Chapter 115

Ethan Roscente drove away from the hospital alone. Neon lights blurred through the rain-streaked windshield, distorting his vision.

He dialed Simon Eisner's number, his voice low. "Investigate today's incident."

The steering wheel turned beneath his fingers. When he regained focus, his car had stopped outside Vivian Laurent's villa. The rhythmic swish of wipers cleared the glass again and again.

The house stood dark and silent. Ethan's finger hovered over the doorbell, unmoving.

He lit a cigarette. Smoke curled through the car but couldn't dispel his unease. Vivian's parting expression haunted him.

"Vivian!"

He finally pressed the bell. The chime cut sharply through the rainy night.

No response came from within.

Half an hour later, headlights pierced the downpour. Ethan squinted as Vivian's sports car approached.

The window lowered, revealing Vivian's icy expression. A man's silhouette sat in the passenger seat.

"Something wrong?" Vivian stepped out, raindrops glistening in her hair.

Ethan swallowed hard. "About today... I apologize for Sophia Evans."

"Unnecessary." Vivian cut him off. "We're nothing to each other now."

A sudden horn blast shattered the moment. Through the rain, Ethan saw the man inside glaring at him with open hostility.

"Who is that?" Ethan's voice tightened.

Vivian smirked. "None of your business."

The storm intensified. Ethan remained rooted as Vivian turned toward the villa. The mysterious passenger never emerged, yet his presence loomed large.

"Vivian!" Ethan raised his voice. "At least tell me who he is!"

Only the slam of a door answered him.