Chapter 256

Ryan Fairsprene's knuckles turned white as he clenched his car keys.

He had to admit defeat against this man.

Ethan Roscente exuded the magnetic charm of a mature gentleman, every movement radiating aristocratic grace.

Those piercing eyes held undisguised hostility when they locked onto him.

"I'll take my leave," Ryan finally conceded.

Vivian Laurent watched his retreating figure before whirling around with a scowl.

"Ethan Roscente, have you no shame?"

The man arched an eyebrow, one hand in his pocket. "Care to elaborate?"

"He can drive you home, but I can't?" Ethan took a step closer. "Or is he more important to you than I am?"

Vivian scoffed. "Exactly. He matters more. Happy now?"

Ethan's gaze darkened instantly.

"What does he have that I don't?" His voice dropped dangerously low. "A reckless boy who can't even take care of himself—what could he possibly offer you?"

"I don't need anything from him." She lifted her chin defiantly. "At least he's young, handsome, fit, and considerate."

Each word made Ethan's expression grow stormier.

"Young?" He gritted his teeth. "I'm only twenty-eight."

"As for physique..." His fingers suddenly undid his suit buttons. "Shall we compare right now?"

Vivian stumbled back in shock, her ears burning.

"Have you lost your mind? I have zero interest in seeing your body!"

Ethan seized her wrist.

"I can be clingy too," he rasped. "Just tell me what you like—I'll become whatever you want."

Struggling against his grip, Vivian flushed with anger.

"Let go! Are all men this childish? Must you always compete?"

Her words gave him pause.

He didn't understand his own irrational behavior either.

The mere thought of other men orbiting Vivian made his chest constrict painfully.

"I just..." His Adam's apple bobbed. "Want you to know I'm better than any of them."

Moonlight revealed the faint blush on his earlobes.

"If you ever need..." His voice grew hushed. "You can come to me."

Vivian bristled instantly. "As if! Your performance that night was atrocious!"

Ethan's eyes flashed.

He remembered clearly—she had definitely...

The memory ignited something primal within him.

In one swift motion, he dragged her behind a pillar, caging her against the stone with his imposing frame.

"You—"

"Since Dr. Laurent isn't satisfied," he murmured against her lips. "Shall we practice until perfection?"

His mouth captured hers before she could retort.