Chapter 74

Ethan Roscente gripped the steering wheel, his gaze flickering toward Vivian Laurent in the passenger seat.

The golden sunset spilled through the window, painting delicate highlights across her sculpted profile.

"We're here." Ethan's deep voice cut through the silence as the car stopped.

Vivian unfastened her seatbelt. Just as her fingers touched the door handle, Ethan's question froze her movements.

"Dr. Laurent, you're quite close with AN?"

Her fingers stiffened imperceptibly.

"Is there a problem?" Vivian turned with practiced calm.

Ethan leaned back, long fingers drumming the steering wheel. "Heard you secured Julian Cortez's endorsement for her."

"Since when does the Roscente Group CEO take interest in my social circle?" Vivian's lips curved without warmth.

"Just making conversation." Ethan shrugged. "AN is an international supermodel, after all."

Vivian pushed the car door open. "Thanks for the ride."

She strode toward the villa entrance but froze when her key met unlocked resistance.

The door swung inward from within.

"Viv—"

Her hand clamped over Lucas Lefèvre's mouth as she shoved him inside. The door slammed shut behind them.

Ethan's eyes narrowed.

He'd clearly seen a man's silhouette.

His fingers tightened around the keys. Within seconds, Ethan was striding up the walkway.

Inside, Vivian glared at Lucas. "What are you doing here?"

"I—"

The doorbell chimed.

Vivian paled. "Hide. Now."

"Why—"

"No questions!" She propelled him toward the bathroom. "Move!"

Bewildered but compliant, Lucas ducked inside.

Vivian inhaled sharply before cracking the door open. "Something else, Mr. Roscente?"

Ethan's gaze swept past her, scanning the interior. "Mind if I use your restroom?"

He shouldered past before she could respond.

Vivian's pulse hammered.

Behind the bathroom door, Lucas held his breath.

Ethan's footsteps grew louder...