Chapter 222

"What have you been up to lately?" Ethan Roscente's voice came through the phone.

Vivian Laurent rolled her eyes. "Since when did the CEO of Roscente Group become a census taker?"

"Can't I show some concern?"

"Save it." She fired back without hesitation.

A low chuckle sounded from the other end. Vivian frowned. The man had been laughing too much recently, as if possessed.

"Busy at the hospital? Is Finn still crashing at your place?"

"Ethan Roscente!" She gritted her teeth. "If you're that bored, go micromanage your subsidiaries."

"You could micromanage me instead."

"Like I care about your nonsense!"

Ethan wisely changed the subject. "What would you like to hear then?"

"I'd like to hang up."

"How about a bedtime story?"

Vivian nearly dropped her phone. "Do I look three to you?"

"Temperatures dropped in Country C. Dress warmly when you go out." His tone turned serious. "And stay away from Finn."

Her eyelids grew heavy as she listened.

The voice on the phone gradually faded.

In Country E, under the afternoon sun, Ethan's lips curved upward as he heard steady breathing through the receiver.

He set down his documents gently, unwilling to end the call.

...

Morning sunlight made Vivian squint.

She grabbed her phone. The call duration showed 4 hours and 58 minutes.

"Damn it!" She bolted upright.

Had that man really listened to her sleep? Did he record something embarrassing?

She gnashed her teeth. If Ethan dared use this against her...

A vibration interrupted her thoughts.

A text from Victoria Roscente appeared: 【High tea tonight. Don't be late.】

Vivian replied coldly: 【Relax】

She grabbed a sweatshirt and jeans, dismissing it as another tedious social event.

Until she pushed open the doors of the Roscente mansion—

Under crystal chandeliers, socialites swayed in haute couture while gentlemen sipped champagne.

Her canvas shoes made an awkward squeak against the marble floor.

"Did some waitress get lost?" Someone tittered behind a gloved hand.