Maddox furrowed his brow, "Did Vivienne really say that?"

Diana's eyes flickered with hope, "Yeah, she said exactly that, Maddox. What do you think she's trying to pull?"

She thought she had finally found a crack in Maddox's armor, a chance to see him stop shielding Vivienne.

But Maddox just shrugged it off. "That kid, talking nonsense. She doesn't need to replace you; you were never comparable to her in the first place."

With that, Maddox shook his head and walked away, muttering about how Vivienne always overthinks things.

Diana felt like she had been struck by lightning. Her nails dug into her palms, but she could not feel the pain. Maddox had said she was never comparable to Vivienne!

All things aside, she had been part of the Perez family for nearly three decades, ever since she was a baby. And Vivienne was just an outsider whose place in the family had not even been confirmed.

How could Maddox say such a thing?

Diana was seething. She would see to it that Vivienne paid with her life, now, immediately, without delay!

After leaving the Perez Mansion, Vivienne received a call from Maddox, "Vivienne, I did what you told me to, but it's kind of odd. Why provoke Diana like that? She's not one to take things lightly; she must be fuming by now."

Vivienne chuckled on the other end. "No worries, as long as it's been said."

Maddox did not press further. "Alright, mission accomplished. Watch your back, and if you need me, just holler."

"Actually, there's one thing," Vivienne said playfully, "Tomorrow, could you take Grandpa and everyone out? Leave someone behind, an auntie or anyone apart from Diana."

Maddox paused, "What for?"

"It'll come in handy."

call the shots."

tried to stop her.

the best uncle in the world, even better

the car and clicked

her with a smile.

I've missed kissing you

hard enough

was becoming increasingly

But he liked it.

Maddox herded the family out early, claiming they

Zelda was so sleepy she refused

of the family in a flurry of activity. Yawning, Zelda turned

before she could reach her room, dizziness overwhelmed her, and she collapsed to

as she looked down at the unconscious

If something fatal happens, don't blame me!" Diana

from the Perez Mansion. Diana went

video popped up - Zelda's

me, the Lynette and

cracked across Zelda's

up or get ready to pick up your dead body!" Diana watched the video, squeezed out a few crocodile tears, then called Vivienne, sobbing. "Vivienne! Zelda's in trouble. I can't reach Dad or my brothers. What do

phone, Diana's voice was heavy

feigning confusion. "What's that?

can't get hold of

my way," Vivienne said, hanging up and soon appearing at the

video of Zelda's kidnapping and said, "I've got enough money, Vivienne. They can't be reached. Let's go pay the ransom. I'm

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