Chapter 38

The black sedan roared past, kicking up a gust of icy wind. Ethan Roscente instinctively pulled Vivian Laurent into his arms. They stood so close she could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

The familiar scent of cedarwood enveloped her. It was uniquely Ethan—he never wore cologne, preferring handcrafted incense instead. The subtle fragrance lingered like him: aloof yet unforgettable.

Three years. For a fleeting moment, Vivian thought time had rewound.

She shoved him away with enough force to make him stagger back.

"Watch the car," Ethan murmured.

"Mm." Vivian turned her face away.

"About the divorce..." His voice was low. "Do you hate me?"

"Is there any point discussing this now?"

"I heard you found a job."

Vivian lifted her chin, her gaze distant. "Are you running a background check, Mr. Roscente?"

Ethan's eyes burned into her. "I know a doctor named Vivian Laurent."

She scoffed. He was testing her.

"Common name. Surely you don't think it's me?" She deliberately flicked her hair. "I never even graduated college."

"But..." She stepped closer suddenly. "If you know any good plastic surgeons, do recommend them." Her fingertips grazed her cheek. "This face could use some work."

Ethan's expression darkened. "For that man?"

"Why not?" She batted her lashes.

"Your eyes need treatment too." His jaw clenched. "How is he worth it?"

Vivian smiled brighter. "Still better than some. Who's the blind one here?"

"Is this about Sophia Evans?" Ethan frowned. "It's not what you think."

"Not interested." She turned to leave.

A phone rang abruptly. Ethan glanced at the screen and declined the call.

It rang again. This time he answered. "Sophia?"

The tenderness in his voice made Vivian's fists tighten.

"Ethan, where are you?" A saccharine female voice floated through the speaker.

Vivian's lips curved. Time for payback.

She leaned toward the phone and purred in a honeyed tone, "Ethan, you're hurting me... Be gentler..."