Chapter 13 No Way Out
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During the wait, Vivienne struck up a conversation with her captor about family, kids, and marriage.
The kidnapper had a happy family–a dutiful wife and smart daughter. He had invested in a project to provide a better life for his wife and daughter, only to lie swindled out of everything he had.
He told Vivienne that even if he repaid his debts, he would still end up in prison. But he didn’t want his wife and daughter hounded by creditors and hoped to secure a peaceful future for them.
Vivienne felt a mix of emotions upon hearing this..
Outside, the constant shouts from the police and the negotiator kept coming through.
The kidnapper’s emotions, initially erratic, gradually stabilized. He said, “It turns out, the life of the wealthy isn’t all happiness. If it weren’t for me, you would have been dead today. All I lost was money, but you… it could have been your life.”
After checking the time and realizing how long it had been, he looked at her with a hint of pity,
“Miss, thank you for speaking with me so much. Compared to you, my situation doesn’t seem so bad. You can go now…
The police, closely monitoring him, misinterpreted his attempt to release her. A horrifying burst of gunfire followed, and the kidnapper fell to the ground,
Warm blood splattered on her face.
In that moment, Vivienne’s mind went blank. It was the first time she had watched someone die right in front of her.
After the kidnapper was killed, the police and doctors rushed in and took care of her. Ultimately, Edmund never returned her call.
She was taken to the hospital for various checks, where she ran into Lillian just coming out
of
surgery.
That’s when Edmund remembered her call. “You called me earlier to say you’d been kidnapped?”
Victor mocked her coldly, “Oh, kidnapped? How come you ended up here? Must be a ploy to catch Eddy’s attention, right? Eddy, look at her. Does she look like she’s been kidnapped? Haha, she can’t even act!”
Just then, a newly awake Lillian said, “Ms. Everest, if you think it’s too much trouble to bring out my share of the herbal medicine, don’t bother… But please, no more jokes like thist
Victor and Lillian made it clear that they saw her kidnapping as a mere tactic to grab attention and a joke. And Edmund could have easily found out the truth with a little investigation.
But he didn’t. All his attention was on Lillian. He did not care whether Vivienne lived or died.
From that moment on, her heart gradually died. Even today, he still thought that phone call was just a ploy to grab his attention.
Vivienne said emotionlessly, “If you think I’m playing games, then, tomorrow at nine, we’ll meet at the
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Chapter 18 No Way Out
Civil Affairs Department.
Vivienne had brought up divorce several times already which was irritating to Edmund.
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Edmund said coldly. “Vivienne, I don’t have time for this nonsense. And I despise women who use divorce as a threat. You’ve been harassing Lillian lately, and I’ve been tolerant of it. You should know when to stop.
Vivienne looked at his sharply defined face and chuckled softly.
“If you don’t want me to bother your darling, then hurry and sign the divorce papers. Otherwise…
She parted her lips slightly. “Unless you sign. I promise you, Lillian won’t have a single peaceful day.”
Edmund’s noble brow showed a touch of impatience, his gaze turning to one that resembled looking at a troublesome woman.
“Vivienne. I’ve explained many times. Lillian and I arent what you think. Can’t you stop being so suspicious?”
Vivienne responded coolly, “Whatever your relationship with Lillian is, it’s none of my business I’ve already signed the divorce papers. When are we going to proceed?”
Divorce?” Edmund’s lips twisted into a chilly smirk. “Vivienne, you’ve been playing housewife for the past five years, not earning a dime. What are you going to do after you leave me? You won’t even be able to support yourself. And forget about getting custody of Theo. Should this matter proceed to court, your lack of employment and income will significantly hinder your chances. A smart woman would know when to quit. Push too hard, and it might just blow up in your face.
A chill went through Vivienne’s heart. So many years of sacrifice had earned no gratitude but became her vulnerability and a tool for manipulation. Even Theo, whom she had raised since he was a baby, was discontent and resentful. Being human.. really is a failure for me.
Vivienne stared into Edmund’s eyes and spoke word by word, “No job, no income? But before Theo was born, I had a respectable job with a decent salary. You insisted that a nanny couldn’t be trusted with Theo, so I quit to look after him.”
Edmund frowned slightly. “What could those earnings have done? It’s better you stay at home and focus
on Theo.”
Vivienne clenched her fists. “Yes, I may not have your ability to make a fortune daily. But the money I earned was enough to support myself! At least I wouldn’t be ridiculed by your family as a leech, nor would your friends mock me daily as a housewife who can only live off you.”
How sad it was. Despite making more sacrifices for her family and child and giving up a job she loved, people still looked down upon her.
Edmund furrowed his brows. “Vivienne, do you really care that much about what others think? Besides, Victor and the others mean no harm.”
No harm? If Lillian’s malice remained hidden, Victor’s malice was clearly visible.
Edmund could still claim with a straight face that Victor meant no harm. Is he blind?
Vivienne suddenly smiled faintly, Since you’re so honorable and indifferent to others opinions, why care
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Chapter 13 No Way Out
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about what I said to Lillian? Besides, I meant no harm to Lillian either, Mr. Harrington, Why so angry? I was just joking.”
Edmund’s expression gradually softened.
“Vivienne, must you continue like this?”
Pain, when it reaches a certain threshold, perhaps becomes numb.
Words that once cut to the bone now seemed less painful.
Vivienne’s gaze was more resolute than ever.
“Edmund, I’m going through with this divorce!”
A moment of bewilderment flashed across Edmund’s face, but he quickly composed himself.
“Remember what you said today. Don’t come back crying to me.”
Vivienne scoffed, “Mr. Harrington, rest assured, that day will never come.”
Edmund looked down at her, his voice low and icy. “Mrs. Harrington, you ought to know better than to make such absolute statements. It’s always smart to give yourself an escape route.”
Vivienne looked up into Edmund’s eyes and smiled, “You’re right, but you will never be my escape.”
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