Chapter 98

Author's POV: The lounge of the private restaurant shimmered with low golden lights, elegant yet intimate. A quiet classical piece played in the background as waiters moved about like shadows, setting glasses and lighting candles on each table. Vivian leaned back in her seat, swirling the red wine in her glass. She wore a fitted navy blue dress, heels crossed beneath the table, and her expression was one of quiet satisfaction. Across from her, Susan took a slow sip of her drink, her lips curled into a smug smile. “To clever minds,” Vivian said, raising her glass. Susan laughed lightly and clinked hers against Vivian’s. “To clever women who know how to protect what’s theirs.” Vivian tilted her head. “I assume everything went according to plan?” Susan nodded. “The car was being serviced just a day before the accident. I had someone make a few small… adjustments.” “No one will trace it back to you?” Susan shook her head confidently. “It was just enough to cause brake failure. Nothing too