The Heiress's Second Chance At Vengeance (Eliza) novel Chapter 544

Chapter 544 A Pawn in the Game

“Not many, but I just like Cramer,” Vivian said.

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She seemed to see Eliza as a friend. Once she invited her inside, she explained, “I’ve been frail since I was little, so Mother had me study at home. I never made friends or met any men. Then, when I was seventeen, I met Cramer for the first time… and I liked him right away.”

Vivian’s face softened with girlish shyness at the memory.

But to Eliza, something about it didn’t sit right. A sickly girl with no friends, whose only social contact was Wendy, would naturally be sheltered from other men. If Wendy had arranged that meeting, of course a girl like Vivian would feel a rush of first love.

It was just another way for Wendy to control her. Even their “chance” encounter might have been carefully planned.

“So you really do trust your mother,” Eliza said.

“Of course. She’s the best to me. She found me the best man in the world.” Vivian hesitated, then added, “But… I don’t think Cramer likes me. Is it because I’m not pretty enough? Or not gentle enough?”

Eliza opened her mouth, but looking at this angelic young woman, she couldn’t bring herself to tell her that Wendy was using her as a pawn.

Just then, Vivian took her hands, her cheeks flushing. “I’ve never had a friend before. When you spoke up for me today, I thought you were a good person. That’s why I told you all this. Please… don’t tell anyone else.”

Eliza didn’t know what to say for a moment. Vivian was a good girl, but she was already trapped in Wendy’s web, drawn into the Cullinan family’s power struggle.

“You can rest assured – I won’t tell anyone our secret,” Eliza promised.

“Thank you.”

Vivian tilted her head curiously. “By the way, what did you come here for?”

Eliza wasn’t about to admit she’d intended to ask about Wendy. Instead, she said, “Nothing important. I just wanted to check on you, in case you felt uncomfortable after what happened at breakfast.”

Vivian’s expression softened further. “Thank you, but I’m fine. I like him so much. no matter how he treats me, I’ll give him the very best of myself. I want to be the perfect wife in his heart.”

18:07 Thu, Sep 4

Chapter 544 A Pawn in the Game

When Eliza left the room, her thoughts were tangled.

Once, she had been like Vivian

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convinced that giving enough would earn a man’s love. Later, she learned the truth: if a man doesn’t like you, no amount of sacrifice will move him. He’ll not only remain unmoved, he’ll resent it, thinking you brought it on yourself.

And a man like Cramer, raised in a patriarchal world, would never cherish a woman.

When Nolan saw her return looking troubled, he asked, “Didn’t go well?”

Eliza shook her head. “Vivian’s a good girl. She’s… very naive. It’s just a shame Wendy’s controlled her all her life.”

—

Wendy saw her as nothing but a piece on the board a pliable, innocent girl who could be used to do her bidding, and maybe even win Cramer’s heart.

Nolan understood her sympathy. “We have more important things to do right now. Vivian will realize someday that her mother’s only been using her. You don’t need to burden yourself over someone else.”

Eliza knew he was right… but she still felt uneasy.

Vivian could be a rare ally in uncovering Wendy’s crimes and network abroad. She’d have to think carefully about how to proceed.

Just as she was planning her next steps, a call from home changed her mind. The caller was none other than Soren.