Vivienne's smile was like frost on a winter's morning – stunning, yet sharp enough to cut.
Even Raquel, who was known for being less than bright, could tell that Vivienne wasn't asking for her opinion.
With trembling hands, Raquel tried to pry away Vivienne's firm grip, her eyes rolling back as she scanned the bystanders.
Those who had been united with her in opposition against the Littletons, who they had considered a thorn in their side, were now nowhere to be seen.
As their eyes met hers, they all looked away.
No one dared to intervene or even utter a word of encouragement.
It was clear to anyone with eyes that Vivienne was not to be trifled with, especially with Leopold at her back.
His fighting skills were the talk of the town!
The two bodyguards had seemed formidable, able to kick down the steel doors of a gated community with ease, but Leopold could take them both on as if it were child's play, without breaking a sweat.
Raquel finally managed to speak, her voice barely a whisper, "I... I agree... "
"Smart choice," Vivienne nodded, satisfied, and finally released her stranglehold on Raquel's throat.
As Raquel gasped for air, clutching her chest and coughing violently, she shot a venomous glare at Vivienne. But before she could react further, she felt a sharp pain at her neck and darkness swept over her.
Vivienne stood up slowly, brushing her foot against the hem of Raquel's dress.
Her gaze swept around the room, settling on the darkened security camera, then moved to Elwood, the property manager.
Elwood shuddered visibly, his voice trembling, "Ms. Hawthorn, rest assured, our cameras are out of order today. There won't be any gossip spreading from here!"
Vivienne didn't respond, just coughed lightly, "Leopold, stop playing around."
"Got it!" Leopold replied, speeding up his actions, and within seconds, the two towering bodyguards were sprawled on the ground.
He wiped his hands and tossed his handkerchief to the floor before striding over to Raquel, now lying behind Vivienne. His eyes, gleaming with mischief, swept over two children, "I assume you two know how to tattle?"
The kids, who had already had a run-in with him, cowered in the corner clutching the table legs.
By the time Vivienne stepped out of the building, Leopold was wrapping things up, "Remember to tell your folks that the bruises you got today are because of your dear aunt here, got it?"
"Yes, we understand," the children nodded vigorously.
As Vivienne waited for Leopold, she paused and looked back, "Leopold, hurry up."
Leopold was pleased with their compliance and, dragging Raquel behind him, quickly passed the onlookers, "You all should know what to say and what not to say."
The crowd nodded earnestly, "We know, we know."
Even if they didn't, they would claim to know!
It was too frightening!
Who else could be as deceptively cheerful and dangerous as Leopold? It felt like if they disagreed, he would be on them in an instant.
Vivienne's car was parked not far from the property management office.
Concerned that Raquel might dirty his new car, Leopold opened the trunk and tossed her in like a sack of potatoes, his movements as smooth as a seasoned kidnapper.
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