Chapter 44
"Your name is Vivian Laurent?" Ethan Roscente narrowed his eyes at her. "That's the same name as my ex-wife. I also know a doctor with that name."
"Age affecting your hearing, Mr. Roscente?" Vivian smirked coldly. "My surname is Lefèvre."
Ethan was rendered speechless.
Her attitude reminded him of his ex-wife after their divorce. But this face was completely different—her skin glowed like polished jade under the lights, radiating a pearlescent sheen.
His ex-wife had suffered from severe facial rashes, worked as a clerk at Triple Six Realty, and knew nothing about medicine.
"Dr. Luna, I was thinking—"
Vivian turned her back on him abruptly.
Ethan frowned. This woman's hostility toward him was baffling.
The car stopped at the restaurant entrance. Vivian was the first to exit, choosing the seat farthest from Ethan.
To curry favor, Manager Wang had pre-ordered the signature dishes. When the waiter inquired about dietary restrictions, Julian Cortez spoke up. "No mushrooms, cilantro, or carrots."
"Since when are you picky?" Manager Wang looked surprised.
"It's for Vivian." Julian glanced at her.
Warmth spread through Vivian's chest. After all these years, Julian still remembered her preferences.
Ethan's fingers stilled. His ex-wife had avoided those exact ingredients.
"Extra spicy." Vivian deliberately raised her voice.
Ethan's brow furrowed. His stomach couldn't handle spicy food.
"Got a problem with that, Mr. Roscente?" Vivian challenged him with her gaze.
"None."
The table soon filled with dishes swimming in crimson chili oil. Julian broke into a sweat just looking at them—as a celebrity, he couldn't risk eating such food.
Vivian ate with relish. Ethan watched her, chopsticks untouched.
His ex-wife had preferred bland flavors, never cooking anything spicy.
The pungent aroma of chilies made Ethan's stomach twinge with pain. But this was an opportunity to get closer to Vivian.
He picked up a bite and swallowed. Fiery agony exploded across his tongue.
Vivian enjoyed his pained expression, serving him a portion of spicy fish head. "Eat up, Mr. Roscente."
She'd once catered to Ethan's tastes. Now she could indulge her own preferences freely.
Ethan forced himself to continue eating despite the discomfort. Soon, his shirt clung to his back with cold sweat.