Chapter 912

"I absolutely did not!"

Isabella Langley took a delicate sip of coffee, her lips curving slightly. "Such a strong reaction. I must have hit a nerve."

Vivian Laurent's fingers stilled, her coffee cup scraping faintly against the table. "I just...don't want his troubles affecting me."

"Excuses." Isabella tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "You even saved his assistant's number. Don't pretend you don't care."

Vivian lowered her gaze to the rippling reflection in her cup.

Only after confirming Ethan Roscente's safe departure had the weight in her chest finally lifted. Perhaps time really could heal all wounds. Once he returned to his lofty position, these memories would fade like morning mist.

...

As the plane pierced through the clouds, Ethan pressed his forehead against the icy window.

He saw Vivian laughing brightly under the sun, surrounded by genuine friends. In a world without him, she thrived more vibrantly than ever.

His first act upon returning to Canada was instructing his secretary to clear all appointments.

The lights in the CEO's office often burned past midnight. Even the cleaning staff knew the handsome, aloof Mr. Roscente had become a man possessed lately. Only when holding little Theo did warmth flicker in his eyes.

"Uncle!" Theo rushed into his arms waving a crayon drawing. "I drew Aunt Vivian in her white dress!"

Ethan's Adam's apple bobbed as he tightened his embrace. "When spring comes...I'll take you to see her."

He didn't dare say forever.

At the late-night business dinner, red wine cast dark reflections in crystal glasses. When a partner raised his glass, Ethan threw back his drink like swallowing shards of glass.

"Mr. Roscente can really hold his liquor!" The room erupted in cheers, oblivious to the blood dripping from his clenched left hand.

Simon Eisner pushed open the private dining room door just as Ethan staggered and grabbed a waitress's wrist.

"Vivian..." Those usually sharp eyes now looked heartbreakingly fragile. "Don't go..."

The terrified waitress shrank back. Simon quickly intervened, but not before capturing the scene on his phone—the video showed the once untouchable man with red-rimmed eyes, desperately tracing the red string bracelet on a stranger's wrist as if it were his last salvation.