Chapter 158

"Mrs.—" Ethan hesitated briefly, glancing at Isabella before carefully choosing his words, deliberately avoiding "Mrs. Blackwood." Turning to Vivian, he explained, "Mr. Blackwood didn’t mean to come across that way. He spent the entire night searching for you and personally instructed the police to investigate thoroughly. His concern for you might have made his words sharper than intended—"

Adrian’s voice, thick with irritation, cut through the air before he’d even fully left the room. "Ethan, if you plan on staying at the hospital, don’t bother coming back."

"Mr. Blackwood struggles with expressing his emotions. Don’t focus on his words—pay attention to his actions," Ethan added quickly, setting down another bag before darting out to catch up with Adrian.

Vivian leaned back against her pillow, unfazed by Ethan’s reassurances. As Adrian’s closest confidant, Ethan was naturally inclined to paint him in the best light possible. Even though they were still technically married, and Adrian was merely fulfilling his obligations, Vivian felt nothing but detachment.

Isabella stepped forward to help Vivian change into fresh clothes. As she did, Vivian confided in her. "I didn’t have anyone else to turn to here, so I had to trouble you. It’s not exactly a dignified situation, so I’d appreciate it if you kept this between us."

Isabella nodded eagerly, raising three fingers beside her cheek in a solemn vow. "I swear on my life, not a single word about today will leave my lips!"

After her promise, she hesitated, curiosity flickering in her gaze. Vivian offered a faint smile. "If there’s anything you’re wondering about, go ahead and ask."

Isabella leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. "Are you and Mr. Blackwood… involved?"

Vivian paused before answering. "No, it’s complicated between us, but I expect it’ll all be resolved soon."

Watching Vivian’s earlier indifference toward Adrian, Isabella quickly assumed he had tried to keep her as a mistress—an offer Vivian had clearly rejected. Her admiration for Vivian deepened instantly.

She nodded firmly, her voice gentle but resolute. "I understand. Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me."

A pensive expression crossed Vivian’s face, a slight crease forming between her brows.

She considered correcting the misunderstanding, but the nurse returned before she could speak. Exhausted and overwhelmed, Vivian surrendered to the nurse’s care, allowing the IV to be administered. Soon, she drifted into a restless sleep.

Her dreams were turbulent, haunted by shadows of recent events—Adrian’s cold stare, Serena’s smug smirk.

When she woke, the IV had been removed, and Isabella was sound asleep in the neighboring bed. The sterile, empty room amplified the chill settling over her, and a wave of profound sadness left her feeling more isolated than ever.

The next day, Vivian finally stirred at noon. After returning from the hospital, she had texted the director to request leave before collapsing into bed, buried beneath the blankets.

A sharp knock at the door jolted her awake. She groaned, pressing a hand to her temple as she squinted at her phone. Noon already.

"Vivian? Are you there?" Sebastian’s familiar voice carried through the door, laced with concern. "I brought you lunch. Pumpkin millet porridge and chicken soup—free-range, no seasoning. It’s good for recovery."