Chapter 9 Vivienne didn't struggle. She let the river claim her completely.[] As fragments of her life flickered past, one thought crystallized: If I could do it all over again, I'd never want any of them.] She smiled as darkness took her.[] Meanwhile, at her birthday party.[] Dominic and Cameron stared at their dead phones, dread settling in their stomachs.[] They exchanged glances. Dominic broke the silence first. "You think Viv's actually in trouble?"[] Cameron gripped his phone, his voice uncertain whether he was reassuring Dominic or himself. "What could happen to her? Probably ust wants us to chase after her."[] Leona drifted over, doe-eyed and wounded. "Isn't Vivienne coming? She must really hate me."[] The Carringtons looked pissed. "We were going to forgive her, and she pulls this shit. Same old Vivienne-still acting like a spoiled ›rat."] Mrs. Carrington wrapped Leona in her arms. "Don't worry, sweetheart. Daddy and I will always choose you. If she can't accept you, hen she doesn't deserve our love."[] fidden from their view, Leona's lips curved into a triumphant smile.[] Vivienne, you'll never win.]] Since Vivienne won't join us, let's make this Leona's official adoption celebration. From now on, she's not Leona anymore-she's our laughter, our heir, and our favorite."] But maybe we should-" Dominic started to object, but Leona cut him off.[] 'She's probably just trying to get attention. You can fill her in tomorrow. She won't stay mad at you guys."] She took Cameron's hand with practiced sweetness. "Come cut the cake with me! Mom picked my favorite flavor."] Reluctantly, Dominic and Cameron pocketed their phones and rejoined the celebration.[] The party stretched past midnight. Dominic had knocked back a few drinks and was pleasantly buzzed when his phone shrilled, cutting through the alcohol fog like a blade. " Is this a relative of Miss Vivienne Carrington?"] Her name sobered him instantly. "Yeah, that's me. What's going on?"] His heart started hammering against his ribs before the voice even answered.[] Cameron caught the shift in his voice and moved closer.[] They All Tried for Her? With Terminal Cancer I'm Done Playing their Camion 6.5 % Chapter 9 "I'm very sorry to inform you that Miss Carrington jumped from the River Bridge at 8 PM tonight. Paramedics were on scene within minutes, but…I'm sorry. She didn't make it. She left some items behind. We'll need family to come in for identification."[] The words hit like physical blows. Dominic's vision tunneled.[] Suicide? No fucking way. Not Vivienne.[] This had to be wrong. Another one of her games.]] She was pissed off and staging this whole thing to mess with them.[] That's what he told himself, even as his hands shook uncontrollably.[] "Sir? Are you still there?"] This is bullshit, right? Vivienne put you up to this!" His voice cracked with desperation.[] "I understand this is devastating news, Mr. Ashford. But I can assure you this isn't a prank. We really need someone to come down to the morgue."] The blood in Dominic's veins turned to ice. A high-pitched ringing exploded in his ears, drowning out everything else.] Cameron stood frozen, refusing to process what he'd heard.] "She's faking this, isn't she? This is all some elaborate lie!"] "Sir, I know this is a shock, but we do need you here as soon as possible."[] Leona drifted over, reading the panic in their faces. "Dominic? Cameron? What's wrong?"[] Dominic shoved past her without a word and bolted for the door.] Cameron followed without explanation, leaving Leona rubbing her bruised wrist.[] She stared after them, irritation flashing across her features before settling into smug satisfaction.[] What could possibly be wrong?] Though Vivienne was her only real obstacle, everyone-the Carringtons, Dominic-they all loved her more than they'd ever loved Vivienne. So what was there to worry about?]