Chapter 496

Vivian Laurent woke up naturally.

She stretched lazily and opened the curtains. Sunlight flooded the bedroom.

When she came downstairs after washing up, Dominic Atlante was arranging cutlery at the dining table.

"Mr. Atlante, you're like a bad penny that keeps turning up." Vivian arched an eyebrow.

Dominic didn't look up. "People wait in line just to see me. Yet here you are complaining."

Steaming breakfast dishes covered the table.

Having skipped proper meals for days, Vivian immediately sat down at the tempting aroma.

Today was her day off, perfect for relaxing at home.

The doorbell rang.

Isabella Langley barged in excitedly. Her eyes lit up when she spotted Dominic.

"New boyfriend?" she whispered. "Way hotter than Ethan Roscente."

Vivian rolled her eyes. "Finn's uncle."

"What? You mean—"

"Rainier Valence." Vivian cut her off.

Isabella suppressed a laugh at the ridiculous alias.

She stole glances at the infamous crime lord.

Dressed in a tailored suit with gold-rimmed glasses, he looked every inch the business elite.

"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Atlante." Isabella feigned politeness.

Dominic gave a slight nod.

Isabella dragged Vivian into a corner. "Why is he here?"

"Who knows? Maybe he's bored." Vivian shrugged. "What do you want?"

"Upstairs. Now."

As they headed for the staircase, Isabella glanced back.

Dominic's gaze was glued to Vivian's retreating figure.

The moment the study door closed, Isabella blurted out, "The way he looks at you—"

"Like he wants me dead?" Vivian smirked. "I intercepted his three-million shipment last week."

"But he's gorgeous. Beats Ethan hands down." Isabella winked. "Imagine being a mafia queen."

Vivian hurled a cushion at her. "You marry him then."

"No thanks! I value my life." Isabella dodged. "Serious trouble's brewing."