Chapter 381

"You're quite the handful," Margaret remarked with mock exasperation, though her tone betrayed affection. "I'll introduce you to our social circle, arrange some ladies' luncheons, perhaps even book us a day at the spa. It's high time you learned the art of social navigation. You can't keep hiding behind Adrian forever - the Blackwoods need a proper hostess." Her words carried the unspoken weight of acceptance, a subtle initiation into family responsibilities.

Beyond their generational gap, what truly frustrated Margaret about Vivian was her emotional reserve. Unlike Bianca who'd mastered the art of charming her way into Margaret's good graces, Vivian made no such efforts. This perpetual distance left Margaret feeling isolated in her own home. She'd hoped a daughter-in-law might soften Adrian's detached nature, but instead she got Vivian - competent yet emotionally opaque.

One emotionally unavailable Blackwood was taxing enough; two bordered on exhausting. As family patriarch, Adrian carried himself with such authority that even his mother hesitated to challenge him. Naturally, Margaret sought to refine Vivian's temperament, especially given her modest upbringing. Yet Vivian's quiet pride and refusal to conform created an invisible barrier between them.

Their relationship had settled into this uneasy stalemate until today. Sensing Margaret's softened demeanor, Vivian chose to reciprocate with strategic grace. "Margaret, you're far too youthful to retire your hostess duties," she teased lightly. "Let me enjoy this pregnancy in peace. I promise not to overexert myself - though shouldn't we consider more stimulating prenatal activities than gossip sessions? Especially if it's a boy?"

Margaret exhaled in concession. "See that you keep that promise."

"Have I ever given you reason to doubt me?" Vivian countered playfully.

What began as a tense interaction gradually eased as conversation flowed. Perhaps her growing professional confidence allowed Vivian to engage more naturally now.

Their dialogue halted as the car arrived at the hospital entrance. Vivian's gaze locked onto two familiar figures engaged in what appeared to be a heated exchange. Margaret followed her line of sight.

Richard and Daphne stood near the entrance, their body language telegraphing conflict. Vivian's expression darkened - the last thing she wanted was Margaret embroiled in her family drama.

Noticing her discomfort, Margaret surprised them both by offering, "We can use the underground parking if you'd prefer to avoid them."

Vivian understood the Dawsons were likely here to harass Eleanor, and avoidance wasn't an option. She offered Margaret a grateful smile. "Thank you, but this is my responsibility. Don't let them ruin your afternoon."

Watching Vivian handle the situation independently, Margaret realized she'd never be like the dependent Bianca. As Vivian exited the car, a bittersweet thought surfaced - would her own daughter have been this self-sufficient had she lived?

Vivian approached with measured steps, her voice cutting through the argument like winter air. "What exactly is happening here?"

The pair spun around, Richard's face contorting with irritation. "Must you creep about like some specter? You nearly gave me heart failure!" Their shares in the company had become more liability than asset, and with Vivian proving an immovable negotiator, they'd turned their sights on Eleanor - hoping to exploit Vivian's one vulnerability.