Chapter 378

Vivian Laurent's pupils contracted as she stared at the man who had suddenly appeared before her.

Ethan Roscente stood in front of her less than twenty-four hours after leaving for his business trip.

His long fingers swiftly checked her arms and shoulders for injuries. Only when he confirmed she was unharmed did the tension in his jaw ease slightly.

He had been in the middle of an overseas meeting when the police called about Vivian's car accident. Documents scattered across the floor as he bolted from the conference room to book the first flight back.

Ethan crushed her against his chest with enough force to bruise. "Thank God you're okay."

The gruesome crash scene photos circulating online had nearly shattered his control.

"Let go!" Vivian shoved against him. "Are you trying to suffocate me?"

He loosened his grip but kept one hand firmly on her waist.

"We contacted your husband," the approaching officer explained.

"You've got the wrong person. He's not—"

"Yes."

"No!"

Their simultaneous answers couldn't have been more opposite.

The officer's gaze flickered between them. "This isn't your husband?"

Vivian shot Ethan a glare. This man kept claiming relationships that didn't exist.

Ethan cleared his throat. "We were married. Now... we're divorced."

Understanding dawned on the officer's face.

"I'll handle this." Ethan guided Vivian to a chair in the waiting area before turning back with an entirely different aura.

He faced the officers with quiet authority. "The surveillance footage clearly shows Natalie Valois attempted murder. I expect justice for my wife."

"Ex-wife," Vivian corrected from behind him.

Ethan ignored her. "Contact me directly for follow-up. Don't bother her."

By the time they finished giving statements, night had fallen. A breeze tousled Vivian's hair as she stepped out of the precinct.

"How was your project?" she asked, glancing sideways.

Ethan's gaze traced her profile hungrily. "How could I focus after hearing you were hurt?"

"Overreacting." She scoffed. "I can take care of myself."

"But I can't stand the fear." His hand closed around hers abruptly. "Let me install a tracker on your phone."

Vivian jerked free. "Planning to stalk your ex, Mr. Roscente?"

Streetlights stretched their shadows long across the pavement. Ethan stepped closer until his silhouette engulfed hers. "Say the word, and you won't be my ex by tomorrow."

"In your dreams." She retreated half a step. "About Natalie—"

"Leave her to me." His eyes turned glacial. "She'll disappear for daring to lay a finger on you."