Entwined With the Villainous Guardian
Chapter 345: [Bonus - ] The Ultimatum

Chapter 345: [Bonus Chapter] The Ultimatum

Viviana patiently waited for a month after the party for Leander to show himself to her. She dreamed of the day he would appear in front of her and surprise her.

But they only stayed as dreams.

Her father showed her the footage taken during the party. It was a nice quality video but it was not enough for her. Her father also told her that Leander stole some guy’s gold and he might make sure that everything is secure before he makes his return.

Why is her husband doing this mission impossible shit when she is waiting for him? Does he think he is Ethan Hunt? Or does he think he is Indiana Jones?

He does not need money. She has a lot of money. It’s all his money. She didn’t ask him to earn money. So, why is he there and not with her?

Viviana could only sigh.

Days passed and Viviana noticed Martha sneaking out. She found out that Martha likes a guy working in the Vitale estate. She investigated him and he looked like a nice guy. She was happy for Martha.

She waited for Martha to talk about her love but Martha never did.

It seemed like no one wanted to be open with her. She was disappointed in everyone.

That evening, she was playing with her dogs. Ziya was still napping. Her dogs have grown almost into full adults and as they got older they got more obedient.

"How are you doing?" Vito walked to her.

"I am fine, Dad. How are you feeling?" Viviana kissed his cheek and pulled a chair for him to sit.

He recently had a health scare and yet he made a travel to another country for a week for his business purposes. He only came back that morning.

She sat with him. Athena sat by her side. Apollo and Ares chased the butterflies in the garden. It was a peaceful evening.

"I’ll prepare dinner for you tonight, Dad. What do you want?" she asked.

She needed to break the news to him. She wanted to soften her blow by cooking him dinner. She knew how much he loved her.

Vito looked at her. "You are going to leave, aren’t you?" he asked.

Viviana looked at him with an awkward smile. "I don’t think I will find him here, Dad. I miss that place. My heart aches for that place," she said.

It was the truth. As time passed, the more she wanted to be there.

"The Palatini family lost everything they owned and they are struggling..."

"You can help them, Dad," she said.

Vito shook his head. "They are on their own just like your husband is."

Viviana bowed his head. He’s saying that Leander manages to win even when he is alone while Nicholai doesn’t have that capacity.

"But you are helping me," Viviana said. She didn’t know why she was talking to Helena but maybe because she didn’t see her for long, she was not very mad at her.

Vito smiled. "What business does she own?" he asked.

Viviana nodded in understanding.

Her father is right. He helped her with her already existing business by introducing her to the appropriate people. He might help Helena if she tried something. Vito is someone who rewards efforts. If someone doesn’t make any effort and only cries for help, he will not help them.

It is a good thing in a way.

She hoped Helena would try something. She must be devastated after her mother’s loss. But she needs to pull herself up if she needs to save her family.

"I can assume you would want to offer me protection," Viviana looked at her father. She had no option in this and so it is better if she brings it up herself.

"Can I bring "Four Fingers" Nelson with me?" She asked.

Nelson is a trusted ma of her father. Leonardo trusts him too. Since Martha likes him too, she can bring him with her.

Vito looked at her holding his cheek with his hand. He thought that she will accept it if he wants to send Nelson with her but he thought that he might have to give her explanations.

He was surprised she brought it up herself.

"Martha likes him and I know you’d rest easy if I have one of your men with me. Nelson will forever be loyal to you alone and... Like you asked your people to treat Martha well, I’ll ask our people to treat Nelson well. I promise," she said.

Vito chuckled. Who is helping who? Even if she had left on her own, she would have survived one way or another and succeeded. It would have taken time but she surely would have attained the same success with or without him.

She’s truly his blood!

"You can stay there if you want. I know you’ll miss Ziya and ... I’ll talk to Leonardo too... He’ll miss Ziya the most..." she said.

She felt a little guilty for leaving but she had decided.

Vito patted her head. "You’re so sensible and caring, I don’t want to let you go. But I understand. I will not disturb your plans."

"Thank you, Dad. I love you," Viviana hugged him.

"The Waldorf heir contacted us to ask permission to meet with you," Vito said.

"Nellie wants to meet with me? He must have finished the editing process," Viviana said. She wanted to meet with Lionel too. He might have news about Leander.

The next morning, Lionel came to their house.

"Nellie!" she hugged him. "It has been a while!"

"Oh, get a room!" Leonardo peeked through the door.

"Yuck!" Viviana furrowed her brows. "Wash your mouth with acid. Nellie is like a brother to me."

"Brother? Then who am I?" Leonardo entered the room.

"You are the brother while I am someone like a brother. See the difference?" Lionel intercepted.

Seeing Leonardo’s face relaxing, he felt like his life had returned.

"The premier of my movie "The Fatal Encounter" is in three months. I wanted to invite you," Lionel handed over the invitation.

Viviana got it. "Did Gabriella get the invitation or she’s going to be your plus one?" Viviana asked with a playful smile.

"She still hasn’t gained the confidence to be my plus one. But I should thank you for letting her known as a designer among the elite circles as her past was something she couldn’t..."

"She is a designer though," Viviana shrugged.

Gabriella truly has gained a lot of confidence after their fashion brand took off. She recently gave an interview to a popular fashion magazine about her journey. Maybe it will boost her confidence more once that magazine article gets published.

Gabriella told her that she still wasn’t ready to open up about her past life. She was not proud of it and Viviana understood if she wants to bury it forever. But no secret can be kept buried forever. It will come out someday.

Gabriella must learn to accept it.

"It’s the story about you and I want you to attend," Lionel said.

Viviana smirked. "Okay."

"What is it? What "Okay"? I don’t find your "okay" very convincing..."

Viviana shrugged.

"What do you mean?" Lionel asked.

"What, indeed..." Viviana looked into his eyes.

"What? What?" Lionel got nervous seeing her weird smile.

"You know how to contact him, don’t you?" She asked.

There is no way Leander didn’t contact Lionel knowing the connections he has.

"Of course, not!" Lionel said with absolute certainty. "You misunderstand me. I am under the impression that Leander Kastello is dead. Am I wrong? Did I preemptively grieve my best friend when he is still alive?" he asked.

"Oh, really?" Viviana leaned forward. "You’re going to be this way?"

"Yes, really. It is news to me, Bellissima," Lionel said and turned to Leonardo. "If you wish, you can accompany your sister, Mr. Vitale."

Viviana could only scoff seeing Lionel being so nonchalant. Leonardo got the invitation from Viviana’s hand and went through it.

"I am not attending the premier without him. You tell him. It’s our story. I am not watching the premier alone. If he does not return before the premier, I am going to sleep with..."

"With who? You don’t sound very convincing, Bellissima," Lionel smiled.

"...with someone...anyone..." Viviana pointed her finger at Lionel.

Lionel could only laugh.

She’s always interesting.