Chapter 909
Vivian Laurent dragged her suitcase out of the harbor.
She took one last look at the city's skyline before slipping into a taxi.
"To the airport," she murmured to the driver.
As the scenery flashed by outside the window, Vivian clenched her phone. Ethan Roscente should still be asleep—the sedative would last until afternoon.
She couldn't bear to imagine his expression when he woke.
The airport bustled with travelers.
Sitting in the waiting area, Vivian absently traced her boarding pass. Two hours until departure—each minute stretched endlessly.
An unsettling feeling crept over her, as if unseen eyes watched from the shadows.
She whirled around, only to see harried passengers rushing by.
"Just my imagination," Vivian scoffed at herself.
The boarding announcement crackled overhead.
Rising, Vivian scanned the area once more before heading to the gate—assured that familiar figure was nowhere in sight.
She didn't notice Ethan Roscente lurking behind a pillar, his gaze locked on her retreating form.
An economy class ticket crumpled in his hand.
"Sir, are you certain about this flight?" The attendant eyed his tailored suit dubiously.
"Certain." Ethan tugged his cap lower.
As the plane ascended through clouds, Vivian stared blankly at the sea of white outside her window.
She didn't see Ethan in the back cabin, gazing at her photo on his phone.
Ten hours later, they landed in a small southern hemisphere nation.
Tropical air heavy with floral scents greeted them.
Vivian inhaled deeply before approaching a waiting car.
"Take me straight to the villa," she instructed.
In the rearview mirror, a black sedan maintained careful distance.
The villa perched on a mountainside.
Dinner awaited—homestyle dishes prepared exactly to Vivian's tastes.
"Would Madam care for appetizers first?" The butler inquired.
Vivian shook her head, spooning soup.
The familiar flavor brought no comfort.
Her phone chimed—a message from Isabella Langley: "Settled in?"
Before replying, a video call request flashed—Theo Evans' distraught face filled the screen.
"Auntie! Uncle's gone missing!"
Vivian's pulse spiked.
"What do you mean?"
"The butler said he never came home last night." Theo whispered, "Grandfather is furious."
Her fingers trembled slightly.
Through the window, only swaying trees broke the inky darkness.
"Perhaps...a business trip," she offered weakly.
After ending the call, Vivian stood motionless before the glass.
Distant headlights flickered along the mountain road.
In his car, Ethan adjusted binoculars—the lit window framing Vivian's silhouette.
Seeing her was enough.