Chapter 27 His words were so vile , so utterly self - serving , that Vivian felt sick to her stomach . How had she ever found this man attractive ? " I have no interests , " she spát . " Mason , stop the car and let me out . " Mason just sneered . " Vivian, your father approved this marriage , and it's a business deal . After you insulted my parents at your stepmother's party , you owe them an apology . Once you've given Chloe your blood , I'll take you to their house . You'll apologize , and say whatever they want to hear . Then we can forget this whole mess and move forward with the wedding . " Vivian let out a dry , mirthless laugh . To her , the Quinns acted as if they were royalty . " I knew you'd be happy ," Mason continued , misinterpreting her laugh . " But first , the transfusion . I expect you to be a proper wife , which means you'll be quitting your job . " Vivian's eyes wide with disbelief . She didn't expect Mason to think she was happy about this . She took a deep breath , and then unleashed a torrent of abuse . " Mason , what rock did your family crawl out from under ? " she roared . " Do you really think I'm that desperate for you ? I told you we were done ! Are you so pathetic that you have to cling to me like this ? A proper wife ? In your dreams ! " Mason was so shocked by her outburst that he slammed on the brakes . In that split second of confusion , Vivian threw open the car door and bolted . The realization of Vivian cursing him hit him like a ton of bricks . His fists clenched . No one had ever treated him with such contempt . " Get her ," he snarled into his phone , calling his guards . Two large men appeared out of nowhere . Just as Vivian was trying to flag down a taxi , they grabbed her and dragged her towards Mason . " Let go of me ! Help ! Somebody help me ! " Vivian screamed , but people quickly looked away when seeing Mason's luxurious car , not wanting to get involved . " Vivian , let's go , " he said , grabbing her wrist and dragging her towards the nearby hospital . " Help ! Help me ! " Vivian cried out . " My girlfriend is just having a tantrum , " Mason explained smoothly to anyone who stared . And just like that , her pleas were dismissed . She was dragged helplessly into Chloe's hospital room , where Chloe greeted her with a radiant smile . " Vivian , you're finally here ! Please , sit , " said Chloe . " I'm so sorry to be a bother again . It has nothing to do with Mason . He's just worried about me . I don't want to cause any trouble between you two . " " Chloe , what are you talking about ? I love you . Vivian is just your stand - in , " Mason took Chloe's hand . " If she had given you your transfusion on time , you wouldn't still be in the hospital . This is all her fault . " In the past , Vivian would have stood there and taken it . But she was not the same person . " Mason , are you blind ? " she said , her voice dripping with scorn . " What kind of stand - in is a hundred times prettier than the original ? Where , exactly , do you see a resemblance between me and her ? My eyes are bigger , I'm taller , my figure is better , and my skin is fairer . " She then turned to Chloe and pressed on . " And a stand - in ? Don't make me laugh . Why should I give you my blood ? Did I kill your family , Chloe ? What , exactly , do I owe you ? " Both Mason and Chloe were stunned into silence . Chloe , in particular , eyes burning with hatred . They had never seen this sharp - tongued , ruthless side of Vivian . Her words had stripped them bare , leaving them exposed and humiliated . Yet Mason felt a strange sense of dissonance . He had to admit , Chloe wasn't as beautiful as Vivian . Vivian had that soft , ethereal beauty men dreamed of 1/2 Chapter 27 Seeing the way Mason was looking at her , Chloe knew she was losing him . She immediately collapsed against him , letting out a series of weak coughs . " Vivian , dear , " she whispered , " I know you don't want to do this . It's okay . I won't force you . It's my own fate , and you don't owe me anything . " With that , she turned to Mason , acting the victim . " I'm the one who should be sorry . Mason , just let her go . I'll be fine . " Mason's heart ached with pity . " Chloe , don't worry , " he promised . " I will make her give you blood , no matter what it takes . " Then he looked at Vivian , as if making up his mind . " If you give Chloe a transfusion , I will agree to any condition you name . " Chloe's eyes flew open in panic . " No ! You can't , Mason ! " she called out . " I can hold out a little longer . The doctors will find another way . Don't sacrifice yourself for me ! " What if Vivian demanded that he marry her ? Chloe was afraid . She would lose everything . Her ultimate goal had always been to become Mrs. Quinn . Seeing the fear in Chloe's eyes , Vivian smiled , a slow , predatory smile . She tapped a finger against her lips , feigning deep thought . " Anything , you say ? Well , I'll have to think about that . " Chloe knew exactly what she was thinking . " Vivian , please , " she begged , " don't make things difficult for Mason . It's all my fault . If you're unhappy , you can hit me , you can yell at me . I don't mind . " Mason stroked her hair , moved by her selfless devotion . " Vivian , you just want to marry me , right ? Fine . I agree . Now , let's go get your blood drawn ." " No ! " Chloe shrieked , her voice so sharp and shrill it startled Mason . Realizing her mistake , she quickly composed herself , burying her face in his chest and squeezing out a few tears . " No , Mason , I don't want to be a burden , " she sobbed . " If you marry her because you love her , then I have nothing to say . I will sincerely wish you a long and happy life together . But if you're only doing this for me … I'll live with a guilty conscience for the rest of my life . " " Chloe , my dear … " Mason whispered , deeply moved , holding her tight . They clung to each other , a perfect picture of tragic love . And Vivian , in this picture , seemed to be the villain , the evil third party trying to tear them apart .