Chapter 23
+8 Pearls
Vivian sat in silence, weighing the situation carefully. Adrian leaving Cassandra had its risks. It wasn’t just about their personal relationship–it could also affect his standing, his reputation, and ultimately, their future together. Vivian wasn’t blind to the reality of their world. Every decision. had consequences.
But the more she thought about it, the more she realized she couldn’t stand Cassandra’s presence any longer. The woman had a way of drawing people in, her perfect smiles masking an undeniable influence over those around her. Vivian had felt it from their very first meeting–that quiet sense of unease, the fear that one day, Adrian might see Cassandra in a different light. Might begin to regret letting her go.
If Adrian went through with the seperation, Vivian would be his only wife. No more divided loyalties, no more uncertainty. Her father had never approved of her marrying a man who already had a fiance. Even if Cassandra and Adrian’s bethrodment had been in name only, the technicalities still stood. Vivian was supposed to be his equal, but in society’s eyes, she would always be the second woman, the addition, the afterthought. That truth had always been a bitter. pill to swallow.
But if Cassandra was out of the picture? That changed everything.
She met Adrian’s gaze and nodded. “Cassandra’s actions are unacceptable. I can’t stand by and watch her manipulate you like this. If this is what you want, then let’s move forward.”
Adrian exhaled, relief flickering in his eyes. But then Vivian hesitated. There was still the matter of Cassandra’s dowry.
“According to the law, she isn’t entitled to take her dowry with her after the seperation,” Vivian said carefully. “If you let her take it, it’s a kindness on your part. But if you don’t, no one could say you’re being unfair.”
Adrian’s expression hardened. “I don’t want her dowry.”
Vivian studied him, a flicker of admiration crossing her features. He had integrity, she’d give him.
that.
“I know you’d never stoop to something like that,” she said softly. “Besides, what need do we have for her money? Valor Estate is vast, powerful. A few million from her inheritance won’t make a difference.”
Adrian’s jaw tightened, a shadow crossing his face. “Not only will I refuse her dowry, but I’ll also return everything she’s spent on me and my family this past year,”
Vivian’s breath hitched. She hadn’t expected that.
“She supported you? She used her money for Valor Estate?” she asked, eyes narrowing slightly.
Adrian nodded. “She used her inheritance to pay for certain expenses while I was abroad. I won’t
Chapter 21
8 Pearls
Vivian bit her lip, jealousy stirring in her chest despite herself. Cassandra had done more than she expected. More than she was comfortable admitting
But it didn’t matter now. Adrian was choosing her.
“Then make sure she knows she’s leaving with nothing but memories,” Vivian said, a sharp edge to her voice. “This is our future now, Adrian. And I won’t let her cast a shadow over it?
The soft glow of the city lights liltered through the towering glass windows of my penthouse, casting long shadows over the sleek marble floors. I poured myself a glass of wine, swirling the deep red liquid absentmindedly as I tried to process what I had just heard.
“Mom has been relying on expensive treatments from Nathaniel for a long time,” Adrian admitted, his voice laced with something I couldn’t quite place–guilt, maybe? “The estate’s revenue hasn’t been enough to cover it. So, after Cassandra and I got together, she used her inheritance to help keep everything afloat.”
I stilled. My fingers tightened slightly around the stem of my glass. “Your family needed her financial support?” I asked, struggling to keep the disbelief out of my voice. “How could Valor Holdings be struggling? My father once mentioned that when your grandfather founded the
She was granted prime real estate, multiple investments–he built an empire,”
Adrian sighed, running a hand through his hair. “That’s true. But… my father and uncles weren’t exactly business–minded. They mismanaged everything, sold off key assets over the years.”
I stared at him, the weight of his words settling in my mind like a lead weight. “So…. Valor Holdings is nothing more than a name now?”
His jaw tightened. “Yes. But I have plans. I’m rebuilding. Our profits will start increasing soon.”
I forced a nod, but my mind was spinning. This wasn’t what I had envisioned. The Warrens had always been seen as one of the wealthiest families in the city. When Adrian engaged Cassandra, their engagement had been an extravagant affair that made headlines, an event so lavish that even I had marveled at it from afar. I had assumed the Warren fortune had made it possible. But now, everything clicked.
That grandeur hadn’t come from Adrian’s side. It had come from Cassandra’s.
And if her dowry had been as substantial as I now suspected, then her financial contributions to the Warren estate must have been more significant than Adrian let on.
I hesitated, turning the wine glass in my hand. “If you return her dowry in full… won’t people think you’re being unfair to yourself?”
Adrian frowned. “What do you mean?”
I turned slightly, glancing out at the city skyline. “I just mean.. returning part of it would already. be a generous gesture. The business still needs funding, and, well.. she supported your family for years. It’s only fair that some of what she invested remains”
116 PM c
Chapter 23
+B Pearls
Silence stretched between us. I could feel the shift in the air, subtle but undeniable. Adrian had always been noble, always done things by the book. But I had learned the hard way that business -and life–wasn’t always black and white.
And neither was love.
