Chapter 372
Night had fallen. Ethan Roscente's black Maybach sat parked in front of Vivian Laurent's villa. The entire house was dark, with only the streetlights casting faint golden halos.
He glanced at his watch. The hands had just passed nine.
The distant hum of an engine grew closer. Vivian's red sports car rolled into view. She lowered the window and arched a brow at the man blocking her driveway.
"Move," she said coldly.
Ethan stepped out of his car and approached. "Five minutes."
Vivian scoffed. "Three. Clock's ticking."
"The Valrose Group will declare bankruptcy tomorrow," he cut straight to the point. "The family estate will be seized."
"And?"
"I can buy it." His gaze held hers. "Your childhood is there."
Her fingers tapped lightly on the steering wheel. "Don't bother. That place stopped being mine long ago."
She pushed open the car door. The sharp click of her heels echoed against the asphalt.
Ethan suddenly reached out to stop her.
"Something else?" Vivian frowned.
"I missed you." His voice was low.
The air between them froze. The tips of Vivian's ears burned as she turned to leave.
"Time's not up yet." Ethan caught her wrist.
"Going on a business trip?" Her eyes brightened. "When do you leave?"
His expression darkened. "That happy about it?"
"Absolutely." Her smile was radiant. "Finally, some peace and quiet."
In one swift motion, he pulled her into his arms. Vivian stumbled against his chest, the crisp scent of cedar enveloping her.
"Let go!"
"Just for a moment." His arms tightened. "Or I'll camp outside your door tonight."
She gritted her teeth. "You're impossible."
"Mm." He rested his chin atop her head. "Think of me."
The three minutes were up. Vivian shoved him away and stormed into the villa without a backward glance.
The slam of the door sent sparrows scattering from the garden.
Ethan stood still, his fingertips still tingling from the memory of her hair. He smiled faintly to himself before turning back to his car.
Moonlight stretched his shadow long across the ground.