Chapter 141

Ethan Young barely suppressed his laughter the moment he saw the playlist.

Nathaniel Blackwood's first choice was "Love Drowned in Tears." The second track? "Our Love is Dead." And the third? "Too Late for Goodbyes."

Every single selection screamed heartbreak, regret, and doomed romance.

Clearly, Vivian Lockhart had dealt Nathaniel a crushing blow today.

The man who always prided himself on logic and control was now revealing his true colors - drunk and emotionally wrecked.

Only the woman who caused this meltdown could fix it. Vivian alone could save him from this pathetic karaoke spiral.

After enduring three agonizing duets, Ethan made his escape. "Keep singing, Mr. Blackwood. Nature calls."

He bolted for the restroom, phone in hand.

Nathaniel didn't even glance his way, too busy crooning into the microphone with glassy-eyed intensity.

Locked in a bathroom stall, Ethan dialed Vivian's number. "Madam! Emergency! Your husband's losing his mind!"

Vivian lounged in her bubble bath, phone balanced on the edge. "Not my problem," she said flatly. "Don't call me again." The line went dead.

Ethan cursed. He'd forgotten she'd blocked Nathaniel's number but not his. Rookie mistake.

A quick text with the karaoke bar's address: "You're underestimating his feelings, Madam."

Vivian powered off her phone. The warm water suddenly felt stifling. She remembered Nathaniel's drunken state when she left - worse than she'd ever seen him, except that one reckless night.

What if he actually hurt himself? Even if it wasn't about her, she'd still bear some responsibility...

With a frustrated groan, she toweled off and threw on jeans and a hoodie.

Meanwhile, Ethan remained perched on the toilet seat. He was betting everything on Vivian's lingering feelings. No way would she resist checking on Nathaniel, no matter what she claimed.

Going back out now would make him the world's most awkward third wheel. Better to wait here until Vivian arrived.

At the karaoke bar's entrance, Vivian told the manager, "I'm looking for your most attractive customer."

The man grinned. "We've got one godlike specimen, but he's... occupied."

"Occupied how? Attempting suicide?"

The manager chuckled. "Check Lounge V1 yourself. And if you need... company, we cater to all preferences."

Vivian's confusion grew as she approached the private room. From down the hall, she heard off-key wailing and raucous laughter. Her hands clenched into fists. Elijah would pay for this.

This was no suicide watch - this was a damn party.

She shoved the door open - and froze.

"Nathaniel Blackwood! What the hell is this?"