Sunlight streamed through the curtains, spilling onto her face and casting a soft golden glow over her body.
Vivienne slowly opened her eyes, only to realize she was back in her bedroom.
The room was enormous, its interior elegantly designed in black and white.
She was still wearing the same gown from the night before.
For a moment, she didn't move.
Then—
Everything came rushing back.
Vivienne forced herself to stand and headed toward the bathroom. She splashed cold water onto her face, gripping the edge of the sink as memories from the previous night resurfaced.
Her breathing grew uneven.
"No… this can't be happening."
She quickly freshened up and rushed downstairs, hoping—desperately—to find her father.
But as she descended, something felt wrong.
Too quiet.
The mansion, once filled with life, now sat in suffocating silence.
Her steps slowed.
It wasn't until she reached the kitchen that she saw the head maid—Ms. Emma.
"Ms. Emma, where is Dad?" she asked quickly. "Didn't he get released on bail last night? And where is everyone else?"
Ms. Emma looked at her, hesitation clear in her eyes.
"Miss Vivienne… I'm afraid you don't know what happened after you lost consciousness."
Vivienne's heart tightened.
"At around midnight, the Sterling Group declared bankruptcy," she continued softly. "All the maids have already left… I am the only one remaining."
Silence.
"Impossible…" Vivienne muttered, even as her heart began to sink. "There's no way…"
She sat down weakly, her voice trembling.
"What about my dad?"
Ms. Emma stepped closer.
"Your father was denied bail. He spent the night in jail."
Vivienne froze.
Then suddenly—
She stood up and rushed out.
The garage was still filled with dozens of luxurious cars.
Yet now—
They felt meaningless.
She got into one without hesitation and drove off.
At the police station, Vivienne walked in.
Almost instantly, people recognized her.
But this time, the looks were different.
Disdain.
Mockery.
She ignored them.
"I want to see my father," she said at the counter.
The policeman looked at her coldly.
"Miss Sterling, this isn't a place where you can demand to see whoever you want. Your father has been detained. No visits are allowed."
Vivienne's expression didn't change.
"Officer, I said I want to see my father," she repeated. "Or you'll bear the consequences."
The policeman laughed.
Others joined him.
"Do you still think you're the Sterling princess?" he mocked. "You are nothing now."
Vivienne let out a soft laugh.
Surprisingly calm.
"Maybe I'm not the same Sterling princess," she said slowly, "but what I am now is still enough to deal with you."
The policeman ignored her completely.
As if she didn't exist.
And for the first time—
Vivienne felt it.
Powerlessness.
At that moment, a middle-aged man walked into the station.
He carried himself with quiet authority, instantly drawing attention.
"Miss Sterling," he said calmly, "you won't be able to see your father like this."
Vivienne turned sharply.
"And who are you to decide that?"
The man smiled faintly.
"The current head of the Hale family."
A chill ran through the room.
The Hale family.
A name far beyond the Sterlings.
Vivienne paused.
Then fell silent.
She understood.
This was not someone she could offend.
"Miss Sterling," he continued, "I would like to have a word with you."
Vivienne's eyes flickered.
"Perhaps after I see my father."
"A small matter."
Eric Hale glanced at his assistant.
Moments later, the policeman's expression changed completely.
"You may follow me."
Inside the visitor's room, Vivienne waited anxiously.
Soon—
Chris Sterling was brought in.
He looked older.
Weaker.
Nothing like the powerful man she knew.
"Dad…"
Vivienne rushed forward, hugging him tightly as tears fell.
"I'll get you out of here," she said quickly. "But tell me… is it true?"
Her voice broke.
"Did you really do it?"
Chris Sterling lowered his head.
Silence was his answer.
Vivienne stiffened.
"How could you…?"
Before he could respond, his gaze shifted.
Toward Eric Hale.
"Mr. Sterling, we meet again," Eric said calmly. "Please, sit."
They sat.
The atmosphere grew heavy.
"I've already fulfilled your request," Eric continued. "Now, it's time you hear mine."
Vivienne looked at him sharply.
"I can reduce your father's sentence to a minimum of three years," he said. "Ensure his comfort in prison… and take over your company under the Hale Group until his release."
Hope flickered in her eyes.
But she knew—
Nothing came for free.
"What do you want?" she asked.
Eric Hale met her gaze.
"Marry my son the First Young Master of the Hale family."