Chapter 4 - The Woman He Tried to Silence
Alexander cornered Vivian in the private hallway behind the ballroom.
The gala continued without music now. The guests were too distracted by the scandal unfolding around them. Security had blocked reporters from entering, but word was already spreading beyond the hotel walls.
“You planned this,” Alexander said.
Vivian stood near a tall mirror, facing him calmly.
“No. I prepared for the possibility that you would betray me.”
“You had someone investigate me?”
“I had someone protect my mother’s legacy.”
“You are my wife.”
“I was your wife when you stole from the foundation.”
His eyes darkened.
“You have no idea what you just started.”
Vivian looked at him.
“You threatened to divorce me before midnight because your mistress slapped me.”
“She was provoked.”
The answer made her almost laugh.
“By what?”
“By you making her feel insignificant.”
Vivian’s face went still.
“Madison wore my mother’s bracelet. She took my assigned seat. She changed the program. And then she hit me.”
Alexander’s expression hardened.
“She has sacrificed a lot for me.”
“So did I.”
For the first time, he seemed unable to answer.
Vivian stepped closer.
“I spent twelve years protecting you from the consequences of your arrogance. I attended dinners you forgot. I repaired relationships you damaged. I stayed quiet while you turned my family’s company into a monument to your ego.”
“You needed me.”
“No,” Vivian said. “You needed me to believe that.”
She turned toward the hallway exit.
Alexander caught her wrist.
Vivian stopped.
“Let go,” she said.
His grip tightened.
Then a voice came from behind him.
“Release Mrs. Ashford immediately.”
Two security officers stood at the end of the hall.
Alexander looked at them in disbelief.
“You work for me.”
“No,” Vivian said softly. “They work for Ashford Crown.”
He released her.
Vivian walked away without looking back.
Behind her, Alexander finally understood the difference between being powerful and being allowed to act powerful.
May you like
For twelve years, Vivian had allowed him.
Tonight, she had stopped.
