Chapter 445
Ethan Roscente swirled the amber liquid in his glass, the moonlight catching its golden hues.
"Slow down," he murmured, intercepting Vivian Laurent's wineglass with his own.
Their glasses met with a crystalline chime.
Vivian tossed back the drink in one swift motion, wincing as fire burned down her throat.
Ethan's gaze never left her face.
This moment was rare.
Their usual encounters were all sharp edges and raised defenses—two porcupines bristling with quills.
But tonight, the sea breeze carried the scent of salt and spirits.
When the third bottle was uncorked, Ethan finally spoke. "What's really going on today?"
"Nothing." Vivian stared at the distant waves.
"Your face tells a different story."
"I said it's nothing!"
Ethan raised his hands in surrender. "Fine. If you say it's nothing, then it's nothing."
Vivian poured herself another drink.
She refused to speak that name aloud.
Vincent Valrose was a thorn embedded deep in her heart.
That chapter was closed. She wouldn't waste another breath on someone unworthy.
Yet today, seeing Queen Eleanor cradling her child had stirred something within her.
She would never repeat those mistakes.
Not until she could give a child the love they deserved.
"When are you returning to Eudora?" she asked abruptly.
Ethan tilted his glass. "My schedule's flexible. The question is—when are you leaving?"
"I need more time."
Fiona Grandelle's condition required monitoring until she stabilized.
"We'll go together," Ethan said casually.
Vivian frowned. "Don't rearrange your work for me."
She hated feeling tethered.
Everyone had their own path. No one should alter their course for another.
"Relax," Ethan chuckled. "I have business in Eudora too."
There was also Theo to consider.
The stubborn boy insisted on staying by his mother's side.
Ethan's expression darkened at the thought.
"Mm." Vivian didn't press further.
She refilled Ethan's glass, and their drinks met again under the moonlight.
For the first time that evening, Vivian thought—perhaps this wasn't so bad.