Chapter 782

Ethan Roscente pushed open the door to find Vivian Laurent standing alone by the floor-to-ceiling window, lost in thought.

He strode directly to her and held a delicate soup dumpling to her lips. "Open."

Vivian parted her lips instinctively as the warm broth burst in her mouth.

"Ethan, you—"

"Finish eating first." He interrupted. "Want to see Theo?"

"Yes!"

The video call connected, showing Theo Evans with rosy cheeks playing blocks with Felix Valdemar.

"Uncle Ethan! Aunt Vivian!" Theo pressed his face to the screen. "When can I come home?"

Vivian suddenly realized it might be time to bring Theo back. His presence would comfort Ethan.

"When the doctors confirm you're fully recovered," she said gently.

Theo immediately turned to Felix. "Uncle Felix can vouch for me!"

Felix looked utterly defeated. "Ethan, you tricked me into babysitting while you're off having fun."

"Consider it an honor." Ethan arched an eyebrow.

"I don't care!" Felix ran a hand through his hair. "I'm growing mushrooms here!"

"Fine. I'll arrange the private jet."

Watching their banter, Vivian thought of the withdrawn girl at the hospital. Perhaps Theo's innocent joy could warm that cold heart.

...

Bianca Semona's nails dug into her palms.

News about Vivian and Zoe Chamberlain flooded her computer screen.

"Why won't she die?" Victoria Roscente smashed a teacup. "My sister's life—"

"My parents died because of her too." Bianca's voice turned icy. "But..."

"But what?"

"Someone's been helping me." Bianca lowered her voice. "All the plans against Vivian...she taught them to me."

Victoria frowned. "Who?"

"She looks—" Bianca's eyes widened as she stared past Victoria.

A languid female voice spoke from behind them. "Talking about me?"

They whirled around.

A woman lounged on the leather sofa, legs crossed. Her face—an exact replica of Vivian's.

"Who are you?" Victoria's voice trembled.

The woman chuckled, tracing a finger along her cheekbone. "Don't you recognize this face?"