CHAPTER 63: VIVIENE LIFE

Clark understood what he had to do. He said his farewell to Gideon and Noelle, then walked out of the Baron’s residence alone. Noelle let out a sigh while leaning his back against the sofa.

"You have quite a difficult task ahead of you, Lord Gideon," said Noelle.

"I know. Can you help me?"

Noelle turned quickly when Gideon asked that, then chuckled lightly, still leaning back in a relaxed way.

"I’m already 58, my body isn’t as strong as it used to be, and I forget things. You can’t rely on me," replied Noelle.

"I understand. What about Silva?"

"She might help, but she’s terrible with numbers. You don’t want your whole plan ending up in losses, do you?" asked Noelle.

"Then who?"

"What about your team members?" asked Noelle.

Gideon shook his head. He explained that they were competent, but they were just as lost as he was. On top of that, they knew nothing about Rockvalley.

Gideon wanted to ask them for help, but that would only weigh them down with more work later.

Noelle listened. She had to admit that Gideon and his team were sharp and talented, but they would be overwhelmed if they were given this kind of task in a place that was still so new to them.

"Someone who knows a lot about Rockvalley... of course, we can’t just hire anyone, can we?" asked Noelle.

"I’ll only rely on those who are competent enough."

"What about Nozel’s wife?" asked Noelle.

"She’s lived in the village for a long time, she knows Clark and the village’s problems. If you ask her, maybe she’ll help," replied Noelle.

Gideon went silent. The idea wasn’t bad, but both Nozel and Viviene were probably hated by the villagers.

Gideon’s original plan for her was to let her live in the house that was being built in Nemora.

But putting that aside, there was an urgent situation Gideon had to solve as Baron. The only way to deal with the village’s problems was to rely on someone who had lived there long enough, someone with influence and who understood the issues.

Viviene was that person.

Should I do it? I don’t fully trust her yet.

"Do it for the people. You don’t want to work yourself to death, do you?" said Noelle.

"That’s a grim thought."

After making up his mind, Gideon cleared his throat and nodded. He would go explain the situation to Viviene, hoping she would understand. But instead of simply asking, Gideon considered making an agreement with her.

A deal where both sides benefited. If something didn’t go as planned, then Gideon would have the right to hold her to their agreement.

He stood up, letting out a quiet breath. He knew this was something he had to do, for himself and for solving the village’s problems.

Noelle smiled, still sitting on the sofa while enjoying the snacks and wine that had been served earlier. Gideon left the living room and walked out to the backyard to meet Viviene.

His steps slowed when he saw the maids peeking from the back window of the house, watching Viviene and her two daughters.

"What’s going on?" asked Gideon, startling the maid, who quickly turned around to face him.

"Nothing, Lord Gideon. I just feel sorry for her," replied the maid.

"Why?"

"Lord Nozel is dead, and you’ve taken his place. Lady Viviene is truly sad and confused."

"Didn’t she dislike Nozel?" asked Gideon.

"Yes, but that’s not the issue."

"Now that you’ve taken this house, she and her children have no right to live here anymore. Lady Viviene must be heartbroken and doesn’t know what to do," explained the maid.

So she’s struggling with her situation now?

"All right, I understand," said Gideon.

He opened the door to the backyard and walked steadily toward it, neatly arranged with a blooming flower garden.

Sheilla and Isabella were happily playing with their mother. Viviene smiled faintly, but her eyes carried the deep anxiety the maid had just spoken of.

Sheilla turned toward the residence and pointed at Gideon as he approached them. She quickly told her mother.

Viviene turned and stood up, letting her daughters keep playing cheerfully without her. It seemed Sheilla and Isabella were no longer afraid of Gideon.

"Lord Gideon," said Viviene softly.

"Why do you look so sad?" asked Gideon firmly.

"I-I’m not sad."

Gideon stayed silent, seeing the image of a strong woman who refused to show her feelings in front of her children. She was forcing herself to hold her worries inside while trying to find a solution for their future.

"Take me to Nozel’s study," ordered Gideon.

"Alright," said Viviene.

After saying goodbye to her daughters, Gideon and Viviene went back into the house and up to the second floor, where Nozel’s study was.

The wooden door was unlocked, showing the typical look of a study with a desk, chair, sofa, and shelves full of papers.

"This is where he worked," said Viviene.

Gideon stepped inside and walked around, clearly seeing how neat, clean, and orderly the place was. He noticed papers scattered on the desk, the last work Nozel had been doing before his death.

