Chapter 123
Shepard was officially Vivian’s man, at least on paper.
Eric, though, was the one who had her back behind the scenes, always quietly supporting her.
So when Vivian saw Eric, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of relief.
She was finally saved!
“Why are you so happy?” Briana asked. “It’s not like Shepard’s here.”
Then it hit her. Olivia had mentioned seeing Eric leave Vivian’s place early this morning.
Briana wondered, ‘Wait, are these two…
‘Is there something going on between them?
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‘Suddenly, another thought popped up. Could Eric have helped Vivian erase those money transfer records and jail visit logs?‘
Briana’s mind was getting clearer by the second.
Vivian realized she’d let her feelings slip and quickly toned down her smile. “He is part of the Carter family, and he is Shepard’s brother. Obviously, Shepard sent him to pick me up.”
“Why didn’t Shepard come himself? Why send Eric?” Briana pressed.
“Why don’t you ask Shep yourself?” Vivian shot back.
Briana wouldn’t let it go. “And how do you know Eric’s here to save you?”
Vivian couldn’t think of a comeback.
She didn’t want to answer anyway. She got up off the floor, limping as she made her way over to Eric.
“You’re just in time. Please, get me out of here. They’re all teaming up against me. I can’t stay here another second…” Vivian blurted out, as she’d just seen her savior.
Eric gave her a quick hand, then let go just as fast, stepping forward to put himself between Vivian and the others.
Briana kept her eyes glued to the two of them.
Eric flashed a grin. “Briana, what are you guys up to?”
“Just what it looks like,” Briana replied.
“You… You made Vivian stand outside as punishment?” Eric aske
“It was Evelyn’s order,” Briana said, smiling back. “Why don’t you go ask her yourself? She’s in the living room.”
Eric let out an awkward laugh. “No need for that. I wouldn’t trouble Evelyn over something so minor.”
“So what are you doing here, then? Do you come all the way just o play Vivian’s hero? Or did Shep put you up to this?” Briana pressed, her tone teasing.
“I… I just went to the Carter residence looking for Evelyn, but the staff told me she was here at the Lane residence, so I came over. Didn’t expect to walk in on this,” Eric said.
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Chapter 123
Briana just smiled, not really caring if he was telling the truth. “I that so?”
“Yes, Briana,” Eric replied.
“Go on in,” Briana said, stepping aside. “Go find Evelyn. As for Viian, you don’t need to butt in.”
Eric stood there, not moving.
He rubbed his hands together, looking awkward. “Briana, I really think you should just let Vivian go. If this gets back to Shepard, no one is going to look good.”
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Briana replied, pausing for a beat, “I told you, it’s Evelyn who wants to punish Vivian. That’s not up to me. If you want to help her, go plead with Evelyn yourself.
“But seriously, why are you so eager to stand up for Vivian? What’s it to you, anyway?”
Eric stammered, “I… I’m not pleading for her. Why would I help Vivian? I’m just trying to keep the peace.
“If Shepard finds out Vivian has been treated this badly and ends up fighting with Evelyn or you, the whole Carter family will be in for another round of drama.”
“But as long as Vivian’s still here, the Carter family won’t know a moment’s peace,” Briana said.
Briana had always thought there was something strange about Eric.
She thought, ‘He was always helping me out, looking after me, and speaking up for me.
‘Whenever Shepard tried to humiliate me, Eric would step in to defend me.
And whenever Vivian tried to plot against me, Eric would always side with me.
Sometimes, Briana even wondered if Eric was into her.
Shepard had even confronted Eric about it directly once.
Briana never really knew what Eric was thinking, but she didn’t want any drama, so she always kept things civil and stayed
away.
But ever since Olivia accidentally caught Eric and Vivian meeting in secret, that strange feeling Briana always got from Eric finally started to add up.
Briana thought, ‘He was approaching me deliberately, maybe jus to earn my trust.
“Too bad his plan to win my trust never worked!
Briana would never trust him.
People don’t go out of their way to be nice unless they want something. If he’s being so helpful, he’s definitely got an agenda.
Eric said, still nervously rubbing his hands and picking his word really handle. You can’t just deal with Vivian quietly and expect
“I know you feel wronged, Briana, and don’t worry. I’ve always g But I really hope you and Shepard can work things out together
“Just do me a solid, will you? I’m just looking out for the family.
Briana didn’t budge.
“Briana, Vivian’s presence is something only Shepard can one to notice. There’s no way Shepard won’t get involved.
your back. Your place in the Carter family is untouchable. instead of making moves on your own.
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Vivian stepped closer, head down, murmuring under her breath so only Eric could hear, “Why didn’t you call Shepard to
come save me?”
If Shepard had shown up, he would’ve taken her away without a second thought.
But instead, Eric was stuck here, trying to sweet–talk Briana, forcing a smile and pleading on Vivian’s behalf.
“Moron. If Shepard showed up right now, he might just wash his hands of you for real!” Eric leaned in, faking a cough and half covering his mouth as he whispered.
Shepard had just swept Briana out of the courthouse, making headlines everywhere.
And right after, Evelyn herself showed up to handle Vivian.
So it is clear.
Both Shepard and Evelyn are done backing Vivian up now.
They were at the Lane residence, with the whole Lane family and Evelyn watching. If Briana acted a little soft, played cute, or just gave Evelyn an easy way out.
Vivian would be completely shut out.
Vivian was left speechless.
“Get in the car,” Eric said, shooting her a look. “Stop standing there.”
Vivian snapped out of it, hurried over to the car, yanked the door open, and slid inside.
“Briana,” Eric said, flashing another grin, “I’m gonna drop Vivian off with Shepard. Mind letting Evelyn know for me?”
He figured Briana would give him a hard time.
But to his surprise, Briana didn’t make things difficult. She just nodded and said, “Sure.”
Eric looked surprised for a second, then nodded quickly. “Alright Briana. I’m off then.”
Briana stood there, watching as Eric got in the car and drove Vivian away from the Lane residence.
She was dead set on getting a divorce. So…Vivian couldn’t just vanish from Belaris.
Since Eric showed up at the perfect moment, Briana figured she might as well let him take Vivian off her hands.
But honestly, for Briana, today was a pretty good day.
She thought, I haven’t found anything on Vivian yet, but what if start to look into Eric instead?
Who knows what I may uncover.
‘Eric, could you be the key to uncovering the truth behind the fi?
“If you and Vivian had been scheming together from the start, then Shepard…” Briana clicked her tongue. “Poor guy.”
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