Vivienne cradled her mug of steaming coffee, the vaporous tendrils partially veiling her eyes, adding a touch of mystery to her gaze.

Diana’s message to Vivienne was crystal clear: “Remember your place. You’re nothing more than an adopted granddaughter, not even by blood. Don’t get too comfortable thinking you’re one of us.”

She was staking her claim as the Perez family’s one and only darling daughter, warning Vivienne to stay in her lane.

How ironic. Who was really trying to prove they belong?

Vivienne chuckled. “I’ve never been one to hold back around Grandpa. You needn’t worry on my behalf.”

Diana let out a few forced laughs, sipping her coffee to mask her insecurity.

This Vivienne, she was certainly not one to mince words!

When Zelda and Percival arrived, the dinner table buzzed with their lively conversation. Diana, often finding herself on the periphery, could only offer a strained smile.

The meal passed with her in relative silence.

When it came time to settle the bill, Percival, the only gentleman present, had already discreetly taken care of it. It would not do to have the ladies pay.

Diana, pleased but pretending to chide, said, “I said this one was on me. Next time, you mustn’t sneak ahead of me.”

Zelda rolled her eyes in private disdain. She could not stand Diana’s pettiness.

A meal’s cost was hardly worth remembering, was it not?

With the evening advancing, Zelda and Diana bid farewell to Vivienne and Percival.

On the drive back, Percival mentioned, “Leopold’s headed to Sea City to take over for Thomas. He’s already on his way.”

Vivienne acknowledged with a nonchalant, “Expected.”

Percival, hands on the wheel, was still puzzling over Vance’s agenda. What was he really after?

of the mission, and neither Leopold nor Percival would discuss

a more comfortable position, musing, “Vance sending Leopold to assist Griffin… Could it

“Maybe?”

undeniably, everything seemed to revolve around

to Vivienne’s place, headlights flashed

and Percival exchanged a surprised glance, neither expecting Maddox to show up

the car, “Uncle, what

opened the door. “Get in.

off after watching Vivienne

neighborhood, searching for a bit before finding the

where are we?”

finding it. Dad never wanted to live in such a place, so we let it go to waste. Ah, but I remember the house number and the code,” Maddox said as he unlocked the

a while, with furniture

in the fridge. Maybe

“What’s up, Uncle? What did you need

before speaking, “Vivienne, you’re aware of the

paused, then said, “Yes, I know. There

together. “There was a problem with that test. Someone tampered with it, but I haven’t found evidence yet. So today, your

lifted. “And

wouldn’t be here.” Maddox’s brows were furrowed, clearly not

nodded, her

been altered long ago, and only one person

Jasper’s flesh and

result. I’ve got people investigating the testing center and the doctor involved. There’s something

Vivienne asked, “Why are you so convinced the

with unwavering certainty. “I believe you are my real niece, my sister’s

surge of kinship, a steadfastness she seldom experienced. She was

“Thank you.”

unbreakable, akin to lin’? So, Vivienne,

no need, Uncle. The truth is already

could

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