Chapter 37

"Must I repeat what I said at the bar that night?"

Vivian Laurent's voice was glacial, her gaze sharp as a blade. She helped Lucas Lefèvre up with practiced efficiency, bearing no resemblance to the docile wife from three years ago.

Ethan Roscente stood frozen.

"Let's go." Vivian pulled Lucas away without a backward glance.

"He's not even hurt!" Ethan called after them. His brow furrowed as he watched Lucas retreat. Was this pretentious man already manipulating Vivian?

......

Inside the black sedan, Vivian fastened her seatbelt. "Where are you injured? I'll take you home."

"I can drive," Lucas offered.

Vivian started the engine. "No need." She glanced at the rearview mirror. "What happened back there?"

"I threw the first punch." Lucas clenched his fists. "He accused you of adultery during your marriage. The hypocrisy is infuriating!"

Vivian chuckled. "Why bother with his nonsense?"

"Viv," Lucas turned suddenly, "do you still love him?"

Silence filled the car.

Vivian's fingers tightened imperceptibly. Three years hadn't erased everything. But the foolish devotion she once had? That was long gone.

"Don't ask childish questions."

"I'm only six months younger!"

"Fine, not a child." Vivian deflected with a smile.

After dropping Lucas off, Vivian noticed the familiar luxury car in her rearview mirror. It had been tailing her since the restaurant. Only one person would do that.

She deliberately pulled over.

Both vehicles came to a stop.

"You knew I was following you?" Ethan approached, his suit jacket billowing slightly in the night breeze.

Vivian crossed her arms. "Has Roscente Group gone bankrupt? You seem to have too much free time."

The streetlight illuminated the bruise on Ethan's face.

"Lucas isn't who you think he is."

"Does your first love know how concerned you are about your ex-wife?" Vivian's lips curved.

"She means nothing to me."

Vivian scoffed. "Three years and you still haven't won her over? The mighty Ethan Roscente, rejected."

"Why would I—"

Blinding headlights suddenly cut through the darkness. A speeding car veered straight toward Vivian.

Ethan lunged forward.

Vivian stumbled into that once-familiar embrace. The warmth of his chest against hers made her freeze.