Reborn Heiress: Taking Back What Is Rightfully Hers!
Chapter 458: The Ruse of Self-Pity

Chapter 458: The Ruse of Self-Pity

Ella nodded lightly. "Miss Vivian, the server said you had something to tell me. This isn’t exactly the best place for a conversation. How about we find somewhere more appropriate?"

Vivian’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she chuckled. "Oh, it’s nothing serious. Just wait a moment. After all, I’m a guest. Shouldn’t you show me a little respect?"

Ella found herself speechless. A guest with ill intentions talking about respect?

Vivian was clearly spoiled, indulged by her family to the point of arrogance.

Mia’s expression showed open disdain. This Vivian really was full of herself, acting so entitled just because of her powerful family.

Vivian meticulously curled her lashes and thickened her eyeliner, making her features appear even more pronounced.

"Miss Davis," Vivian began with a faint smile. "Eric and I have known each other for ten years. He’s always been so good to me. Before you appeared, he even promised me that if I completed my degree in Country W, we would get married. If it weren’t for you, I’d be Mrs. Nelson right now."

Vivian’s tone was calm, but Ella raised an eyebrow. "I’m sorry, but love doesn’t work that way. Just because you knew him earlier doesn’t mean he’d love you. My guess is that he made such a promise to keep you from bothering him. Honestly, I find it hard to believe—Eric doesn’t usually make promises. Perhaps you misunderstood?"

Ella’s composed demeanor made Vivian’s anger boil. How could this woman remain unfazed? Not angry, not jealous?

"I’ve known him for so long! Aren’t you jealous? He used to be so, so good to me! We almost even ended up in bed together!" Vivian spat coldly.

Ella shook her head. "I’m sorry, but I’m not jealous. I trust my husband, and I know he wouldn’t have feelings for you."

What?

Vivian’s eyes widened in disbelief. Furious, she lunged forward, but Mia immediately stepped between them, preventing her from getting close to Ella.

"You... you’re lying! You’re just pretending to be calm. Today is your wedding day, so you have to keep up appearances and act composed no matter what!" Vivian sneered, her voice dripping with mockery. "You know, before he met you, Eric really treated me so well..."

"If that’s all you have to say, Miss Vivian, I don’t see any point in continuing this conversation," Ella said coolly, turning and walking toward the door.

"Hey, wait!" Vivian yelled angrily. Ella ignored her—talking to someone like Vivian was a waste of time.

Suddenly, a sharp cry rang out from behind her. "Oh no... Miss Davis! How could you? How could you let her push me? Waaaah!"

Ella turned back with a sigh. Vivian was sprawled dramatically on the floor, tears streaming down her face.

Vivian’s tears came so quickly, it was almost comical.

Ella’s gaze remained indifferent. "Miss Vivian, was this really necessary?"

"I don’t care! As Eric’s new wife and today’s hostess, how can you treat a guest this way?" Vivian shouted loudly, her voice echoing through the restroom and drawing attention from the women outside.

The commotion was enough to bring seven or eight female guests to the door, their curiosity piqued. Vivian’s presence had already attracted attention, and now, with the bride and Eric’s supposed "former flame" in the restroom together, they couldn’t resist the drama.

The women peeked in, their expressions curious as they took in the sight of Vivian sitting on the floor, looking distraught.

"Miss Vivian, what happened?" one of them asked softly, their tone tinged with surprise.

Vivian wiped away her tears in a show of grievance, though her makeup was already smudging, leaving patches of foundation across her face. Thankfully, her eyeliner was of decent quality, or black streaks would have run down her cheeks, making her look utterly ridiculous.

"It was Miss Davis’s companion who pushed me... She pushed me to the ground!" Vivian accused, pointing at Mia with a look of pure hatred.

Everyone turned to Mia and Ella, their expressions laced with doubt. Few people liked troublemakers like Vivian, but if there had been an argument and Ella’s bodyguard had pushed Vivian, it wouldn’t be entirely surprising.

"She... she even told me to get out! I’m a guest, Miss Davis! How could you treat me this way? Even if Eric and I shared a wonderful past... you shouldn’t treat a guest so poorly!" Vivian whined pitifully.

Ella pressed her lips together and turned to Mia.

"What a joke! Where’s your proof that we told you to get out? You’re the one sitting on the floor—how is that our fault?" Mia retorted scornfully, her eyes brimming with disdain.

The spectators—who were Ella’s family and friends—saw Vivian’s overacted performance and were far more inclined to believe Ella.

"Miss Vivian, how can you slander Ella like that?"

"That’s right, Miss Vivian. This is Ella and Eric’s wedding banquet. As a guest, causing trouble like this isn’t right!"

The crowd’s criticism grew louder. Vivian shrieked angrily, "How can you say that? It’s clearly her fault! She pushed me and told me she despised me and wanted me gone. I know you’re her relatives and friends, but you can’t just twist the truth!"

Her shrill voice and indignant expression made her look almost deranged.

Ella smiled faintly. Though Vivian was David’s younger sister, Ella wasn’t about to let her off easily.

A year ago, when Vivian secretly diverted Ella’s calls to Eric to her own phone, Ella had vowed that if Vivian caused more trouble, she would no longer tolerate it.

And here Vivian was, still so relentless. Even after Ella married Eric and became pregnant, Vivian remained arrogant and self-centered, refusing to accept reality.

"What’s going on here?" a cold voice interrupted. A man strode into the restroom and immediately rushed to help Vivian off the floor.

It was, of course, her fiancé, Carl.

Carl, ever the fool for Vivian, didn’t bother asking questions. His first reaction upon seeing her on the ground was to glare fiercely at Ella. "What’s the meaning of this? How did Vivian fall? Are you all blind and heartless, unable to help her up?"

"Carl, she told her companion to push me! How could she let anyone help me? Everyone here is on their side! My back hurts so much... Waaah!" Vivian wailed, her saccharine tone grating on the nerves of the women present, sending shivers down their spines and scattering goosebumps like confetti.

Ella remained composed, her expression calm, though her gaze grew icier as she looked at Vivian.

"Miss Vivian," she said coolly, "because you’re David’s sister, I’ve chosen not to hold this against you. If you stop making baseless accusations, I’ll pretend nothing happened."

Carl’s face twisted with anger, his voice growing sharper. "Miss Davis, you’re the bride today. How can you treat Vivian like this? I didn’t think women in Country S could be so wild and uncivilized. Eric must be blind to have chosen you—"

"Carl, shut up!" a voice barked sharply as someone strode into the scene, cutting Carl off mid-sentence.

Everyone turned to see Eric and David arriving together.

David’s expression was thunderous. He hadn’t expected his spoiled sister to sneak off and cause trouble again.