Chapter 532

"Having children is indeed troublesome," Isabella Langley swirled her wine glass. "But I plan to skip marriage and just find a high-quality sperm donor. It'd be a waste not to pass on my excellent genes. You should consider it too, Vivian."

She had always been unconventional—men were optional, but children were non-negotiable.

Vivian Laurent shook her head. Childhood trauma had convinced her that bringing a child into loveless circumstances was worse than having none at all.

"I've never wanted children. Probably never will."

Motherhood had never featured in her life plans. Even during her three-year marriage to Ethan Roscente, she'd taken extreme precautions. An unwanted child would only relive her own painful history.

Isabella sighed. "Accidents happen."

"Not to me." Vivian's tone was final.

She lived with military precision. Aside from two reckless nights with Ethan, she'd never slipped up.

"Ugh!" Isabella made a face. "This lemonade's been steeping too long—it's unbearably sour!"

Vivian had swapped their coffee order for lemon water, which now tasted like battery acid.

Vivian took a sip. "Tastes fine to me."

Perhaps the tartness stimulated her appetite. She suddenly felt ravenous.

"Lunch? What are you craving?"

"Perfect timing." Isabella's eyes lit up. "Let's hit Nightfall Lounge tonight. Life's been so dull lately."

"The lounge?"

"Obviously! With your figure, it's criminal to keep it hidden. I'd wear crop tops daily if I were you."

Vivian chuckled. "Says the woman who looks like a succubus. Let's go—I'm starving."

They stepped out of the elevator and collided with Ethan Roscente.

"Vivian." His gaze burned into her.

Her pulse jumped. "Are you following me?"

"Client meeting." His expression remained neutral. "Just finished. Where are you—"

"Not your business." She cut him off sharply.