Still You Still Me Still Falling novel Chapter 18

Vivienne let out a heavy sigh of relief. "Good. I don't know what you ever saw in her anyway. Sheila is far from innocent. I just saw her cozying up to some man in the restaurant..."

Edmond yanked at his tie, irritation flaring. "If there's nothing else, I'll have the driver take you home."

"I don't need your driver. I have my own," Vivienne snapped. "If you refuse to go on blind dates, fine. Find someone yourself. As long as her background is acceptable, I won't interfere. But your top priority is giving me a grandson, do you understand?"

Edmond stared at her, his deep eyes entirely devoid of warmth. "I am your son. I am not a pawn in your war for the family estate."

"Do you think I'm doing this for myself?" Vivienne exploded. "I'm doing this for you!"

Edmond didn't want to waste another syllable on her. Whatever bond they once shared as mother and son had been systematically destroyed by her years ago. All that remained was the inescapable biological obligation.

Vivienne closed her eyes, reining in her temper before trying again. "I know you resent me. But Edmond, you are my only child. We can't say the same for your father..."

Edmond let out a dark chuckle. "Do you honestly believe any child of his could ever pose a threat to me?"

It was utterly laughable. He had consolidated his power ages ago. Let alone Chauncey Halley, if the entire Halley family banded together, they couldn't even put a dent in his armor.

"If he actually brings an illegitimate child into the picture, the only ones who will be humiliated are us! Besides, the law gives out-of-wedlock kids inheritance rights now. I would rather burn my money in the street than hand it over to some bastard!"

Edmond just stared at her.

Once upon a time, Vivienne had been an elegant, dignified socialite. Because of one romance, one marriage, and one man, she had allowed herself to twist into this.

Hysterical, vindictive, and venomous.

It was exactly why Edmond had never believed in marriage.

And right when his views had finally started to shift, reality had dealt him the most devastating blow of all.

Fortunately, that was all in the past. He had Tilly now.

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