Chapter 184
The night was pitch black. Ethan Roscente's car idled outside Vivian Laurent's apartment building.
The warm yellow light spilling from her windows stung his eyes.
He took the steps two at a time, jamming his finger against the doorbell.
The chime echoed for what felt like an eternity.
"Who is it?" A young man's voice called from inside.
The door cracked open.
Finn Deross rubbed his sleepy eyes, blinking at the impeccably dressed Ethan standing on the doorstep.
"Can I help you?" Finn asked, his guard up.
Ethan's gaze drilled into Finn.
The stranger wore pajamas, his hair tousled from sleep.
Why was he in Vivian's apartment?
"Where's Vivian?" Ethan's voice could freeze hell.
Finn yawned. "Not here."
"Who are you?" Ethan's eyes narrowed.
"I live here." Finn shrugged.
Ethan's fists clenched involuntarily.
"What's your relationship with Vivian?"
"Roommates." Finn leaned lazily against the doorframe. "You still haven't told me who you are."
A vein throbbed in Ethan's temple.
"Ethan Roscente."
Finn's eyes widened. "Oh! Now I remember!"
Ethan's pulse quickened.
"You're that guy from the rumors..." Finn scratched his head. "Vivian said not to let you in."
Ethan's expression darkened instantly.
"She actually said that?"
Finn nodded. "Told me to say she's out if you showed up."
Ethan let out a cold laugh. "Move."
"What are you—" Finn blocked the doorway.
"I said, move." Each word was a bullet.
Finn recoiled from the sheer intensity, stepping aside instinctively.
Ethan strode past him into the apartment.
The living room stood empty except for two half-finished bubble teas on the coffee table.
"She really isn't here," Finn said, trailing behind.
Ethan's eyes swept every corner.
"How long have you two lived together?"
"Not long." Finn scratched his head again. "You need her for something?"
Ethan ignored the question.
His attention locked onto a man's jacket draped over the sofa.
"This yours?"
Finn nodded. "Yeah."
Ethan's breathing grew ragged.
"When will Vivian be back?"
"Dunno." Finn spread his hands. "She's on a business trip."
Ethan whirled, grabbing Finn by the collar.
"The truth!"
Finn gasped for air. "I...I'm telling the truth..."
Ethan released him, eyes stormy.
"Tell her I'll be back."
Without another word, he slammed the door behind him.
Finn massaged his throat, exhaling sharply.
"Vivian wasn't kidding. That guy's seriously intense."