Chapter 296

Audrey's words died in her throat when she realized Vivian wasn't paying attention. She glanced up with a frown—and immediately stiffened.

A polished Maybach sat idling by the curb, Ethan standing beside it in his impeccable chauffeur's uniform. The moment their eyes met, Ethan approached with measured steps. "Mrs. Blackwood, Ms. Winslow," he greeted with a slight bow. "Mr. Blackwood requested I escort you home."

Ethan's mouth opened slightly as if considering additional words, but he ultimately remained silent.

Truthfully, he wished he'd filmed Adrian's erratic behavior yesterday for Vivian to witness. After leaving Willowbrook, Ethan hadn't even made it to the highway before Adrian summoned another driver to retrieve him.

Vivian, long accustomed to Adrian's mercurial moods, wordlessly entered the vehicle.

Audrey followed, muttering darkly as she settled into the leather seat. "Fine, we'll accept the ride. But mark my words—those divorce papers are still getting signed."

Ethan visibly flinched, the atmosphere in the car turning instantly oppressive. Audrey certainly knew how to kill a mood.

"Mrs. Blackwood," he ventured cautiously, "while Mr. Blackwood can be... difficult, his heart is in the right place. He makes snap decisions in business, but regarding matters of—"

Vivian interrupted sharply. "When you sit beside a fireplace, do you analyze whether you feel warm?"

The unexpected question made Ethan stammer. "I-I suppose not?"

Vivian's gaze remained icy. "Exactly. You simply know. Love works the same way."

Before Ethan could formulate a response, Audrey leaned forward with a predatory grin. "So spare us the relationship advice and focus on the road, yeah? Unless you'd prefer I take the wheel."

Blushing furiously, Ethan nodded. "Understood." He secured their door and hurried to the driver's seat.

As the car pulled away, Audrey turned to Vivian, whispering, "You're not reconsidering, are you?"

Vivian shook her head decisively. "Never." She turned toward the window, watching the city lights smear across the glass, her mind clearly elsewhere.

Upon arriving at Seabreeze Villa, Vivian stepped into the foyer, the crisp air carrying faint notes of Adrian's cologne. Gwendolyn materialized instantly, her smile overly bright. "Welcome home, Mrs. Blackwood!"

Vivian acknowledged her with a curt nod before addressing Ethan. "Is Adrian back?"

Ethan chose his words carefully. "Mr. Blackwood had urgent business in Frostholm tonight."

"Frostholm?" Hadn't he agreed to finalize the divorce? This sudden trip couldn't be coincidental. Vivian's frown deepened. "I thought his current project was in Emberglow County?"

Ethan maintained his professional demeanor. "The Blackwood Group operates internationally, Mrs. Blackwood."

Vivian's patience snapped. "Since when does the CEO personally oversee every minor project?"

Ethan didn't falter. "Mr. Blackwood believes hands-on leadership drives our success."