Chapter 102

The moment Vivian and Nathaniel stepped out of Newport City Courthouse, they parted ways without a backward glance—as if this was truly the end.

Little did they know fate had other plans.

Without the weight of their marriage certificate between them, something in their gazes had shifted. A tension neither could name.

Alfred Blackwood's sharp eyes darted between them, his expression unreadable.

"Young lovebirds," he mused, voice laced with skepticism. "Fresh from a romantic getaway, yet you visit me separately? Did you quarrel?"

Vivian bit her lip, torn between honesty and deception. Before the divorce, lying had been effortless. Now, the words stuck in her throat.

Nathaniel's arm slid around her shoulders, his touch practiced. "We're happier than ever," he said smoothly, as if they'd always been this affectionate.

Anyone watching would’ve believed it.

Vivian forced a smile, cheeks burning. "Of course we didn’t fight."

We just signed divorce papers.

Alfred hummed, unconvinced. He turned to Nathaniel. "Tell me, son. Where did you two escape to?"

Vivian opened her mouth, but Alfred raised a hand. "Let him answer."

Nathaniel's gaze lingered on the coffee beans displayed nearby. "Colombia," he stated without hesitation.

Vivian nearly choked.

Colombia?!

Of all places—Santorini had been her dream. But him? Coffee plantations?

Alfred's pleasant demeanor vanished. "Colombia?" His voice turned glacial. "You expect me to believe that?"

Nathaniel remained silent.

"Kneel." The command cracked like a whip.

If Nathaniel's temper was a storm, Alfred's was a hurricane. A war hero’s fury wasn’t something to defy.

Vivian flinched, guilt twisting her stomach. She moved to kneel—but Alfred stopped her. "Not you, child." His glare fixed on Nathaniel. "You."

Without protest, Nathaniel dropped to his knees.

"Grandfather," he said, voice steady, "I accept my punishment."

Alfred exhaled sharply. "At least you admit fault." His piercing stare bore into them. "Now—what else are you hiding?"

Silence.

"Fine." Alfred's lips thinned. "Even if you won’t speak, I know. That pearl wasn’t just a gift, was it? It was a message."

Nathaniel’s jaw tightened.

Vivian’s pulse spiked.

He knows.