Chapter 171

Vivian Laurent stood by the floor-to-ceiling window.

Sunlight streamed through the glass, casting her slender silhouette against the polished floor.

Ethan Roscente remained three steps behind her, his gaze fixed on her back.

"Vivian." His deep voice cut through the quiet office.

She turned slowly, a faint smirk playing on her lips.

"Responsible?" She let out a soft laugh. "Isn't it a bit late for that, Mr. Roscente?"

Her heels clicked against the marble as she closed the distance between them.

"We're divorced." She stopped just inches away, tilting her chin to meet his eyes. "And you were the one who couldn't wait to sign the papers."

His Adam's apple bobbed.

"I know." His voice was rough. "But this time is different."

Her eyebrow arched. "Different how? When you realized I wasn't the Vivian you thought I was? Or when you found out I'm no miracle doctor?"

His brows furrowed.

"That's not—" He stepped forward, closing the gap between them. "It's because—"

His phone rang.

Sophia Evans' name flashed across the screen.

He declined the call without hesitation.

"Because of what?" Vivian's eyes gleamed with amusement. "That night?"

She laughed lightly. "Don't tell me you're that old-fashioned. It was just a one-night stand."

His expression darkened.

"I didn't—"

The phone rang again. This time, it was Theo's number.

Vivian gestured gracefully. "Go ahead. Wouldn't want to keep them waiting."

After a brief hesitation, he answered.

"Ethan, it's me." Sophia's voice carried through the speaker, deliberately loud. "Theo misses you."

There was rustling before a child's voice piped up. "I miss you."

Ethan's features softened. "I miss you too."

His eyes never left Vivian's face as he spoke.

She turned on her heel and walked toward her desk, her retreating figure radiating icy detachment.