Chapter 86
Ethan Roscente's gaze remained scrutinizing.
Vivian Laurent's earlier certainty that the jade stone contained nothing valuable had aroused his suspicion.
"Keep staring and I'll gouge your eyes out!" Vivian made a clawing gesture with two fingers.
Ethan frowned slightly.
He stepped closer instead. "You knew that stone was flawed from the start?"
Vivian's pulse quickened.
She forced a casual shrug. "What would I know about jade?"
"Then how were you so sure?"
"Use your brain." Vivian rolled her eyes. "Since when would Victoria Roscente's friend give me a good recommendation? If it was truly valuable, why didn't she tell Victoria to buy it?"
Ethan considered this.
The explanation made logical sense.
He exhaled quietly.
Perhaps he'd been overthinking things.
Yet Vivian's earlier display of confidence had been... intriguing.
Lucas Lefèvre stepped between them coldly. "Must you stand so close to my sister after divorcing her?"
He pulled Vivian away.
"Should I still make the purchase?" Lucas whispered.
"Third and eighth." Vivian replied tersely.
Lucas's eyes lit up.
He hurried off to select the stones.
...
Victoria Roscente descended the staircase in her evening gown.
The ballroom buzzed with conversation.
She strained to hear - only praise for Bianca Semona's expertise.
Victoria lifted her chin smugly.
Her gaze landed on Vivian.
A man was whispering in Vivian's ear.
Victoria sneered.
Did they think such cheap tactics would provoke her brother?
She found Bianca dabbing at tears.
"What happened?"
After hearing the story, Victoria stormed toward Vivian.
"Vivian Laurent! You shameless harlot!"
Lucas froze mid-step toward the jade vendors.
"Married to my brother yet flaunting your affairs? Have you no decency?"
"While Ethan was abroad for three years, you must've cuckolded him endlessly!"
Lucas clenched his fists. "Watch your mouth!"
"Am I wrong?" Victoria shrieked. "How dare you speak, you homewrecker?"
The ballroom fell silent.
All eyes turned to Vivian.
This unremarkable woman was Ethan Roscente's secret wife of three years?