Vivienne had no patience for Patrick's explanation; she already knew enough about what the Boyd family and Patrick were up to.
She extended her hand to Patrick, her tone brisk. "Hand over the key of your code."
Patrick blinked in confusion. "What code?"
"The code of your contract!" Vivienne pressed, irritation creeping into her voice.
Patrick looked even more bewildered. "I don't know anything about a code. Our contracts are straightforward. It’s in in my car. Let me fetch it for you."
With that, Patrick hurried to his car and brought back the document to Vivienne. "Please, take a look, Madam."
Vivienne took the contract and immediately noticed it was an agreement between the Ashford and Boyd families.
However, the format and wording differed from what Vivienne had seen in the Boyd family's safe.
She did not know what that contract in the safe was about, but it certainly was not the same as this one. It seemed Patrick was not lying.
"You can go back now," Vivienne said, handing back the contract.
The contract contained nothing substantial, just the usual business dealings. The Ashford family, a biotech leader in Sea City, also operated shipping routes. Their collaboration with the Boyd family had made many things more convenient, but there was no mention of the cutting-edge bionics.
After Patrick took the documents, he hesitated, casting a knowing look at Vivienne.
Vivienne gave him an icy glance, her face expressionless. "Keep Gillian away from me, and you'll stay safe."
"Thank you, Madam." Patrick watched Vivienne enter her villa before getting back into his car.
As soon as the car door closed, his sycophantic smile turned into a heavy frown. He gazed at the villa's grand entrance before tapping the car seat, signaling the driver to depart.
Inside the villa, Vivienne watched through the sheer curtains as Patrick's car disappeared, a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth.
Everyone makes mistakes.
For instance, Vivienne had once misjudged Mark. And Karen had misjudged Patrick.
Percival came in with a cup of steaming hot milk. "Try this. I've heated it."
Vivienne left the curtains and sipped the milk, nodding appreciatively. "Not bad. It's even better than the plain water you usually boil."
A twitch of annoyance flickered across Percival's mouth. "Can't your man even warm up milk to your satisfaction?"
It seemed to him Vivienne always doubted his ability to fend for himself.
Had she forgotten that his cooking was actually quite decent, especially compared to her disastrous attempts in the kitchen?
Vivienne chuckled. "I just think your talented hands should be making more money for me."
Money was indeed sweeter than milk.
Percival pinched her cheek affectionately. "My little money-lover!"
Vivienne clicked her tongue playfully. "Who could ever have enough money?"
Percival stroked her hair, his voice gentle. "Well, it's rare that I have such a skill. Don't worry, my dear. I'll make sure to earn plenty. Enough to last us this lifetime and the next."
"Good." Vivienne's smile was radiant, like the break of dawn.
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