Diamonds, Drama, and a Dash of Destiny (Shivian-The Nursery Nurse)

Playing with the plan

An hour past the ball's scheduled start, Vivian and Sara finally arrived. Sara instantly vanished into the crowd of guests, while Vivian descended the stairs at the ballroom entrance with measured grace. Whispers began to swirl among the crowd, and a gleam of satisfaction danced across her face. It was working—Sara was skillfully spreading the word.

"Varnham? Vivian Varnham?" The whispers rippled through the room.

"She's been missing for at least four years!" An older gentleman's voice strained to keep his volume down.

"I heard she left her family for a woman," chimed in a woman's voice, tinged with gossip.

The murmurs persisted, but Vivian let them fade into the background. She only needed the word to reach two specific people, and with the rampant gossip in this venue, it wouldn't be long.

A nearby waiter approached her with a silver platter brimming with champagne glasses. Flashing her warmest smile, she accepted a glass and thanked him, feeling a rush of delight as the young man nodded in admiration. "It's my pleasure, Ms. Varnham." She took a sip, masking the mischievous grin that threatened to take over her face. This was unfolding far more favorably than she had dared to hope.

It was about thirty minutes in when Charlotte and Mia finally found her.

Mia was steaming. "Why didn't you tell us you're a Varnham?"

Vivian winked at her and tapped the side of her nose with her index finger. "A girl's got to have some secrets."

"This changes everything." Mia crossed her arms. Vivian had connections that could have been useful, not to mention the funds to get as many hackers as she needed, and Mia didn't tell her what was actually going on.

Vivian tried to hide the momentary look of hurt on her face. "What exactly does it change? Hmm?" She crossed her arms defensively. This is the exact reason she wanted to keep her identity hidden.

"Um, Vivian," Charlotte pipes up. "There are some things we should probably fill you in on." She shared a knowing look with her girlfriend.

The three women found a small place to meet where Mia thought they wouldn't be overheard and filled Vivian in on what exactly Siobhan was up against.

"That bloody, cocksucking bastard." There was a fiery rage behind Vivian's eyes now. "Mia, I need you to get me a meeting with him."

"Viv, as much as I would love to help you hide a body, I'm not a fan of jail time. I do not look good in orange."

"Don't worry, I'm sticking to my plan." Vivian pauses as she sees Charlotte open her mouth to ask a question. "No, it does not involve physical harm... unfortunately." Seemingly answering the other woman's question without her having to ask it.

Mia nods. "I can push him in your direction, but he's a man, so things always need to be his idea."

Vivian grins. "Perfect, that's exactly what I need."

The three women rejoin the party and begin to mingle. It only takes about fifteen minutes for Roger to find Vivian.

He's dressed in a suit with a purple jacket and slicked back green hair for the occasion.

"Ms. Varnham, a pleasure to finally meet you!" He extends his hand, and Vivian gives it a firm shake. "You know, I send out an invite every year without response; I am a bit surprised you showed up."

Vivian plastered her persona on well, her charming smile coming back out to play. "You and your business are making quite a splash; I wanted to see what all the fuss was about."

Roger laughs. "Well, you know, there's always room for more investors if the business is what caught your attention."

She feigned surprise. "Me? I don't invest. You should know my family's reputation by now, Roger." She gave him a knowing look before taking another sip of her champagne.

"Ah, yes, 'Don't invest, own'. It's a very good philosophy. Perhaps we could discuss further in my office?"

Vivian's face tells him she's considering it, but not realistically. "I don't know. You know my medical background and my standing with the NHS. If I were to own a nursery with your name on it, it would look very good for you. You would get all the glory. Where's the fun in that?" Her tone comes off a little sad at the end.

"I think with the numbers I have in mind; you'll like your chances for glory." His smile says sleazy car salesman.

Vivian smiles. Check. Mate.

Roger can tell by the look on her face that she is actually starting to consider it and gestures 'ladies first' towards his office down the hall.