Rising from Betrayal

Chapter 011

As the last bottles were cleared from the table, Vivienne slowly rose to her feet, lifting her wine glass with an elegant smile—polished, sharp, and completely self-assured.

“It’s almost dawn. Why don't we continue at my place? The view's better than here.”

Several people immediately perked up.

“Your penthouse? I've been wanting to see it.”

“Same. I've heard the view is incredible.”

Vivienne smiled.

“I'll have Mrs. Walker prepare breakfast.”

Then, as if she had just remembered something, she added casually,

“Norman’s been saving a few bottles of 1961 Château Latour.”

Her smile deepened.

“We'll open one.”

A few people exchanged impressed looks.

“1961 Château Latour? You really know how to live, Viv.”

“No wonder Norman never wants to let you go.”

“A penthouse, a private staff, and wine like that... Vivienne, you're living better than most people could dream of.”

Vivienne said nothing.

She simply smiled and raised her glass.

She didn't need to explain anything.

Everyone here already knew how far she had come.

And tonight, she would go home and remind Norman of it too.

Nathan's eyes immediately lit up.

Perfect.

He’d been disappointed not getting the chance to humiliate Norman in person tonight.

Looks like fate had arranged another opportunity.

"I like that idea. I've always wanted to meet your husband."

The smile on his lips deepened.

He could already imagine standing in front of Norman...

Laughing with Vivienne.

Getting just a little too close, his hands on her soft hips.

The thought alone was enough to excite him.

For Nathan, the night was becoming more interesting.

And for Vivienne, it was simply another opportunity to prove that Norman would always be the one who came crawling back.

Camille instantly caught on to Vivienne's plan.

A knowing smile spread across her face. "Count me in."

"Norman went way too far tonight. He owes Viv an apology. And he owes me one too. If he has any sense... he'll get on his knees and apologize in front of all of us."

Saying so, she was already on her feet, reaching for her bag.

The others quickly agreed.

Within moments, everyone was ready to leave.

Vivienne nodded with satisfaction, “Let’s go then.”

Norman...

You dared make me lose face?

Fine.

Tonight... you’ll be the one losing face in front of everyone.

They walked out of Imperial Lounge together.

The sound of high heels clicked against the marble floors, laughter echoing through the corridor as they headed for the elevator.

Vivienne walked at the front.

Head held high. Back perfectly straight. A confident smile on her face.

She could already imagine the look on Norman's face when she walked through the penthouse doors with everyone behind her.

Nearly twenty minutes later, they pulled up outside Grand Corholt Tower.

Vivienne stepped out of the car and walked straight toward the entrance.

She didn't even spare a glance at the security guards.

Why would she? She was Mrs. Calloway.

She pulled out her access card and tapped it against the reader.

Beep.

ACCESS DENIED.

Vivienne frowned.

"What's wrong with the system?"

She tried again.

Beep.

ACCESS DENIED.

Camille and the others exchanged confused looks.

Vivienne turned toward the security guards, her face filled with impatience.

"Are you all fools or what? Can't you see the access system isn't working? Fix it. Now." She demanded, her chin held high.

But she failed to notice one thing.

Every security guard looked unusually alert... and strangely amused.

After all...

Not a single person on the night shift had missed the biggest piece of gossip in the entire community.

Finally, the head of security stepped forward.

"Private property," he said firmly.

"Unauthorized visitors are not permitted inside."

The atmosphere froze instantly.