Chapter 206

Ethan's muscles tensed. His breathing grew shallow.

As Vivian brushed past him, a delicate floral scent filled his nostrils. It reminded him of jasmine after rainfall.

His Adam's apple bobbed. His fingertips trembled slightly.

Vivian quickly burrowed under the covers, wrapping herself tightly in the duvet.

She calculated silently. If Ethan dared approach, she'd smash the bedside lamp over his head.

He handed her the hairdryer, his voice hoarse. "Dry your hair first."

Then he strode toward the bathroom, his retreating figure oddly flustered.

Behind the closed door, Ethan braced himself against the sink, breathing heavily.

The mirror reflected a man with red-rimmed eyes and darkened pupils.

He'd always prided himself on self-control, never bothering with empty flirtations. But since meeting Vivian, his restraint had crumbled.

The water droplets clinging to her hair had made him want to lick them away.

Cold water cascaded over him. Ethan clenched his fists.

In the white laundry basket, a scrap of lace peeked out like a crimson blossom against snow.

He jerked his head away and turned the water to its coldest setting.

Vivian tossed and turned in bed.

She suddenly remembered her discarded lingerie still hanging behind the bathroom door - the black lace set was particularly noticeable.

The sound of running water continued. She clutched the sheets and counted sheep.

Her phone vibrated. Isabella's message popped up: "I had someone check Sophia's lab results. Her hemoglobin levels are higher than an athlete's!"

Vivian scoffed. "This isn't her first time faking illness."

"And Ethan actually believed her? Chartered a private jet to Switzerland?"

"Who knows." Vivian glanced at the blurred silhouette moving behind the frosted glass.

Isabella replied instantly: "More importantly, what's happening between you two?"

Vivian gritted her teeth. "Trapped in a hotel by the storm. Only one suite available."

The chat exploded with exclamation marks.

"Alone together in one room?!" Isabella sent a suggestive emoji. "Is the bathroom glass transparent?"

Vivian threw her phone onto the carpet.