Chapter 529

Within just one month, Vivian Laurent's body swelled drastically. Pus-filled boils erupted across her face, far more severe than ordinary acne.

The angry red blemishes soon covered her entire visage, making her look as though she'd been scorched by flames.

Three months later, Vivian had ballooned like an overinflated beach ball. Ethan Roscente knew she didn't eat much, yet her weight gain remained inexplicable.

He'd never harbored special feelings for Vivian. The Roscente family could easily afford to keep an idle person around. Besides, she managed to charm the elderly matriarch.

But Vivian's persistent lovestruck gazes irritated him. The old lady's constant matchmaking attempts only fueled his annoyance.

Then tragedy struck without warning. His elder brother died suddenly. While rushing to the airport, Ethan suffered a horrific car crash that left both legs severely injured.

Doctors declared he'd never walk again.

Sophia Evans had always shown interest in him. Yet when faced with a crippled Ethan, she couldn't even bother to visit. During those dark days, only Vivian remained steadfast by his hospital bed.

His temper raged like wildfire. He smashed objects and hurled insults, cycling through countless nurses. Vivian alone endured his fury without complaint, caring for him tirelessly for six months.

To be precise - she healed him for six months. When he finally stood again, his first act was investigating his brother's death. Sophia was nearing childbirth, the matriarch lay dying, and everything converged at once.

With her final breath, the old woman clutched Ethan's hand, demanding he marry Vivian. He couldn't refuse a dying wish.

He flew overseas immediately after the wedding. Upon returning, their third anniversary coincided with divorce day.

Now calculating, exactly four and a half years had passed since their first meeting until the divorce. This timeline matched Shadow's disappearance date perfectly.

Considering Vivian's astonishing hidden identities, Ethan felt certain she was Shadow.

"Boss Ethan?" Felix Valdemar waved a hand before his dazed eyes. "You spacing out?"

Ethan blinked, residual shock lingering in his gaze. "Nothing."

He'd simply pieced together the puzzle. Their seemingly coincidental meetings might have been fate all along.

How fortunate he'd encountered Shadow when she lay injured during a mission. Yet why had Vivian suddenly gained weight? This mystery remained unsolved.

Ethan burned to confront Vivian immediately but restrained himself. He relished this gradual unveiling of her secrets.

Each discovered identity felt like unearthing priceless treasure. He eagerly anticipated meeting more hidden versions of Vivian Laurent.