Chapter 956

The morning sun filtered through the clouds, casting golden light across the private tarmac.

Vivian Laurent walked side by side with Ethan Roscente toward the waiting jet. The aircraft's door gleamed with a cold metallic sheen in the dawn light.

Before boarding, Vivian dialed Fiona Grandelle's number.

"How are the Queen and the baby doing?"

Fiona's cheerful voice came through the line. "My brother is recovering well in the hospital's special care unit. The royal family decided to keep it quiet for now. Our parents want him to live a normal life, away from all the drama."

"And your mother?"

"Mom's mental state improved tremendously after learning my brother survived. I'll be staying to care for her, so I won't be able to visit. But don't worry, I'm still taking those jewelry design classes."

A faint smile touched Vivian's lips. "Take care of your family, and yourself too."

After hanging up, she called Isabella Langley.

"What? You're coming back already?" Isabella's surprised voice crackled through the phone. "I thought you were staying longer."

Vivian glanced at Ethan. "Plans changed. Ethan knows everything now. I'll explain when we meet."

"Should we pick you up at the airport?"

"No need. Just meet us at my place."

The jet sliced through the clouds, leaving a white contrail across the azure sky.

Vivian stared out the window at the rolling sea of clouds, her fingers absently tracing patterns on the armrest. Though their trip to M country lasted mere weeks, it felt like a lifetime of upheaval.

Ethan's hand covered hers. "What's on your mind?"

"The meaning of this journey." She withdrew her hand. "We nearly died, yet nothing's changed."

When the plane touched down at Canada International Airport, the sunset painted half the sky crimson.

The terminal echoed with emptiness, their footsteps the only sound breaking the silence. Emily Garnache tactfully walked ahead, giving them space.

A black sedan Ethan arranged waited by the curb.

"Take Emily home first," Ethan instructed the driver.

Inside the car, Ethan took Vivian's hand again. "Vivian, about us—"

"There is no 'us.'" She cut him off sharply. "Remember, I'm only giving you a chance to make amends."

Ethan smirked. "Understood. But I assume we can tell your friends? I'll stick to the facts."

Vivian scoffed. "Your promises mean nothing."

Darkness had fully descended when the car entered the gated community.

Isabella and Lucas stood waiting at the doorstep. The moment Isabella spotted Ethan, she rushed forward. "Vivian! Why are you with him again?"

Ethan spoke first. "We have a special relationship now. Might be getting remarried soon."

Vivian elbowed him hard enough to draw a pained grunt.

"Don't listen to his nonsense." She shot Ethan a glare. "He just accidentally discovered my secret."

Isabella nodded knowingly, her gaze dropping to Vivian's flat stomach.

Lucas interjected, "Vivian, are you staying this time?"

"Probably." She sighed. "The cat's out of the bag anyway."

Isabella linked arms with her. "You mentioned something happened over there. What was it?"

Under the porch light, their four shadows stretched long across the steps.