Hailey's eyes bulged with fury, her face flushed a deep shade of crimson as Vivienne backed her into a wall, her entire body pressed against the cold surface, lifted off her feet. She was moments away from choking, her breaths short and panicked.

Drake's face was a mask of fear. "Vivienne, have you lost your mind? You're gonna kill your aunt?" he shrieked, rushing to pry Vivienne's hands away. But a glare from Vivienne sent him freezing in place, his legs wobbling like jelly.

His finger trembled as he pointed at Vivienne. "If you kill Aunt Hailey, I swear I'll call the cops on you! You're insane, Vivienne, a complete lunatic!"

Seeing Vivienne being bullied by Hailey had secretly thrilled him, a perverse joy he hadn't felt in a long while. But now, with Vivienne on the verge of doing the unthinkable, his courage faltered.

Hailey, struggling for air, her hands flailing and feet kicking in desperation, couldn't utter a single word.

Vivienne's voice was icy, devoid of emotion. "Hailey, this is the last time you hurt me. There won't be a next time."

With that, she released Hailey, who collapsed to the floor, gasping for air, her face pale.

Hailey, wheezing on the ground, glared up at Vivienne. "I'll have my brother kick you out of the Linklaters!" she rasped.

"And who will you have kicked out?" came a stern voice from behind. Yorick, leaning on his cane, slowly made his way forward.

determined to kill me. You mustn't let her

Hailey sprawling on the floor. "What

calm, her demeanor

her eyes burning with vengeance, declared, "From now on, the Linklaters will not acknowledge Vivienne as part of this family. Her mother, Sasha, might have married

"Dad, Aunt Hailey is telling the truth. Vivienne really did try to kill her.

the Linklaters. Who knows if she might hurt someone else

agree with Aunt Hailey. You

was visibly agitated, a mix of excitement and nervousness coursing through

saying we should kick out?!" he roared,

begged for

with a heavy sigh, commanded, "Arthur, put your brother down. We need to deal with

Drake to the floor. The impact sent waves of pain through Drake's body, and before he could catch his breath, Yorick's cane came down hard on his back, drawing a gasp of pain. Yorick's disappointment was evident. "Fool, this discussion does not involve you. Back to your room, and stay out

struggled to his feet, shooting Vivienne a resentful glance

and Hailey, the latter's eyes filled with desperation. "Brother, won't you stand by me? Do our years of companionship mean less to you than

though my time with Vivienne has been brief, I know she's not one to act

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