?Chapter 859:


    On her way back, she felt like a ghost wandering without direction. Cheryl noticed how distant she looked and asked, “What’s wrong, sweetie?”


    “Nothing.”


    “Vivien.”


    Vivien paused in the middle of the living room. Therge vi felt cold and hollow.


    She looked around and asked, “Mom, if we had a chance to side with the Russell family, but the price was high, would you take it?”


    “The Russell family?”


    “Yes.”


    “You mean that Russell family—the one with power and connections?” Cheryl’s eyes lit up, a flicker of hope igniting.


    “Yes.” Vivien’s heart had been in knots for days. “All they’re asking is for us to kill someone. If we do, they’ll protect us forever. They’ll even make sure there’s no criminal record.”


    “Who do they want dead?” Cheryl asked.


    Vivien’s grip tightened. Her voice came out rough. “Freya.”


    “Why wouldn’t we do it?” Cheryl’s usual calm cracked. The moment Freya’s name was uttered, old resentment rose to the surface. “If it weren’t for that woman, I’d already be Hugh’s wife by now. It’s because of her that we were kicked out. If someone else will handle the aftermath after we deal with Freya, why should we hesitate?”


    Vivien’s heart shook at her words. She replied, “Killing is a crime. And Freya never actually came after us first.”


    Thinking back, Vivien realized that ever since Freya had returned, it had always been them pushing things. She was the one who tried to take Freya’s father from her.


    She and her mother had hated Freya, ming her for their misfortunes. Butst Christmas, as she stood inside this vast home, staring at the absurd amount in her bank ount, a strange guilt began to stir.


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    “Don’t you want out of this life? Haven’t you always dreamed of a better background?” Cheryl suddenly broke the silence. “And now that it’s right in front of you, why aren’t you grabbing it?”


    “Mom…” Vivien felt her conscience slowly falling apart.


    “Without a powerful background and connections, you’ll end up just like me!” Cheryl’s emotions exploded. “I was nothing. Your father hit me whenever he pleased and insulted me whenever he wanted.”


    Vivien froze. She could still recall…


    The many times her father had struck her mother came flooding back. Vivien had once sworn she would never end up with someone like him. But could working for a Russell truly bring peace?


    “Vivien, I only want what’s best for you,” Cheryl said, holding her hand tightly. “If you can’t do it, I will. I’ll do anything for you if it means you’ll live better.”


    Vivien felt like she was drowning in thoughts. She didn’t even know what was right anymore. Swallowing her emotions, she finally said,


    “Let me think about it.”


    She didn’t know whether Norah’s promises were genuine.


    But one thing had be crystal clear—unless things were written out in ck and white, spoken promises meant nothing.


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