Chapter 3

I hadn't even made it home yet, and already the whole city knew about today's wedding disaster.

Once people found out about my broken engagement with Sean, and that I'd been booted out of the Warren family, the rumors exploded.

Aside from those enjoying the spectacle, most people gave me dirty looks and threw snide comments my way.

"Kicked out of the Warren family and dumped by Sean? If I were Vivian, I'd be way too ashamed to show my face."

"Everyone knows Vivian's been chasing after Sean for over ten years. Honestly, it's kinda pathetic how it all ended."

"Well, simps always end up with nothing."

"Vivian can't hold a candle to her sister. She's a total disgrace to our circle."

I wasn't bothered by any of their gossip at all.

After all, the ones running their mouths were just good-for-nothing rich brats like Hannah.

Only they would believe a woman's entire worth boiled down to her last name and the guy she married.

When I got back to Warren Group, I called a board meeting and revealed I was now the majority shareholder.

As the top shareholder, I had the authority to remove the current chairperson.

Without hesitation, I removed my dad from his leadership role.

Nearly every shareholder backed me up. They didn't care who was running the company—they only cared about their year-end dividends.

Compared to my dad, who only turned up twice a year, putting me in charge was a no-brainer if they wanted someone reliable leading the company.

When notice of my dad's removal arrived at the Warren residence, word quickly spread through our social circles again.

The dirty looks and snide remarks around me vanished, replaced by flattery and boot-licking.

Sitting in the Chairperson's office, I got a call from my dad.

"Vivian, you ungrateful snake! Who gives you the right to fire me?" he barked.

I replied flatly, "The majority shareholder has the authority to remove any decision or personnel at any time. Those were your rules, remember? Surely your memory isn't failing you now."

The other end of the line fell silent.

After a while, Dad said, "Vivian, we're family. Your mom and I just got a little heated. If you're upset about something, let's talk it out, okay? No need to blow things up like this."

A bitter laugh rose inside me.

Since strong-arming me didn't work, he tried playing the family card, huh?

"Dad, you made it crystal clear you wanted me out of the family. Why would I dare to go against your wishes?" I sneered. "As for the details of how we split things, I'll lay it all out for you on your birthday."

"Vivian, you ungrateful brat!" Dad yelled. "I should've strangled you the day you were born. You—"

Before he could finish, I hung up the phone.

Meanwhile, doubt began to creep into my mind.

Hannah and I were both their daughters, so why did Mom and Dad always favor her and ignore me? Just because she was not well?

I quickly called up a private investigator I trusted and asked him to dig into what was really going on.

*****

After wrapping up work, I was just about to head home when Sean and Hannah walked into my office.

My secretary hustled in behind them, freaking out. "Ms. Warren, I'm so sorry. I tried everything, but there was just no stopping those two."

I waved her off calmly. "It's fine. I forgot to mention—from now on, those two aren't allowed anywhere near this place."

Sean, the city's golden child, had never been roasted like this before. His face darkened instantly.

"Vivian, what the hell are you playing at?" he spat.

"Are you really that dense?" I replied, cool as ice.

"You—"

Just as Sean was about to blow up, Hannah gently looped her arm through his.

"Vivian's probably just bitter, so she said those things," she cooed softly. "Sean, don't be mad."

She looked like she was barely holding back tears while still trying to smooth things over—and Sean bought it.

He sighed gently, "You're too kind, Hannah. That's why Vivian always pushes you around."

Hannah threw herself into Sean's arms. "But she's still my sister anyway."

I rolled my eyes. Those two were so fake it made me nauseous.

"If you two are so messed up, go get some help," I scoffed. "Save the drama for somewhere else."

Sean glared at me, his voice dripping with contempt. "Vivian, you're as vicious as ever. You couldn't even measure up to a single finger of Hannah."

We'd known each other since we were kids, and I'd given my all for this relationship. Now, he called me vicious?

I might as well give my heart to a stray dog.

Sean continued, "Vivian, if you've got any sense left, you'd better hand the Chairperson's spot back to your dad and walk away from Warren Group for good.

"And don't even think about showing your face near Hannah ever again, or I promise you—things will get ugly."

He moved in front of Hannah, standing guard like she was his most priceless gem.

"Sean, let me make this crystal clear—I'm the Chairperson of Warren Group now. Any future deals between Warren Group and your family go through me. Who the hell do you think you are, making demands?" I shot back.

The Hamilton family might've looked like they had it all, but behind the scenes, they were barely holding on.

And the partnership with the Warren Group could be their last shot at redemption.

Sean knew that better than anyone—he couldn't afford to mess it up.