Chapter 911

Vivian Laurent's phone screen lit up with a message from Theo. Her fingers paused mid-air as she frowned. "Ethan Roscente hasn't been home for days?"

Theo's reply popped up instantly. "Yeah, Uncle said he's busy with work. Aren't you together?"

Vivian stared blankly at the screen. The Roscente Group had been unusually quiet lately—what could possibly be keeping him so occupied?

"Have you checked his office?"

"I did. His secretary said he wasn't in." Theo added, "He travels a lot. I'm used to it."

Her heart suddenly lurched. If he wasn't at the office and even Theo didn't know his whereabouts... could he really have...

She immediately dialed Ethan's number, her grip tightening around the phone.

On the other end, Ethan froze when Vivian's name flashed across his screen. His finger hovered over the answer button before he forcibly pulled it away.

The ringing stopped abruptly. Ethan glared at the darkened screen and punched the steering wheel in frustration.

The dial tone made Vivian's pulse quicken. She swiftly contacted a private investigator. "Track Ethan Roscente's movements, especially after he left the island."

She bit her lower lip. That proud man wouldn't do anything foolish, would he?

The report came back quickly: Ethan had indeed departed the island the same day she left, but his subsequent trail had been deliberately erased.

Vivian redialed. This time, Ethan answered immediately. "Vivian."

Hearing his voice, the tension in her shoulders eased slightly. "Where are you?"

"Why the sudden interest?" His tone was cautious.

"Ethan Roscente!" Her voice rose sharply. "Do you think disappearing is funny? Do you know how worried people get?"

A beat of silence. Then, quietly: "You were worried about me?"

"Theo was looking for you!" she snapped defensively. "He was in tears when he couldn't find you."

Ethan sighed. "I told him I was traveling for business."

"Where?" Vivian pressed. "Why can't I find any record of your trip?"

"Just needed some time alone." He hesitated. "Vivian... can we meet?"

She gripped the phone tighter before answering flatly, "We'll see."

Hanging up, she noticed Isabella Langley watching her with knowing eyes.

"You still can't let him go," Isabella said bluntly.