Chapter 24: Chapter Twenty Three

Eros

The waiter placed our plates before us—roasted duck breast with a cherry reduction sauce for Vivienne and filet mignon with truffle butter for me. Alongside, a side of potato dauphinoise and sautéed haricots verts was served for both of us.

I discreetly glanced at my wristwatch, wondering if time had flown by, but I was disappointed to see only ten minutes had passed since my arrival. Vivienne's overwhelming perfume was slowly choking me, but I resolved to keep my disgust in check until the very end.

"I must admit, Eros, when your father suggested this dinner, I wasn’t sure you’d agree to it," Vivienne remarked, gracefully cutting into her duck.

"He suggested it? My father?" I raised an eyebrow skeptically, taking a deliberate sip of my Bordeaux, my gaze cold and unblinking. "Are you sure about that? I’d suggest you call it as it is. Don’t hide behind my father."

Vivienne’s soft laugh echoed, her voice like silk. "Straight to the point. I see where you get your charm," she said, flashing me a smile and a wink.

I placed my wine glass down, leaning back in my chair with my eyes fixed firmly on her. "Cut the bullshit and give it to me straight. Let’s skip the pleasantries. What do you want, Vivienne?" I demanded, my tone sharp. "Let's not pretend this is something that it isn't."

Vivienne tilted her head slightly, studying me like a predator sizing up its prey. "What I want is simple—to understand the man my future stepson has become. You’ve always been an enigma, Eros. Your father speaks of you often, you know." she replied smoothly.

I raised an eyebrow, effortlessly cutting through my filet mignon. "Does he? Funny, he never seems to have much to say when we’re in the same room," I replied with a mocking smile.

She was gravely mistaken if she thought I hadn’t come here prepared. To others, she may appear harmless, but I saw through her. She was trying to draw me in, all to wreak more havoc on my already fragile relationship with my father.

Vivienne, to my surprise, ignored my jab with grace, taking a delicate bite of her duck. "He admires your business acumen. Villa Isadora thrives under your management. Not even the estate manager has done half of what you have. I can see why he’s proud."

I leaned forward, a derisive snort escaping my lips. "Pride, huh? That’s a new one. What else does he admire? My taste in wine, maybe?" My voice dripped with sarcasm.

Vivienne set her fork down with a smirk. "I see this isn’t going to be easy. But I didn’t come here to fight with you. I came to find common ground," she said, her voice softer now. "Like I said, we're here because I want to get to know you."

I narrowed my eyes at her, struggling to believe her words. She knew that without my approval, her marriage to my father would never happen. If I mentioned my disapproval to my grandfather, she’d be out of his life faster than she could blink. 

"There’s no common ground between us. You’re marrying him for his name, his fortune. Don’t insult me by pretending otherwise," I snapped, my voice dropping an octave.

I must have hit a nerve, as Vivienne's smile wavered for a moment before she quickly regained her composure. "You’re protective of him. I respect that. But you’ve misunderstood me, Eros. I’m not the gold digger you think I am," she assured me, her innocent expression unconvincing. I didn’t buy it for a second.

"No?" I let out a dark chuckle. "Then what are you, Vivienne? Enlighten me," I pressed, tapping my fingers on the table.

Vivienne leaned in slightly, her gaze hardening as if she were trying to intimidate me into believing her. "I’m someone who genuinely cares about your father. Yes, he’s wealthy, and yes, he’s powerful—but he’s also lonely. You know that as well as I do," she said.

I mulled over her words, my jaw clenched, but I didn’t respond immediately. "Maybe he’s lonely," I finally admitted. "He’s a man, and he has needs. But loneliness isn’t a reason to rush into a mistake. And I know for a fact that marrying you will be the biggest mistake of his life."

"Maybe," she conceded. "But it’s his decision, Eros. And mine. We’re adults. We know what we’re doing." Her tone softened, almost pleading.

I almost felt sorry for her. She sounded so desperate. If I were someone else, maybe I would have caved, but I wasn’t just anyone—I was Eros Belmonte, and I knew exactly what kind of person she was. There was no chance she’d break through the barrier I’d built.

"Maybe you know what you're doing, but I'm not sure my father has a clue what he's getting into if he marries you," I said. "Can I tell you a secret, Vivienne?"

"What?" she asked, her tone sharper than she intended. She must have realized it, because she took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "What's the secret?"

"I don’t like you at all," I told her, watching for her reaction. The flicker of anger in her eyes was exactly what I expected, but it disappeared as quickly as it appeared. "I know why you’re so determined to sink your claws into my father. He’s wealthy, like you said. Wealthier than any of your previous partners."

"What are you talking about?" she feigned ignorance.

"Don’t play dumb, Viv. It doesn’t suit you," I drawled, clicking my tongue. "You proposed to my father, didn’t you?"

For a brief moment, Vivienne's polished façade cracked, but she quickly regained her composure. "So what?" she asked arrogantly. "Women do it too nowadays."

"I’d believe that if I thought you were actually in love with my father," I said. "But you’re in love with his wealth. Well, I’ve got some bad news for you, Viv: hell will freeze over before I let you become my father’s wife and my stepmother."

"What can you do?" she sneered, her lips curling. "You’re just one little boy."

"This little boy can either bring you into the fold or kick you clear across the continent," I replied, my voice low and menacing. "One word, just one bad word about you to my grandfather, and you’ll be yesterday’s news. You wouldn't want that to happen, would you?"

"And you think your father will let you do that?" she asked, a sardonic smile playing on her lips. "He’s your father, not the other way around. So think twice before you threaten me."

"I came here to warn you to stay away from my father," I said. "He doesn’t need someone like you in his life, and neither do I. Besides, how can you possibly think you have what it takes to become a Belmonte?"

"I won’t let you talk to me like that, Eros," she hissed through gritted teeth. "Don’t count your chickens before they hatch. I will be your stepmother, and there’s nothing you can do about it."

I let out a humorless chuckle, took another sip of my wine, set the glass down, and dabbed my mouth with a napkin. "Time will tell. Enjoy your evening, Vivienne." I rose to my feet, buttoned my suit jacket, and turned to walk away. 

But then something came to mind, and I leaned down next to her chair. "You will never replace my mother. Not in my life or my father's." I whispered, my voice cold.

She shot me a death glare, and I laughed, placing two crisp bills on the table for the waiter. Then, I walked out, leaving Vivienne sitting alone. I could almost picture her polished façade cracking just a little as she watched me leave.