Chapter 7 Chapter 7 Vivian glanced at Sienna's face . She had inherited their mother's poised beauty and their father's striking features , giving her a powerful , captivating aura . Her presence was unmistakably like their mother's - the same protective strength that once sheltered them under her wings . Vivian's lonely heart finally had an anchor . " Okay ," she whispered . Meanwhile , at the Hart's residence , Aiden slammed his hand on the table . " That Vivian ! " he raged at the sharp - faced woman beside him . " She's really gotten bold ! The nerve of her , saying she wants to break the engagement ! It's infuriating ! When she gets back , I'm going to teach her a lesson . " Linda Lambert smiled sweetly , rubbing Aiden's back with practiced ease . " Now , now , don't get so worked up over a kid . You know I'm their stepmother , and as the saying goes , a stepmom's never as good as a real mother . It's no surprise they don't like me ." Seeing Aiden start to settle down , she pressed on , " Tonight's my birthday . All I wanted was for you and the girls to be under one roof . The Quinns are here too - perfect timing to talk wedding plans . I never thought Vivian would be the one to bring up ending things with Mason . " " Linda , you're too good . That girl is just ungrateful . You're always thinking of them , and they resent you for it , " Aiden took her hand , sighing . " Don't worry . She will be here tonight to celebrate your birthday . " As he spoke , he noticed her attire . The burgundy dress , the jewelry , the earrings - they had all belonged to his late wife . For a split second , an image of his late wife , Selina Bayer's face flashed in his mind . He frowned . " Didn't I tell you not to touch these things ? " Linda's face fell . She dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief , her voice thick with tears . " Darling , I didn't mean any harm . I just … I knew Vivian would be here tonight , and I wanted her to feel a sense of her mother's love . I truly had no other motive . " Hearing this , Aiden's anger melted away again . He pulled her into a comforting embrace . " I'm sorry . I didn't mean to get angry with you . " " Sir , Madam ," just then , the butler chimed in and announced . " Mr. Mason has arrived . " Mason had planned to attend a friend's party , but after waiting for Vivian for what felt like an eternity , he'd gotten angry and told Aiden about her threat to end the engagement . Hearing it was Linda's birthday , he knew Vivian would have to show up . So he'd ditched his friend's party to confront her . He'd made up his mind : if Vivian didn't bow down and apologize , the engagement was off . He stepped into the Hart living room , where Aiden and Linda quickly came forward to greet him . " Mason , my boy , what are you doing here ? " Aiden said warmly . " I thought just your parents were coming . " " Mr. Hart , I'm here to find Vivian, " Mason replied . " Hasn't she returned yet ? " Before Aiden could answer , Linda smiled . " She'll be here soon . We just called to remind her to be careful on the road . You know how these kids are , insisting on living outside when they have a perfectly good home . It's not as safe out there , is it ? " " You're right , Ms. Lambert , " Mason said . " Vivian is just too immature . Last night she was going on about breaking up with me , making a clean break . I didn't want to argue with her , so I went to see her this morning , and she completely ignored me . " 1/2 7:37 pm & Chapter 7 Aiden's face darkened . " Don't worry , When she gets back , I'll be sure to teach her a lesson . " On the other hand , under Sienna's guidance , Vivian had been transformed . With exquisite makeup and a flowing white gown , she looked graceful , pure , and stunningly beautiful . When she showed up at the Hart's residence , everyone stared . Even Mason , seeing this elegant and regal version of Vivian for the first time , felt his heart skip a beat . Only Linda narrowed her eyes , looking displeasing . AD Comment