Chapter 160

"What's going on?" Natalie Valrose's face turned pale as she nearly dropped her phone. "Why was the project suddenly halted?"

"Someone reported our materials failed inspection," her assistant answered urgently. "Valrose Group's stock is plummeting."

"Where's my father?" Her fingers trembled.

"The chairman is waiting for you in his office."

The moment she pushed open the office door, a sharp slap struck her face.

Smack!

Natalie staggered back, her cheek burning.

"Dad!" She covered her stinging face as tears spilled over.

"Look what you've done!" Vincent Valrose roared in fury.

"What did I do?" She lifted her chin defiantly.

"You dared to target Vivian!" Vincent slammed his hands on the desk.

"She deserved it!" Natalie spat through gritted teeth. "That ungrateful wretch stole our project first!"

"Fool!" Vincent bellowed. "Do you know her connection to Ethan Roscente?"

Vincent had never cared about his estranged daughter. After banishing Vivian to the countryside years ago, he hadn't even noticed her three-year disappearance—let alone her secret marriage to Ethan.

"How would I know how she seduced Ethan Roscente?" Natalie wailed. "And you hit me for her sake?"

"Who's been managing the company all these years? Who's stayed by your side?" Tears streamed down her face. "You promised I'd be your only daughter!"

Vincent's expression softened as he saw her swollen cheek. "I'm sorry, Natalie. I acted rashly. The Roscente Group is crushing us. The company can't withstand this."

"You mean..." Her eyes widened. "Ethan is attacking us because of Vivian?"

"Whatever the reason, we must apologize." Vincent sighed wearily. "The Valrose family can't survive this blow."

At Roscente Group headquarters, security barred them from entering.

"No appointment, no entry," the receptionist said coldly.

After two days of failed attempts, they still hadn't caught a glimpse of Ethan.

"This is getting us nowhere," Vincent muttered anxiously.

Natalie suddenly smirked at her phone. "Dad, I know where he is."

......

Dust swirled around the construction site where Vivian Laurent inspected materials with meticulous focus. Sweat glistened on her sun-kissed skin.

Ethan Roscente stood nearby, watching her silently. He'd never seen this version of Vivian—resilient, dedicated, utterly transformed from his memories.

In that moment, he realized exactly what he'd lost.

"What are you doing here?" Vivian asked without looking up, her hands never pausing in their work.