Chapter 993

Only five people remained in the room.

Felix Valdemar rubbed his eyes, gazing at the others with confusion.

Ethan Roscente and Isabella Langley exchanged a glance.

Vivian Laurent's eyes lingered on Felix, her lips parting slightly before closing again.

"Felix, are you tired?" Ethan suddenly asked.

Felix immediately became alert. "Boss Ethan, you're not trying to get rid of me, are you?"

Isabella scoffed. "We're discussing confidential matters. Should you really be here?"

"What secrets can't I hear?" Felix stomped his foot impatiently. "Dr. Laurent, I swear I won't breathe a word!"

Ethan sighed. "Vivian, he's been with me since childhood. He's trustworthy."

Felix raised three fingers. "I swear! If I leak anything, may lightning strike me!"

Vivian gave a slight nod.

Her gaze shifted to Patrick Alpinus.

"The answer to yesterday's question is yes." Vivian's voice was barely above a whisper.

Felix looked baffled. "What question?"

Isabella glared at him. "Shut up!"

Patrick's breathing noticeably quickened.

Though he'd suspected as much, hearing it confirmed still shocked him.

"Would you like to know what Annika and I discussed?" Vivian continued.

Patrick's Adam's apple bobbed. "May I?"

"I approached you for cooperation in the first place," Vivian said calmly.

Patrick instinctively leaned forward.

Ethan yanked him back by the collar. "Keep your distance!"

"I just wanted to hear better—" Patrick protested.

"Need me to repeat it for you?" Ethan arched an eyebrow. "Having trouble with your hearing?"

Patrick reluctantly straightened up.

He stole a glance at how protectively Ethan hovered near Vivian.

If the day ever came when he had to take Vivian away...

Patrick didn't dare finish the thought.

"Sit properly!" Ethan warned again.

His gaze remained fixed on Vivian's slightly rounded abdomen.