Chapter 879

Vivian's fingertips trembled slightly as her gaze darted between Isabella and Lucas.

The documents slipped from Isabella's grasp, hitting the floor with a soft thud.

"Viv, weren't you supposed to be in Paris?" Isabella's voice wavered.

Ethan's thumb traced slow circles on Vivian's palm, making her ears flush crimson.

"Forgot the files?" Vivian forced composure, diverting the topic. "There are backups in the study drawer."

Lucas's stare locked onto their intertwined hands, his brows furrowing deeply.

"Mr. Roscente, delivering someone this late?" Lucas's tone dripped with hostility.

Ethan casually draped an arm around Vivian's shoulders. "Not delivering. Coming home."

Isabella gasped, her purse nearly slipping from her grip.

"Home?" She parroted the word mechanically.

Vivian jerked away from Ethan's embrace. "He's joking!"

"I never joke about Viv." Ethan leisurely undid his cufflink. "She's my girlfriend now."

The air turned glacial.

Isabella's lips quivered. "Since when?"

"Three days ago." Ethan remained unruffled.

Vivian yanked his tie. "We need to talk outside!"

"Viv!" Isabella moved to follow but Lucas blocked her path.

In the hallway, Vivian pinned Ethan against the wall. "Have you lost your mind?"

"Clause Three of our contract." He leaned down, his breath grazing her ear. "Public acknowledgment of our relationship during the agreement period."

"That's for outsiders!" Vivian hissed through clenched teeth. "They're my closest friends!"

Ethan's lips brushed her earlobe. "Your resistance only fuels their suspicion."

Her breath hitched.

"Play along." His voice turned velvety. "Or our deal—"

Vivian shoved him away. "Are you threatening me?"

"A reminder." He straightened his wrinkled suit jacket. "Shall we resume our performance?"

Her nails dug crescent moons into her palms.

"Five days." She spun on her heel, resolve flashing in her eyes. "Not a second more."

Ethan watched her retreating figure, a predator's smile curling his lips.