Chapter 153

Ethan Roscente's pupils constricted sharply, his gaze locking onto Vivian Laurent with laser focus.

The world seemed to spin around him.

How could this radiant woman possibly be his timid ex-wife?

The Vivian he remembered was a country bumpkin fresh from the countryside, without even a college degree. During his car accident recovery, she'd fumbled through basic caregiving. After marriage, she'd become a recluse, behaving like some provincial housewife.

But Dr. Luna?

An internationally renowned medical genius. The darling of fashion circles. The mysterious queen of high society. Every movement exuded breathtaking charm as she mingled effortlessly with elites.

These two personas couldn't possibly overlap.

Ethan's fingers clenched unconsciously.

No wonder she'd always avoided him. No wonder she'd refused to treat Sophia Evans. All the clues had been there, yet he'd ignored them.

Even at that jade gambling banquet, her dazzling performance should have raised suspicions.

His Adam's apple bobbed.

Their divorce had nothing to do with Lucas Lefèvre. She didn't need to rely on any man. She'd been acting all along, playing him for a fool.

The obesity. The facial scars. All disguises?

Ethan's chest heaved violently, his stare glued to Vivian.

She didn't even glance his way.

Standing in the pouring rain, she faced the media frenzy with unshakable poise.

"Everyone, I'm Vivian Laurent, head of Triple Six Realty."

Her voice cut through the downpour with crystalline clarity.

"We take full responsibility for today's incident. I promise all questionable construction materials will be scrapped. Completed sections will be demolished and rebuilt."

Raindrops slid down her hair, doing nothing to diminish her commanding presence.

"All material sources will be fully transparent and subject to public oversight. For any casualties, we accept complete liability. Affected homeowners will receive fair compensation."

Each word carried ironclad conviction.

This accountability, this strength—utterly unrecognizable from the shrinking violet in his memories.

Ethan remained rooted, rainwater soaking his suit.

Finally, he understood—he'd never truly known this woman at all.