The Billionaire's Bought Bride and Instant Mom Chapter 122

Aveline

"I suppose I should sign for them," I said to Marcus, a plan beginning to form in my mind. This could be exactly the opportunity I needed to see what Vivian was really made of.

The moment I put pen to paper, Vivian's entire energy shifted. She became more animated, more focused, like a predator that had spotted prey.

"This is so exciting!" she said, her voice pitched with enthusiasm. "But Aveline, three cars is such a huge responsibility for one person. You'll need help managing all this."

There it was. The first probe.

"You're probably right," I said thoughtfully, watching her face carefully. "It does seem overwhelming."

"Exactly!" Vivian's grip on my arm tightened. "You know what would make sense? Using these practically, for the family's benefit. Like, that gorgeous SUV would be perfect for taking Grandma Eleanor to doctor appointments. So much more comfortable and safe than your little Mini Cooper."

I noticed Grandma Eleanor's eyebrows rise slightly at the casual way Vivian was redistributing my gifts, but she said nothing.

"That's very thoughtful, girls," she said carefully.

"And," Vivian continued, her voice growing more confident, "with me being pregnant, having access to such a safe vehicle would be really important. You know, for emergencies or prenatal appointments. The baby's safety should be our top priority."

Grandma Eleanor's expression tightened almost imperceptibly. I caught the way her fingers drummed once against her chair arm—a sure sign she was beginning to lose patience.

Monica immediately jumped on the bandwagon. "Oh absolutely! Vivian's health is the most important thing right now."

I watched this performance with growing fascination. Vivian was being remarkably transparent about what she wanted—she just thought she was being clever about it.

"You make excellent points," I said sweetly. "Safety and family should absolutely come first."

Vivian's eyes lit up with barely concealed triumph. "I knew you'd understand! So maybe we could work out some kind of arrangement? For everyone's benefit?"

"I have a better idea," I said, reaching for the keys to the white Bentley. "Grandma, this beautiful car is yours now. I'll be your personal chauffeur whenever you want to go anywhere."

Grandma Eleanor's hands flew to her chest. "Oh, sweetheart, I couldn't possibly—"

"I insist," I said firmly, pressing the keys into her hands. "You deserve to travel in style and comfort."

I turned to Vivian, whose expression had frozen somewhere between confusion and alarm.

"And you're absolutely right about pregnancy safety being crucial," I continued. "So whenever you need to go anywhere—doctor appointments, shopping, anywhere at all—I'll personally drive you in the Range Rover. That way I can make sure you and the baby are completely safe at all times."

"Wait, what?" Vivian's carefully modulated voice cracked slightly. "You mean... you'll drive me? But I thought..." She caught herself, but not quickly enough. "I mean, that's very thoughtful, but wouldn't it be more practical if I could just—"

"Just what?" I asked innocently, holding up the Porsche keys. "This beauty will be perfect for my daily commute to school. Fast, efficient, and completely practical for one person."

The sweet mask slipped completely off Vivian's face. "That's not fair!" she blurted out, her voice rising. "I mean... what I meant was..." She struggled to regain her composure, but the damage was done. "Aveline, you're being selfish. These cars could benefit the whole family if we just shared them properly!"

Grandma Eleanor's face had gone completely stone-cold now, her eyes narrowing dangerously as she watched Vivian's true colors emerge.

"Selfish?" I repeated, my eyebrows rising. "For making sure our pregnant family member has safe, reliable transportation?"

"That's not what I meant!" Vivian's hands clenched into fists at her sides. "You know exactly what you're doing! You're keeping everything for yourself while pretending to be generous!"

Richard immediately stepped forward, his voice taking on that patronizing tone I remembered from childhood. "Now, Aveline, I think Vivian has a point. These cars are a family blessing, and family should share family blessings. Don't you think it would be more... equitable if—"

That was the final straw.

"If what, Richard?" Grandma Eleanor's voice cut through his words like a blade, all her accumulated irritation finally erupting. She stood up slowly, the Bentley keys clutched in her hand, her expression thunderous. "If Aveline gave away gifts that were specifically meant for her? Gifts from her own husband?"

Monica jumped in quickly. "Mother, we're just thinking about what's best for everyone. Vivian is pregnant and needs—"

"Vivian needs a safe way to get to medical appointments," Grandma Eleanor interrupted, her voice carrying the authority of someone who'd raised multiple generations and had finally reached her limit. "And Aveline has generously offered to provide exactly that. What more could she possibly need?"

"But Grandma," Vivian tried again, her voice taking on a wheedling quality, "it would just be so much more convenient if I could use the cars when I need them. What if Aveline isn't available? What if there's an emergency?"

"Then you can call a taxi like everyone else," Grandma Eleanor said briskly, her anger now fully unleashed. "Or ask Aveline nicely, like a polite person would."

The steel in her voice made everyone pause. Vivian's mouth opened and closed like a fish gasping for air.