Chapter 105

Vivian saw through their scheme instantly. They had come fully prepared. Eleanor's chronic illness was complicated by her delicate condition that ruled out surgery, leaving only medicinal treatments as an option. After consulting numerous specialists, doctors from both Crestwood and Frostholm had suggested Vivian explore alternative therapies. A master practitioner in traditional medicine might hold the key to her grandmother's recovery.

She had already sought out several renowned healers, but none had produced noticeable improvements. Now this couple was attempting to manipulate her into an alliance with the Sterling family. Vivian knew with absolute certainty that if Eleanor discovered her granddaughter was considering marriage to secure a physician, she would refuse treatment outright.

With this realization burning in her chest, Vivian stood her ground. "Grandmother and I don't need the Sterlings' help."

Faced with her defiance, Richard couldn't mask his irritation. "You're already a divorced woman. You're not some innocent maiden anymore. What's the harm in remarrying?"

Disbelief flashed across Vivian's face as she stared at the man who was supposed to be her father. The words cut deeper because they sounded nothing like the father she remembered. This was the final straw. Years of suppressed anguish erupted within her. In one fluid motion, Vivian hurled her phone directly at Richard's face and screamed, "Get out! You disgusting pig!"

Richard clutched his swelling eye, his features contorted in pain. His hand shot up, poised to strike. "You ungrateful brat! How dare you attack your own father!"

Blinded by rage, Vivian moved too slowly to avoid the incoming slap that connected sharply with her cheek. Her vision swam momentarily as she stumbled back, nearly losing her balance.

When Richard raised his hand for another blow, a tall figure materialized between them, shielding Vivian with protective urgency. Straightening her disheveled hair, Vivian looked up to see Ethan standing there. Towering over Richard, Ethan radiated quiet authority, the kind honed through years at Adrian's side.

His voice was glacial steel. "Mr. Dawson, I'd reconsider your actions carefully. Remember, Mrs. Blackwood remains under the Blackwood family's protection."

Richard, ever the coward when confronted with equal force, lowered his hand reluctantly, muttering, "No one tells me how to discipline my own daughter."

Ethan ignored the grumbling and gently guided Vivian to a nearby chair. "Mrs. Blackwood, are you hurt?"

His voice softened as he studied her, eyes reflecting genuine concern. Vivian, trapped in this web of familial cruelty, seemed even more vulnerable under his careful gaze.

The security team closed ranks around Daphne and Richard. Sensing the escalating tension, Daphne quickly ushered her husband away in humiliating retreat.

Dabbing at her stinging cheek, Vivian looked up at Ethan with shimmering eyes. "Why are you here?"

"Let me handle Eleanor's medical expenses," Ethan offered without preamble. "Mrs. Blackwood, Mr. Blackwood has already transferred eight hundred thousand to cover the next three months' treatments."

This shouldn't have surprised her. Adrian had arranged the hospital admission—of course he'd be monitoring everything.