Chapter 24
Eva had always perceived Vivian as gentle and charming because she always appeared gracious in public.
But since her return to the United States, she had mentioned this twice.
On the surface, it seemed like gratitude, but in reality, it was an assertion of ownership, which Vivian didn’t actually possess.
If Vivian and Adrian were in a romantic relationship, her remarks might have been justified.
But since they were never a couple, Eva was puzzled by Vivian’s current stance.
Moreover, if they had been in a relationship, Eva wouldn’t have agreed to a fake marriage with Adrian.
Nonetheless, Vivian had offered her help.
Eva suppressed her discomfort, offered a slight smile, and remained silent.
Her lack of visible reaction and passive demeanor frustrated Vivian.
Vivian knew she couldn’t delay any longer and suggested with a smile, “Shall we talk in the small garden p>
Eva’s complete disregard for her friends had unsettled Vivian, so she lowered her voice, “It’s too crowded here, not a good place for conversation.” Eva nodded. “Alright p>
She stood up and headed outside.
Eva didn’t want to talk to Vivian, but in this world, perhaps nothing was more challenging to repay than kindness.
In the small garden, Eva led Vivian to a secluded and quiet spot.
Vivian relaxed, sensing that it was safe to speak here.
However, she still had some concerns. “Nobody’s eavesdropping, right p>
Eva paused, then shook her head. “The servants rarely come here, and the gardener usually comes in the morning for watering and pruning.” It was almost noon.
“Good,” Vivian let out a sigh of relief and kindly smiled at Eva.
She then took an envelope out of her pocket and handed it to Eva. “This is for you p>
Eva glanced at the envelope but didn’t take it.
Seeing her pause, Vivian walked up and placed the envelope in her hand.
It was thin. Eva knew what was inside.
She held the envelope and gave a wry smile, her heart sinking.
“What does this mean p>
Vivian cleared her throat awkwardly. “Eva, you’re so clever. You must understand p>
Eva bit her lip. “If you don’t say it explicitly, I might not really understand what it means.” Vivian’s face darkened.
She didn’t want to discuss Eva’s pregnancy as Adrian was still unaware.
She came to Eva to solve this issue, but she could only imply without being too explicit.
What if Eva had a recording device with her, recorded their conversation, and gave it to Adrian? It would ruin her crafted image.
This wouldn’t work.
Prior to their meeting, Vivian believed Eva would be easy to deal with.
Now, her perspective shifted.
If Eva were easy to deal with, how could she be pregnant?
Vivian opened the envelope, revealing a check for five million dollars.
A five-million-dollar check was presented before them.
She explained softly, “You’ve worked hard and helped Adrian a lot these past years. He’s praised your competence and resilience. You must have gone through a lot since your family went bankrupt. It’s the least we could do. Use it to pamper yourself and take care of your health p>
Vivian tightened her grip on Eva’s wrist and even rubbed her palm.
Eva looked up and met Vivian’s gaze.
Vivian let out a sigh and even patted her shoulder as if expressing regret.
Eva suddenly felt a lump in her throat
Yesterday in the office, Adrian also advised rest for her health.
It was an indirect consideration for her dignity.
Eva’s lips slightly parted. “What should I say p>
Should she thank them for caring about her health and offering a vacation, money, and well-wishes?
Rejecting their gesture would seem ungrateful.
Eva found it absurd. She wrestled with her decisions alone while they plotted her future.
Vivian, sensing Eva’s sorrow turned to anger, attempted to speak, only to see Eva pushing the check back. “Eva p>
She didn’t want the money? Why?
Vivian became flustered. “You think it’s too little? This is all I can offer right now, but I can p>
“No need,” Eva interrupted, dismissing the offer. “I don’t want the money p>
Vivian stood frozen. “Not the money p>
‘What does she want then? Adrian?’ Vivian couldn’t help but think about this possibility.
A flash of fierceness crossed her eyes. Her friends were right. Having been Mrs. Blackwood for so long, Eva refused to relinquish her position.
Eva nodded firmly. “I don’t want the money p>
Before meeting Vivian, Eva had already made up her mind.
She would keep the child and raise it on her own.
The child would have ties to her alone.
So, how could she possibly take Vivian’s money?
Even if Adrian were to give her money now, she wouldn’t take it.
What if he tried to take the child away from her? What if Vivian couldn’t accept the child?
For Eva, neither Vivian’s nor Adrian’s financial support held any value.