There Is No Paradise Where I Ran Away To (14 Chapters Left to Complete) - Chapter 18

For a long while, Charlotte’s small frame kept her head stubbornly raised, the whites of her eyes gleaming fiercely. She had no time to spare for Charlotte. Moreover, there was a clear target for her current anger.

“Step aside, Miss Windler.”

Her usual soft, gentle gray eyes were now twisted with rage toward Edwin.

“What appalling manners to display in front of His Grace! Without permission, you summoned your friend to point a gun at the Duke, and now you even have the audacity to throw money? It seems you have no intention whatsoever of understanding Miss Ebelline’s current predicament.”

Her raised voice and contemptuous gaze scolded Vivian, holding her accountable for bringing a dangerous individual into the mansion.

“I have nothing to say to you, Miss Windler. I wish to speak with His Grace—please step aside.”

“Why do you have nothing to say to me? When you needed something, you were ready to kneel and beg, yet now you say you have nothing to say and simply tell me to move? You, who enjoy every convenience thanks to His Grace, have no idea who your friend tried to attack or what I nearly lost.”

Vivian bit the tender flesh inside her mouth. Half of Charlotte’s accusations were false. It wasn’t Charlotte who nearly lost something—it was Vivian herself—and it wasn’t her friend’s attack but the Duke’s.

It was true she enjoyed privileges due to Edwin, but all of it had been part of the Duke’s plan.

He had appeared before her eyes fourteen years later, meticulously calculated and orchestrated solely for revenge. Thus, there was nothing for which to feel grateful or apologetic. Why should someone fated to die by the Duke’s hand feel thankful?

“You’re being excessive. This isn’t a matter to argue over with you, Miss Windler—step aside. This concerns only His Grace and me.”

Vivian suppressed the fire in her chest and spoke calmly. She wanted to resolve the situation with Charlotte quickly. Yet Charlotte, sneering mockingly as she approached, clearly had no intention of backing down from this standoff.

“Excessive? Did I say anything wrong? At least have the decency to feel ashamed. You can’t even manage your own friend—causing this whole scandal—and yet you have the nerve to raise your voice?”

“Don’t speak nonsense about things you don’t understand. This is my final warning—please step aside now.”

When Charlotte still refused to yield, Vivian clenched her teeth. Though ignoring Charlotte might have been the best course, the step she tried to take toward Edwin was blocked by a firm grip on her arm.

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