night as our wedding!”Vivian gasped, bringing her hand to her chest. "Terminator X? Hosting a dinner? Who could it possibly be for?""That's the mystery," Ben replied, his eyes narrowing in intrigue. "It's for a VIP—a person of such high importance that even Terminator X himself will personally welcome them."Vivian was astonished.What kind of mystery VIP could hold such power?!Her mind raced, her excitement bubbling over."Oh, Ben, this is incredible! Just imagine… what if we get to see them?"Ben chuckled, clearly savoring her reaction. "Well, I can’t guarantee we’ll meet this VIP, but at the very least, we’ll see Terminato
Ben emerged first, handing his keys to the valet before helping Vivian out with an exaggerated flourish. The moment she stepped onto the pavement, her designer heels clicking against marble, her eyes narrowed at Louis's figure."Oh my god, Ben, look who's here!" Vivian's voice dripped with theatrical disgust."The stalker himself!"Ben's arm wrapped possessively around her waist. "What a coincidence. Again.""Coincidence?" Vivian threw her head back with an exaggerated laugh. “No, Ben, you’re wrong. He’s definitely stalking me!”"First my brother, now me?” “You just can't help yourself, can you, Louis?"“Do you know how the word SHAMELESS spells?!”Louis shifted his takeout bag, his expression unchanging. “Which eye did you see me stalking you with?”“Can you stop being narcissistic?”Vivian glared at Louis with anger.“Oh, I see. You have the guts to do it, but not to admit it, right?”Louis glanced back at her indifferently, his expression cold."Believe what you want. I'm he
The lobby fell silent for a moment before Vivian burst into hysterical laughter, clutching Ben's arm for support.Her laughter echoed off the marble walls, drawing curious glances from other guests."Did you hear that, baby?" she wheezed between laughs. "He says he booked Lavish Oasis! The private suite reserved for Terminator X only!"Ben's lips curled into a smirk. "Maybe the delivery job comes with hallucinations.""You really are pathetic," Vivian wiped tears of mirth from her eyes, careful not to smudge her makeup. "First stalking me, now lying about booking Terminator X's private suite? Have you completely lost it?"“Why don’t you wee and check your reflection carefully? Do you think you can even afford the Lavish Oasis??”Vivian was enraged by Louis’s shamelessness and pretentiousness.Did Louis think she was a fool that would easily fall for his tricks?!Louis checked his watch, his face emotionless. "Whether I can afford it or not, is none of your business.""Fuck you, de
"The delusion is strong with this one," Ben smirked."Why would Terminator X tell YOU anything?" Vivian's voice rose with vicious glee. "You're nothing but a wannabe rich guy delivering takeout! God, this is pathetic even for you, Louis!"Louis remained silent, his mind drifting briefly to memories of Neckor Island.The pristine beaches, the exclusive villas, the private meetings..."What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?" Vivian preened, mistaking his silence for defeat. "Well, let me tell you something special again - my wedding will be held at Neckor Island. Yes, at the most prestigious wedding venue in the world!""And guess what?"She continued, practically bouncing with satisfaction."Terminator X will personally give us their blessing. That's right - while you're here making up stories about private suites, I'll be receiving a wedding gift from the wealthiest person in the world!"Louis's face remained impassive, which only fueled Vivian's aggressive triumph.Her eyes glittered
Louis exhaled deeply as Vivian and Ben's voices finally faded.He reached for his phone as it buzzed. The screen lit up with "Terminator X" calling."Hello?"“I hope I’m not interrupting your evening, Sir.”Louis raised an eyebrow, slightly amused. “Not at all. In fact, I was about to call you myself. I heard you’ll be on Neckor Island next week. I’m guessing it was meant to be a surprise?”There was a pause on the other end, followed by an awkward chuckle. “Indeed, Sir, you’re always one step ahead.” “I was planning a grand welcome, but now ... I suspect you’d rather I kept things simple?”“Spot on,” Louis replied with a slight smile. “I appreciate the gesture, but a low-key meeting is more my style.”“Consider it done, Sir.” Terminator X said respectfully.“And one more thing, Sir. Your ex-wife’s fiance had booked a wedding on Neckor Island a week later. Should I cancel it as a little ‘lesson’? It’d be no trouble at all.”“No need.”Louis shook his head. He didn’t want to was