Chapter 4: Allies in the Shadows

The quiet hum of the estate's engines echoed in Vivienne’s ears as she strode down the long, winding driveway toward the back entrance, her thoughts a swirling storm of strategy and calculation. The wind had picked up, rustling the trees and sending raindrops scattering in all directions, but Vivienne barely noticed. She had no time to focus on the elements. The storm inside her was far more intense than the one outside.

She had seen her father, Arthur, and heard his cold words. But they didn’t hurt her anymore—not like they used to. She had endured worse betrayals. She had been stripped of everything she thought she held dear, but now, standing here with the bitter wind against her face, she realized something vital: Ivy’s victory was fleeting. It was based on lies. And that, in the end, would be her downfall.

But Vivienne needed more than resolve and anger. She needed power. And power was something that could be acquired, built, and controlled—if she knew who to trust.

She stepped into the hidden alleyway behind the estate, her eyes scanning the surroundings. The shadows seemed to whisper with secrets, as though the very walls of the Rothsford mansion were alive with the conspiracies that had long been buried beneath its polished exterior. It was a world of power, money, and secrets, a world Vivienne had always been trained to navigate.

But now, she would need more than just knowledge. She would need allies.

The sound of footsteps approached from behind. Vivienne didn’t turn around, but she knew who it was. Only one person in the entire estate would dare to approach her so openly.

“Vivienne,” came the voice, deep and cautious. “I was hoping to catch you before you disappeared into the shadows.”

Vivienne turned slowly, her eyes narrowing as she took in the man who had spoken. A tall, broad-shouldered figure, dressed in a dark suit that blended with the night, stood before her. His dark hair was neatly combed back, and his piercing brown eyes studied her with a mixture of respect and curiosity.

Liam Vale.

He had once been a trusted ally of her father, a key member of the Rothsford board, and a man who had always respected Vivienne’s intelligence and ambition. They had shared many discussions over the years, and though they had never been close friends, Vivienne had always appreciated his no-nonsense attitude.

“What do you want, Liam?” Vivienne asked, her voice cool but not unkind.

Liam hesitated before stepping closer. “I want to offer my help,” he said, his voice low, almost secretive. “I’m not blind, Vivienne. I see what’s happening here. I see how Ivy has maneuvered herself into your father’s favor—and I know she’s not finished. But I also know that you’re not the type to give up without a fight.”

Vivienne raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued despite herself. “Help?” she echoed. “Why would you help me, Liam? You’ve been a part of this family’s world for years. Ivy is your ally now. You’ve been by her side.”

He shook his head, his jaw tightening with frustration. “You’re wrong,” Liam said. “Ivy may have the Rothsford name, but she doesn’t have the vision. She doesn’t have what it takes to lead this empire. She’s a puppet, Vivienne. A puppet dancing to a very dangerous tune.”

Vivienne’s pulse quickened as she absorbed his words. “A puppet?” she asked, intrigued.

Liam nodded slowly, glancing over his shoulder as if to ensure no one was listening. “Yes. Ivy’s return wasn’t just a coincidence. There’s someone else pulling the strings. Someone with a lot of power who sees Ivy as nothing more than a tool to control this company.”

Vivienne’s mind raced. The pieces were starting to fall into place. Ivy had been groomed, yes—but by whom? And what did they stand to gain by using her as a pawn in their game?

“What do you know about this person?” Vivienne asked, her voice tight with suspicion.

Liam hesitated again, clearly weighing his words. “I don’t know much, but I have my suspicions. This person is dangerous, Vivienne. They’ve been operating in the shadows for years, and they’ve managed to infiltrate the Rothsford board in ways no one even realized. They’ve been using Ivy as a way to get closer to your father—and to manipulate him into making decisions that benefit them.”

Vivienne’s eyes narrowed. “And you think I’m the solution to all this? You want me to fight Ivy for my father’s favor?”

Liam shook his head, his gaze unwavering. “No. Not for your father’s favor. For control. You’ve always had the intellect, the strategy, and the will to lead. That’s why I’m offering my help. I know how this game is played, Vivienne. I know how to outsmart the people pulling the strings.”

Vivienne studied him carefully. Could she trust him? She had no choice but to consider the possibility. Liam had always been shrewd, but there was something about his sincerity now that made her pause. He wasn’t just offering her help to gain something for himself. There was genuine concern in his eyes.

“And what do you want in return?” she asked, her voice low.

Liam didn’t flinch. “Nothing,” he said simply. “I’m not asking for anything. I want to see the right person in charge of Rothsford. I want to see the empire thrive under leadership that values vision, strength, and integrity—not someone who’s been manipulated into power.”

Vivienne’s mind raced. She could use him. She could use Liam’s knowledge of the board’s inner workings and his insight into the company’s deepest secrets. He might be her key to taking back control. But there was still a question lingering in the back of her mind—who was really behind this plot? Who had masterminded Ivy’s rise?

She had a feeling she was getting closer to the truth. But it wasn’t enough to confront Ivy yet. There was still more to uncover, more to learn before she could strike.

“I’ll consider your offer, Liam,” she said finally. “But I need more than just words. I need information. I need leverage.”

Liam nodded, his expression serious. “You’ll get it. I’ll do whatever I can to help you, Vivienne. But be careful. This isn’t just about Ivy. There’s something bigger going on here. And the people behind it aren’t going to give up easily.”

Vivienne met his gaze, her determination hardening. “Let them come. I’ll make them regret ever crossing me.”

Liam gave a slight nod before turning to leave, disappearing into the shadows as quickly as he had appeared. Vivienne stood still for a moment, her thoughts whirling.

She had a powerful ally now—someone who could help her navigate the complex web of Rothsford’s board and expose the real threat lurking in the shadows. But the most important thing was this: she had a plan. And it was only just beginning.

As she walked back toward the estate, her mind churned with ideas and possibilities. She would need to be patient. She would need to be strategic. But she was determined to succeed. After everything she had lost, this time, she wouldn’t fail.

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