He picked them up and read through them. They were filled with records of work, businesses, and money flows directed to Nozel.

On the desk, Gideon also saw the Baron’s noble seal lying beside the papers, used for legalizing decisions or policies.

"Did you know what Nozel was doing all this time?" asked Gideon.

"Yes, sometimes I helped him."

"So you also know about the problems in the village?"

"More or less."

Viviene was still standing near the doorway of the study. Gideon stepped closer to her and locked the door, which made her flinch in surprise and confusion. Then Gideon walked to the desk and leaned against it.

"What Nozel did was truly damaging to the village. I saw their anger with my own eyes."

"Can you imagine what they would do to you if I threw you out of this house?" asked Gideon firmly.

The woman lowered her head, powerless to argue, because it was the truth. Nozel’s crimes would weigh just as heavily on Viviene and her children.

If they walked through the village without protection, Viviene could easily imagine what their fate would be.

"P-Please, Lord Gideon. Don’t do that," said Viviene softly, her eyes filling with tears and her hands trembling.

"I-I’ll do anything... I’m even willing to be your sex slave if you want," she said, her face turning red.

"Interesting. A sex slave as beautiful as you would make me feel like I’m in heaven," said Gideon.

Viviene swallowed hard. With trembling sobs, she slowly undid the buttons and ties of her dress, until it slipped to the floor, leaving her blushing in embarrassment. What Gideon saw was a beautiful fair-skinned woman wearing a red bikini.

When she reached for the clasp of her bra, Gideon rushed forward and grabbed her hands. He didn’t want Viviene to strip away her dignity just to save her life. It wasn’t worth it.

"Lord... Gideon?" asked Viviene.

"Who told you to take off your clothes?" asked Gideon firmly.

"But you just said—"

"I asked you, who told you to take off your clothes?" interrupted Gideon, leaving Viviene frozen in silence.

Gideon turned his back and ordered Viviene to put her dress back on. That was not the agreement he wanted. Even though he had to admit, her body left him speechless.

Viviene obeyed Gideon and put her dress back on, neat and proper again. She told Gideon she was finished. He turned and gave her a faint smile.

"Now, this is better," said Gideon.

"Are you not interested in me?" asked Viviene, her voice soft.

"Your body is beautiful, I envy Nozel. But that’s not my purpose. There’s a far more honorable way to save your life and your children’s," explained Gideon.

"What way?" asked Viviene.

Gideon stayed quiet for a moment, then handed her the papers to read and hold. Viviene looked confused, not knowing what she was supposed to do with them. Her eyes kept staring at Gideon, puzzled.

"What is this?" asked Viviene.

"Work for me. Solve the village’s problems. Help me put an end to the people’s hatred toward Nozel," said Gideon firmly.

"In return, you may stay here," added Gideon.

Hearing that offer left Viviene stunned, moved, and shocked. Her heart raced as her eyes locked on Gideon with deep meaning. From time to time, she glanced at the papers in her hands, then back to Gideon again.

Her hands shook, her body went weak as if all the burdens of her life had just been lifted away. In an instant, Viviene dropped to her knees, covering her face with her hands as tears poured down, a mix of relief and joy.

Gideon was startled. He quickly moved forward to steady her so she wouldn’t fall hard. To his surprise, Viviene wrapped her arms tightly around him, pressing her face into his broad chest.

The fragrance of his perfume, the athletic build, the wide chest and broad shoulders, the rough yet gentle touch of Gideon’s hand stroking her hair—all of it made Viviene feel safe and far more at peace than she ever had with Nozel.

If only I had met Gideon earlier, maybe I would have married him and lived together with our children.

But fate had other plans. Gideon came now as her savior.

"Thank you... Thank you so much, Lord Gideon," whispered Viviene through sobs.

Gideon smiled. He was glad to know his decision had helped lift the burden off her heart and mind. With that settled, he could work at his best without worrying about other things.

"Even if you stay, you must obey all my orders. You only work for me," said Gideon.

"Do you understand?" asked Gideon.

Viviene smiled, wiping the tears from her eyes. She let go of him and looked at him with attention and warmth.

Somehow, she felt something different in her heart when she was with Gideon, especially since their ages were not far apart.

Yes! Viviene wanted to stay with him, to see his face, to laugh with him, to keep helping him until he was proud of her. That was her new purpose now.

"I understand, Lord Gideon."