The words sent Vivi's mind spiraling, her face burning as she imagined her mother in such an dirty manner, a thought so mortifying she wanted to vanish.
She swatted Cassius's arm, in response her voice a whispered scold.
"Stop putting those ideas in my head! That's awful!"
Diana, watching their hushed exchange, the playful swat, and Vivi's deepening blush, couldn't contain her curiosity any longer.
"What's going on, you two?" She said, her voice bright with a mother's eagerness to join the gossip. "I-I want in on this conversation too. What's got you both so secretive?" She stepped closer, her smile inviting, her eyes sparkling with a desire to bridge the gap between her and her daughter.
But Vivi's panic only surged, her voice rising in a flustered outburst.
"Mother, no! This is private, just between me and Young Master Cassius! Please, don't get involved!"
Her tone was sharp, almost cold, and Diana's heart sank, her smile faltering as she registered the rejection.
