The Stand-In Who Burned the Script novel Chapter 21

Vivian Fairchild looked at the familiar face in front of her, suddenly feeling as though he were a complete stranger.

She let out a dry laugh. "Right... you're absolutely right. Your Amara would never do such a thing. She's just so wonderful, isn't she? Practically the epitome of truth, goodness, and beauty."

The sheer sarcasm in her tone made Jonah instinctively furrow his brow.

"Vivian..."

"Don't give me that nonsense about Amara being family. Let me tell you, I will never forgive her. Never!"

Having said her piece, Vivian brushed right past him.

Under the faint glow of the night sky, she clearly caught the icy, venomous glare solidifying in Jonah's eyes.

For the next few days, Vivian didn't see Jonah at all.

No doubt he was busy hovering over Amara, tending to her every need.

But Vivian didn't care anymore.

Time was running out. She needed to settle all of the Fairchild Family's affairs in the shortest possible timeframe, and then she would leave for good.

Aside from the company, her mother's inheritance included a priceless collection of diamond jewelry. Right now, it was in the hands of Amara's mother.

Back then, Dominic Fairchild had shamelessly used her mother's jewelry to woo his mistress in an attempt to coax her into the Fairchild family.

Yet, for whatever reason—perhaps driven by a guilty conscience—the woman had refused.

Instead, she chose to live a secluded, mundane life entirely on her own.

Vivian decided it was time to pay this mistress a visit.

After finalizing matters at the office, she headed to Westchester with Zoe Hunt. Before they even reached the courtyard entrance, she spotted a sleek black Rolls-Royce parked out front.

"Stop the car."

Zoe looked confused. "What's wrong, Boss?"

Vivian tipped her chin forward. "Look over there."

The landlady leaned in conspiratorially. "I only found out today myself. Mrs. Lockwood is actually the wife of a very wealthy family! Word is she had a spat with the man of the house, which is why she moved out here for some peace and quiet."

"But her son-in-law just stopped by. He told her that as long as she moves back, he'll buy this entire estate and gift it to her for her retirement!"

The landlady loved a good piece of gossip, delivering the details with theatrical flair.

"He even said he's marrying her daughter next month! That gentleman is clearly made of money. An opportunity like that, you just don't pass it up, right?"

Vivian's lips curled into a faint smile. "Right."

Oh, Jonah... you really went all out for Amara!

A courtyard estate in the heart of Southampton was worth millions of dollars. Penelope Lockwood didn't truly view money as dirt; there was no way she would turn down an offer like that!

Vivian took a deep, heavy breath, waiting a long moment to steady her emotions.

She stepped inside.

This was her first time entering Dominic's secret second home. The courtyard was massive, teeming with vibrant greenery. In the center lay a small koi pond, adorned with lotus flowers and a pair of swimming fish.