Chapter 435

Theo nodded vigorously, finally soothed. His tiny fingers clung to Ethan's sleeve.

"Uncle, make Mommy come back now."

Ethan ruffled the boy's hair and texted Vivian first.

"Vivi."

The moment those letters lit up her screen, Vivian nearly dropped her phone.

She stared at the nickname for three full seconds. A chill ran down her spine.

Had Ethan lost his mind?

"Get to the point," she typed quickly. "Finished handling your mess?"

The typing indicator appeared.

"Sophia might be released soon."

Vivian arched an eyebrow.

Wasn't Sophia locked up by the Queen? Rumor said she'd been hospitalized after a suicide attempt.

"Whatever." She replied. "Why tell me?"

Had Ethan gone soft on her?

"Giving you advance notice."

The phrase "advance notice" made Vivian's fingers freeze.

It sounded intimate. Like something between lovers.

Her heartbeat stuttered.

"Do what you want." She suppressed the odd flutter. "But if she crosses me again, I won't hold back."

Her phone rang immediately.

"What?" Vivian snapped.

A low chuckle came through.

"Someone's jealous?" Ethan's voice dripped with amusement. "Let me clarify."

A deliberate pause.

"I don't pity her. She means nothing to me."

Vivian gripped her phone, momentarily speechless.

"Okay." She said flatly.

"Releasing her serves a purpose." Ethan continued. "She'll be under surveillance."

Even if freed, she'd remain under house arrest. Theo could visit—but only under Ethan's watch.

"Done?" Vivian asked.

"Yes."

"Then I'm hanging up."

"Wait." Ethan's voice softened suddenly. "I miss you."

Vivian's ears burned. She ended the call with a sharp click.

Right before disconnecting, she thought she heard a child's voice.

That lunatic!

Missing her after three hours? What a joke!

She tossed her phone onto the couch and took a deep breath.

Men's sweet words were poison.

She wasn't falling for it.

Across town, Ethan looked at the disconnected call, lips curving.

Theo looked up. "Why are you smiling, Uncle? Is Mommy coming back?"