Chapter 304

Vivian Laurent hadn't galloped so freely in ages. Stormchaser lived up to its name as a prized stallion, its hooves kicking up wind as they raced across the field. She felt like she was flying.

The exhilaration was intoxicating.

When she returned from her ride, she noticed Isabella Langley and Felix Valdemar were nowhere in sight. Only Lucas Lefèvre remained, patiently guiding Emily Garnache's pony at a walking pace.

It was Emily's first time riding. Her palms were sweaty with nerves, but Lucas's presence helped calm her.

"Thanks for staying with me, Lucas. This must be boring for you."

"Vivian asked me to look after you," Lucas replied with a smile. "I ride often enough. Missing one day won't matter."

Vivian observed them from a distance, choosing not to interrupt. Emily deserved to enjoy this rare outing.

As she dismounted to get water, a bottle appeared before her.

"Stay hydrated." Ethan Roscente's fingers were long and steady around the plastic.

"Thanks." Vivian accepted it, noticing the cap had already been loosened.

Ethan studied her. "I'm surprised Stormchaser let you ride him. He's temperamental—only obeys his groom. Even Felix can't handle him."

"Horses understand people." Vivian stroked the stallion's neck, earning an affectionate nuzzle in return.

She fed Stormchaser some hay while Ethan stood silently nearby. He didn't push conversation, aware she might prefer silence.

Just then, Isabella limped into view with Felix trailing behind.

"You did that on purpose! I was riding fine until you showed up. Stay away from me!" Isabella fumed.

Felix sighed. "It was an accident."

"Enough! Stop following me!" Isabella shook him off.

Vivian intercepted them. "What happened?"

"He startled me from behind and made me fall!" Isabella pointed to the scrapes on her knee.

"I said it wasn't intentional."

"Then you were trying to kill me for my inheritance!"

"Like I'd want your pocket change?" Felix rolled his eyes.

"You just wanted to humiliate me!"

"Don't call me that!"

Vivian stepped between them. "Why do you two always argue?"

"Who's arguing with him?" Isabella crossed her arms. "If I'd known this was his stable, I'd never have come!"

"Nobody invited you," Felix muttered.

As their bickering threatened to escalate, Vivian intervened. "We've had enough fun for today. Let's head back."

Her gaze flickered to Ethan's figure, stirring unease. It wasn't dislike—just how effortlessly he disrupted her composure.

This man had a way of dismantling her rationality. Perhaps, Vivian decided, avoiding him was for the best.