Chapter 882

Isabella Langley sensed something was off.

Vivian Laurent's smile seemed forced.

"I'm perfectly fine," Vivian repeated, her tone measured. "Did you find the file?"

Isabella waved the folder. "It was in the study."

"Lucas, you can head out now." Isabella turned to Lucas Lefèvre. "I'll stay with Vivian tonight."

Lucas nodded. "Call me if you need anything, Viv."

Once he left, silence settled between the two women.

Vivian exhaled slightly—until Isabella spoke again.

"You might fool Lucas, but not me."

Vivian's smile froze.

"Did you come back for Ethan Roscente?" Isabella cut straight to the point.

Vivian's fingers twisted together unconsciously.

"You never stopped loving him." Isabella pressed closer. "The baby is his, isn't it? Are you here to end things for good?"

Vivian relaxed internally.

This misunderstanding couldn't have come at a better time.

"If that's what you think," she murmured.

Isabella sighed. "If you still love him, why not give it another shot? I can tell he still has feelings for you."

"We're not right for each other." Vivian shook her head.

"How so?" Isabella challenged. "Afraid he'll abandon you again?"

Vivian gave a bitter laugh. "Love isn't that simple."

She abruptly changed tactics. "Take you and Felix Valdemar—would you ever get back with him?"

Isabella bristled instantly. "Don't mention that bastard!"

"See? You're no different." Vivian smirked.

"That's not the same!" Isabella nearly stomped her foot. "You and Ethan were mutual. Felix and I are sworn enemies!"

"Really? No feelings at all?" Vivian arched a brow.

"Of course not!" Isabella gritted her teeth. "That playboy falls for every pretty face he sees. Disgusting!"

Vivian's smile turned knowing. "Yet you're always more... animated around him."

"Because I want to punch him!" Isabella clenched her fists. "If murder weren't illegal, I'd have—"

She stopped mid-sentence.

Vivian was giving her that look—the one that said I know better.