Chapter 849

Dominic Atlante's slender fingers accepted the car keys, the metal glinting coldly under the sunlight.

Vivian Laurent opened the passenger door, her black dress sweeping in an elegant arc.

Two luxury cars departed the hospital in succession, tires crunching over fallen leaves.

Ethan Roscente's knuckles turned white, the steering wheel creaking under his grip.

The rearview mirror reflected his stormy expression.

"Every last Atlante is scum." He slammed the accelerator, the black Maybach launching like an arrow.

Crystal chandeliers in the French restaurant cast prismatic light.

Vivian's pearl earrings swayed with each step, scattering delicate reflections along her neckline.

"Right this way, madam and sir." The waiter bowed respectfully.

Ethan tugged his hat lower, choosing a window booth. Red wine swirled in his glass, highlighting his tense jawline.

Vivian paused mid-menu, her lips curling faintly.

"Salmon with truffle sauce." She closed the menu, gaze brushing past the burning stare nearby.

Dominic suddenly leaned in, his tie grazing her hand.

"Should we make it convincing?" His whisper tickled her ear.

Vivian cupped his face abruptly, the diamonds on her nails glittering.

"Hold still." Her red lips parted.

Ethan's fork clattered against porcelain, drawing stares.

"Such vanity, Mr. Atlante?" Vivian withdrew her hand, wiping her fingers deliberately.

Dominic twisted his signet ring, smirking. "Compared to Mr. Roscente?"

"Him?" She swirled her champagne flute. "Not even one-tenth as detestable as you."

The chandelier flickered, catching the liquid shimmer in her eyes.

Dominic seized her wrist. "Why not turn pretense into reality?"

A silver knife twirled between Vivian's fingers. "Care to test my surgical skills?"

"Feisty." He released her but deliberately overturned his wineglass.

Crimson liquid seeped across white linen like spreading bloodstains.

Ethan stood abruptly, a button popping from his suit.

"Continue?" Dominic mouthed, tracing Vivian's diamond bracelet.

She laughed suddenly, tossing a napkin at his face. "Pleasure doing business."

A waiter passed with a birthday cake, candlelight blurring the space between them.

Ethan's fist smashed against the wall, sending a painting crashing down.