Chapter 6 Bernard Wants Revenge

Lilith Whitehead hadn't anticipated Lainey's swift reaction. Before she could respond, Lainey had already slapped her twice, leaving her ears ringing from the impact. Furious and humiliated, she couldn't risk a public confrontation with Lainey at that moment. "Who's your sister? Shut your mouth!" Lilith gritted her teeth against the burning pain, whispering harshly, "But at least you were smart just now—didn't step forward to contradict me. Otherwise, you'd better start preparing coffins for your foster parents." She had expected Vivian to confront her directly and had even rehearsed her responses. But to her surprise, Vivian remained calm and composed. It actually earned her respect. "Hmph." Vivian's red lips curled into a faint smirk. "Want to save Mr. Jacobson? He promised me a billion dollars as a reward. I'll give you a fifty percent discount—five hundred million—for your silence. Otherwise, once Mr. Jacobson learns the truth, as your twin sister, I won't just prepare your coffin. I'll probably have to come every year to trim the weeds on your grave!" "F-f-five hundred million? You're out of your mind!" "What I dream is my business. But if you don't do as I say, I'll make sure your fantasy of becoming ‘Mrs. Jacobson' turns into a fleeting dream—like a dream beneath the southern bough." The sharp retort left Lilith speechless with rage. Meanwhile, inside the private chamber. Madam Mary Jacobson recounted the previous night's events to Bernard. "I checked—Vivian left bloodstains on the bed. The girl's still a virgin. You slept with her, so you're responsible!" Bernard had assumed Vivian had drugged him, which was why she followed him into the elevator with ulterior motives. Though he now knew his grandmother had administered the drug, he couldn't deny Vivian had her own intentions. "I already have a girlfriend. As for Vivian, we can offer her compensation." He had clearly heard Vivian say last night that she only wanted money. If that was all she wanted, he'd grant it. "Hmph. Do you think I'm old and blind? Don't think I don't see you're just using Lilith to fill the spot." "What would it take for you to believe me, Grandma?" Bernard was genuinely exasperated. "Wait. Whichever of you two gets pregnant first in the next two months—I'll marry her." Madam Jacobson came up with this reluctant solution. Bernard: "…" So she was making decisions without even consulting him? "Don't look at me like that. Feelings can be cultivated." Then, pondering, perhaps Bernard thought Vivian was too plain-looking, she added, "Don't be shallow. Even if the girl's appearance is rather ordinary, they say beauty brings disaster—this way, you'll save yourself a lot of trouble." "Vivian will stay at the family mansion for the next few days. You take Lilith and leave first." Madam Jacobson was worried Bernard might force Vivian to take more of the drug, so she insisted Vivian stay for three days before she could rest easy. After all, the drug only worked within 72 hours. After that, it was useless. Hearing her words, Bernard's handsome face hardened with coldness as he turned and strode out of the private chamber. "Bernard, you're out?" Seeing him emerge, Lilith stepped forward. Bernard bypassed her and walked straight to Vivian. He grasped her chin with his right hand, lifting her face slightly, staring down at her ‘plain' features. "I'm warning you—don't try any tricks to charm Grandma. Otherwise, I'll make you regret ever being born." "Ow!" Vivian shoved his hand away, her jaw stinging. "Do you think I want to—" She didn't want to stay another second in the Jacobson household, but catching sight of Lilith's envious, resentful expression, she instantly changed her tone. "Well, that depends on what Grandma wants." "So fast to call her ‘Grandma'? Looks like you're in a real hurry to become Bernard Jacobson's woman!" "Can't say for sure. If I get pregnant, even if I don't want to marry you, I won't be able to escape. After all…" Vivian paused, tilting her head to smile sweetly at Madam Jacobson emerging from the chamber, "…Grandma insists I marry you. What can I do?" At that moment, Lilith was seething with fury. She wanted nothing more than to rush over and rip Vivian's mouth apart. Bitch! Shameless slut, seducing her boyfriend! Lilith thought this bitterly, unaware she was merely an imposter, so deep in her role she'd forgotten the truth. Noticing Lilith's jealousy, Vivian's mood instantly brightened. "I hope you still feel this confident three days from now," Bernard said, his thin lips curling into a mocking smile. "Bernard, what are you doing?" Madam Jacobson snapped sharply. Bernard released Vivian and turned to Lilith. "Let's go." Lilith gently bit her lower lip, feeling deeply resentful. She'd finally managed to visit the Jacobson estate, and now she was leaving without even speaking to Madam Jacobson. Still, she forced a gentle smile and gave a slight bow. "Madam Jacobson, Bernard and I will be leaving now." "Mm." Madam Jacobson gave a dismissive grunt. And so, Lilith left the living room with Bernard. Watching Bernard's retreating back, Vivian dropped the victorious smirk on her face. She sighed inwardly: *Pretending is fun for a moment, but later you'll end up in the crematorium!* She'd angered Lilith, yes—but she'd also provoked Bernard. Was she just digging her own grave deeper?