Chapter 45 Tangled Ties at Lunch
Chapter 45 Tangled Ties at Lunch
At the restaurant, Dante was already waiting. “Sorry I’m late,” Vivienne said.
“No, I’m early,” he smiled.
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Vivienne had already decided to divorce. Divorce wasn’t a quick chat. After the hospital’s chaos, they’d agreed to meet today.
Sitting down, Dante asked, “Vivi, how do you plan to handle this divorce?”
“I want to know what I can get if I don’t walk away empty–handed,” she said.
He raised a brow. “Depends on what Edmund’s earned since you married. Legally, you could split it evenly, but the Harrington family’s power in Swinford means they won’t make it easy. Don’t worry, my lawyer’s top–notch. He’ll fight for you.”
“If I have proof he’s at fault, does that help?” she asked.
Dante’s eyes glinted. “What proof?”
“Yesterday, he and Lillian played parents at the game, claiming to be Theo’s mom and dad. Plus, old wedding photos and other shady stuff, enough for bigamy, right?”
He chuckled at her earnestness. “Vivi, I have to remind you once more. Edmund’s influence here is bigger than you think. He can make evidence vanish. Plus, with his connections, even with proof, I’m afraid… winning’s a long shot.”
Her heart sank.
“But,” Dante added, “I said I’d help, so don’t fret. If he plays dirty, we can too.”
“You’ve got a plan?” Vivienne pressed.
“Of course.” Dante sipped his water gracefully. “The Harrington family cares about its reputation. Stir up public opinion, and they’ll come begging to settle, meeting your demands, like last time.”
Oh yeah, Last time, I’d asked for 14 million, Edmund still agreed to paid.
She wavered.
Dante noticed. “Still hoping for a clean break?”
“No,” Vivienne shook her head, “I just don’t want this to hurt Theo.”
He frowned. “You want custody? Theo’s their only grandson, that’s a steep hill.”
“I know. I won’t fight for it. I just…” Vivienne sighed, “I just don’t want grown–up drama dragging him
down.”
She thought, Exposure would mean backlash for Theo, and despite everything, I didn’t hate him.
Dante nodded, understanding.
Then a soft voice interrupted. “Ms. Everest, what are you doing here?”
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Chapter 45 Tangled Ties at Lunch
Vivienne and Dante both turned at the same time.
A skinny silhouette approached, trailed by a stern–looking man.
“What a coincidence,” Lillian said with a smile. “Ms. Everest’s dining here too?”
Vivienne gave her a fleeting glance.
“Something up?” Vivienne asked.
Lillian eyed Dante. “Ms. Everest, what’s your relationship… with this gentleman?”
“None of your business,” Vivienne replied coolly.
Lillian smiled, undeterred. “Since we’ve run into each other, mind if we join you?”
Vivienne frowned, ready to refuse, but Dante cut in before her.
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Edmund had noticed her warmth toward Dante earlier, and her chill toward himself. If she was fishing for his attention, she’d hooked it.
Edmund pulled out a chair beside her, sat down elegantly.
“Mr. August’s friends with my wife?” Edmund asked, settling in.
The table sat four, Vivienne and Dante across from each other, Edmund beside her, leaving Lillian next to Dante.
