Chapter 301

Vivian arched an eyebrow. Her stance was anything but welcoming. She looked ready for battle.

This wasn't the timid Vivian from before. She no longer needed to tiptoe around Eleanor's feelings. If Eleanor wanted trouble today, she'd get it.

But what happened next made Vivian's eyes widen in shock.

Eleanor actually smiled at her warmly.

"Can't a mother check on her daughter-in-law? I don't need an excuse to visit family."

"What?"

Vivian's mouth fell open.

Had Eleanor lost her mind? This was the woman who'd called her a curse for years. The sudden kindness was terrifying.

Evelyn chirped excitedly, "Miss Viv! Mrs. Whitmore brought you a gift! Should we open it?"

"Wait, I—"

Before Vivian could protest, Evelyn had already torn into the velvet box.

"Oh my! A sapphire necklace! This must have cost a fortune!"

Evelyn played the enthusiastic hostess, gushing over Eleanor's generosity. She claimed the necklace was perfect for Vivian, said they looked like real mother and daughter.

Vivian shot her a glare. 'What game are you playing? You know we hate each other!'

Eleanor waved a dismissive hand. "Just a little something. Barely six figures. It reminded me of you."

Every word still dripped with aristocratic pride, but the change in her demeanor was staggering.

Instead of feeling touched, Vivian took a defensive step back. "Mrs. Whitmore, please stop this act. Call me your family's curse like usual. If you want something, just say it."

"You—!"

Eleanor's mask almost slipped, but she caught herself. "Don't be ridiculous. You're Nathaniel's wife. Of course I'd buy gifts for my daughter-in-law."

"I don't want it!"

Vivian shoved the box away and grabbed her phone. "One more weird move and I'm calling Nathaniel."

"Wait!"

Eleanor's pleasant facade cracked. "Fine. I came to discuss your marriage."

"We're divorced. Nothing left to discuss."

Vivian's scoff nearly broke Eleanor's composure again.

"I see how you two still look at each other. My son doesn't love easily. After careful consideration... I won't force him to remarry. I want you to reconcile."

Eleanor continued, "You know Cassandra's alive. Once she delivers the baby, I'll make sure she disappears. But my grandchild needs a proper mother. You'd be perfect."

Vivian burst out laughing. "You want me to play stepmom at twenty-six?"

"The child won't know the difference. You'll be its real mother in every way that matters."

Eleanor leaned in. "Agree, and the Blackwood family will treat you like royalty. Nathaniel will be eternally grateful. You might even have children of your own someday. Well?"