Chapter 5: Discharge

Vivian lounged on her plush couch scrolling through her phone with a satisfied grin spreading across her face. Every article about Lily's downfall was like music to her ears, a symphony of schadenfreude that she couldn't get enough of.

"The Infamous Lily.... Attempted Murder... Guilty.... Three years in Prison" she floated, reliving the thrill of outsmarting Lily.

'That naive, weak woman had been a thorn in my side for far too long, and I am finally free to claim my prize, Henry.'

Vivian's heart skipped a beat at the thought of him. Those piercing eyes, that chiseled jawline, and that charming smile. He was hers now. All hers.

Vivian devoured every malicious comment and every scathing review; people were on her side, sympathetic to her 'ordeal.'

Little did they know, Vivian was the mastermind behind Lily's demise. But she didn't need them to know the truth. Their support was all that mattered. Their admiration fueled Vivian's triumph. She leaned back into the couch, a self-satisfied smile still plastered on her face.

Catherine's article was the icing on the cake: "disappointing sentence... no remorse... a cold-blooded attempt to silence Ms. Vivian Albert." Vivian choked to herself, impressed by Catherine's skillful spin.

Catherine's article were the ferry culmination of what Vivian needed in her plan.

As Vivian continued to scroll through her phone, she felt a sense of vindication wash over her. Lily was gone, and she was finally free to live the life she deserved. Henry would soon be hers, and she would make sure that everyone knows about it.

Vivian laughed aloud, tears of joy welling up in her yes. This was her Victory, her sweet revenge. The door swung open, breaking her reverie, and Jon entered, shopping bags in hand.

"Jon!" Vivian exclaimed, beaming with excitement.

"Me. Vivian, I bought you some clothes," he said, holding out the bags. "You're being discharged."

Vivian's eyes landed on the luxurious designer logos gleaming on the bags, for a moment, her anger wavered. The clothes were a testament of Henry's thoughtfulness, and she felt a pang of gratitude

"Thank you," Vivian said, forcing a smile.

However her gratitude was short-lived. Jon wasn't one of her favourite peopl. He always sided with Lily,

'That naive weak woman'.

Vivian excused herself and went to the bathroom to change, eager to escape Jon's presence. As she unfolded the clothes, her eyes widened. Expensive silk, delicate lace, a precision-cut tailoring. Henry knew her taste. But Jon's thoughtfulness? It seemed of insincerity.

When Vivian emerged, Jon was sitting on the couch, engrossed in his phone.

"Is Henry not coming to take me home?" Vivian asked , trying to keep the disappointment out of her voice.

She had expected Henry to be there, to escort her out of this hospital

However, Jon's response disappointed her "Mr. Peterson is busy right now. He told me to tell you he's meet you tonight at dinner"

Vivian's voice turned icy. "Is that so? Okay." She grapped her phone and stood up. "I'm done. We can go."

Jon hesitated, "Wait, there's something I need to tell you," he said, his tone softening.

"What is it?" Vivian asked, her curiosity piqued.

"We received a call from a reporter. They want to interview you. But I declined."

Vivian's voice came out harsh. "Why did you do that?"

Jon's apologetic mutter infuriated her. "Sorry?"

This was one of the things she hated about him, his high-handed decisions.

'Why did he think he could make choices for me' she thought angry.

"Who are you to make my decision?" Vivian yelled, her anger boiling over.

Jon's expression remained impressive. "Because I'm the secretary. My duty is to ensure no mistakes harm Mr. Peterson or the Company."

His words stung her. "So, You're saying I'm a mistake in Henry's life and Company?" She asked, her voice trembling with indignation.

Jon's words cut deep, stirring a maelstrom of emotion inside her. How dare he imply she was a liability? A flaw in Henry's perfectly crafted world?

Jon's hasty clarification only fueled her anger . "That's not what I meant, you appearing in news or social media could cause a major impact on the Company."

"We're still processing the news of... Lily," he continued, his mention of Lily name it was like a slap to Vivian.

'Did he think I was that vulnerable, fragile woman?' Vivian felt a surge of defiance.

"Is that what Henry thinks?" She spat, her eyes blazing with determination. "I could call him and ask."

She took out her phone and dialed Henry's number. Each ring amplified her anxiety.

What if Henry agreed with Jon? What if he thought she was a mistake? The thought sent a shiver down her spine. Henry's voice, calm and collected, answered on the other end.

"Hello, Vivian?"

"Henry, is it okay if I go for an interview? I got an offer," She asked, trying to keep her tone neutral .

Henry's pause was palpable. "Did you discuss it with Jon?"

Vivian glared at Jon. "Yes, I did."

"But he thinks it's not right to appear on screen and news," She added, her voice laced with annoyance.

Henry's hesitation was brief. "Give the phone to Jon. I want to speak to him."

Jon took the phone and stepped out. Few mitues later, he returned. "When do you want me to schedule your meeting with reporter?" He asked, his tone deferential.

Vivian smirked. "Now."

Vivian stepped into the upscale restaurant, her heel clicking on the polished marble floor. The murmur of conversations paused as heads turned, eyes locking onto her with a mixture of curiosity and fascination.

Whispers spread like wildfire.

"That's her, Vivian Albert."

Vivian painted an innocent, pitiful expression on her face, feeding the public's curiosity.

Jon trailed behind, ever the militant shadow, his eyes scanning the room for potential threats. As Vivian entered the private room, a striking woman in her thirties rose from her seat. Her piercing green eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and professionalism.

"Ms. Vivian Albert?" She asked, her confident and assertive.

Vivian smiled, playing a role of the vulnerable victim. "Yes, That's me."

Catherine the renowned reporter from NON, gestured for Vivian to take a seat. "By the way, my name Is Catherine Kennington, a reporter of NPN"

Vivian settled into the plush chair, smoothing her designer dress and adjust her posture to convey a sense of vulnerability

"Ms. Vivian, you look remarkably well," Catherine said, her eyes scrutinizing Vivian with a hint of skepticism.

Vivian forced a smile, her heart racing with anticipation. "Thank God, I survived," she lied, the words slipping effortlessly from my lips.

Catherine's smile hinted at skepticism, but she didn't press the issue.

"Actually, I was surprised when you agreed to this interview," Catheine said, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You declined initially."

Vivian leaned toward, feigning vulnerability and vesoer-like innocence.

"I've been thinking alot about every thing that's happaned," Vivian said, her voice trembling slightly. "I realized people deserve to my side of the story. They need to understand why I chose to speak out now." Catherine's gaze intensified, her eyes boring into Vivian's.

"You must have been surprised by my request, Ms. Albert," Catherine said, "but I sense you've been contemplating your next move"

Vivian's smile wryly, again feigning vulnerability and uncertainty.

"Yes, I've thought long and hard about sharing my side of the story," Vivian said, her voice barely above a whisper. "People deserve to know the truth."

Catherine's expression turned sympathetic, her eyes softening. "I understand," she said. "You're willing to open up and set the record straight."

As Chatherine spoke, a flutter in Vivian's chest betrayed her calm exterior.

'Was I truly ready to confront the public scrutiny?' She thought.

"You don't mind if I record out convesation on camera?" Catherine asked, her voice gentle but firm .

Vivian's heart skipped a beat. The camera would broadcast her face to the world, solidifying her role in this twisted narrative. She hesitated for a moment, her mind racing with the implication. But then, She nodded a sense of determination washing over her.

"No, I don't mind," She said, her voice firm and resolute.

The camera's gaze would soon be upon her, and she was ready to face it head on.