Chapter 372

A sly smile curled on Vivian's lips. "My apologies for the unpleasant shopping experience. As compensation, I'm offering a 20% discount on all jewelry in the boutique today."

The customers exchanged delighted glances. Naturally, they favored Vivian's generous gesture over the earlier disturbance.

After smoothly handling the customers, Vivian grabbed her designer handbag and headed toward the parking garage.

Her luxury sedan glided through the familiar streets of Willowbrook until she reached her destination.

Ten minutes of patient waiting paid off when Margaret and Richard came into view, muttering curses under their breath.

Vivian's lips twisted into a predatory smile as she pressed the accelerator.

The sudden roar of an engine made Richard and Margaret look up in alarm. A white sports car was barreling toward them at terrifying speed.

Their blood ran cold as the vehicle closed the distance impossibly fast.

Panic seized them. They scrambled backward, but it was too late - the car would hit them in mere seconds.

"Help!" Margaret shrieked, collapsing to the pavement.

With a screech of tires, the car halted just inches from their trembling forms.

As they gasped for breath, the car door swung open. Margaret immediately launched into a tirade. "Are you insane? You could've killed us! Do you know who you're dealing with? My son-in-law is—"

"I know exactly who you are," Vivian's icy voice cut through Margaret's rant.

The color drained from their faces. "V-Vivian?"

Slamming the car door shut, Vivian strode toward them with lethal grace. "You humiliated me in my own store. Did you really think there wouldn't be consequences?"

Margaret's eyes darted nervously. She struggled to her feet, puffing out her chest. "This is our neighborhood, Vivian Prescott! You can't—"

Richard blustered, "Watch your tone with us!"

Vivian's smile turned glacial. "Would you prefer to join your precious Victoria in prison? Or should I arrange for her sentence to be extended?"

Their bravado evaporated instantly.

Margaret's expression transformed into sickening sweetness. "Miss Prescott, you're far too gracious to hold grudges against simple folks like us. We were wrong to trouble you. Please forgive our foolishness."

She even performed an exaggerated bow.

"Miss Prescott, our humble home is just ahead. Perhaps we could discuss this more comfortably inside?"

Vivian nodded approvingly. "Now that's more like it."

Margaret shot Richard a meaningful look as she led the way.

Vivian quickly checked her phone before following.

The house had undergone lavish renovations - clear evidence of Victoria's ill-gotten gains from the Blackwoods.

Seated in the parlor, Vivian watched as the couple disappeared into the kitchen to "prepare tea."

Behind closed doors, Margaret's facade crumbled. With shaking hands, she poured a lethal dose of pesticide into the teacup.

"That arrogant bitch," she hissed. "She'll never speak against us again."

Stirring the poisoned tea with a silver spoon, Margaret pasted on a saccharine smile as she presented it to Vivian. "Our special family blend, Miss Prescott. Quite unique, if I may say so."

Vivian accepted the cup gracefully. She inhaled the aroma with apparent appreciation. "It does smell... distinctive. I must savor this properly."

She raised the cup slowly, bringing it to her lips as Margaret watched with bated breath.