Chapter 177

Vivian found Nathaniel's sudden mood swing laughable.

For a proud man like him, maintaining that gentle facade for his mistress must have been exhausting.

She tilted her chin up with a mocking half-smile. "Haven't I made myself clear? Just have your precious Cassandra kneel and apologize to me in front of every media outlet."

"Don't push it." Nathaniel's gaze turned icy.

Somehow, Vivian felt like a stranger to him now.

The old Vivian would never have been this ruthless.

"I told you—Cassandra is hospitalized with pregnancy complications. How could you demand she kneel?"

"Is that so?"

Vivian's fists clenched silently. Despite the stabbing pain in her chest, she kept her voice sharp. "If she can't kneel, then you do it for her. What's wrong, Mr. Blackwood? Won't you bend the knee for true love? How romantic."

Nothing mattered anymore. Let him think of her as cruel and heartless.

Four years of kindness had earned her nothing but his contempt. If that was the case, she'd rather be the villain.

Nathaniel's expression darkened with terrifying fury.

Her relentless attitude infuriated him. He'd lost all control over her—and that realization drove him mad.

"Cassandra was wrong, but she's suffered enough—"

He struggled to rein in his temper, speaking through gritted teeth. "You're not pregnant. You don't understand her pain. Name your price—money, resources, whatever. But if you dare hurt her, don't blame me for forgetting we were ever married."

Vivian laughed coldly.

His words ignited a fire in her chest. "Were we ever really married?" she spat.

Nathaniel was the most hypocritical, heartless man she'd ever met.

He'd saved her life just days ago. Now, he was threatening her for Cassandra's sake.

The wounds he left were invisible—but they cut deeper than any blade.

"I don't want your money. I want Cassandra to suffer. Threaten me all you want. Let's see who breaks first."

This was her declaration of war.

She had nothing left to lose.

Julian Montgomery was the best criminal lawyer in the country. If Vivian wanted, she could bury Cassandra under a mountain of charges. Eight years in prison? A decade? Entirely possible.

"You're being unreasonable. You'll regret this." Nathaniel's warning sounded more like a prophecy.

Then he left.

Evelyn Whitmore had spent all morning cooking.

The table was laden with Nathaniel's favorite dishes.

She'd once believed Vivian's ex-husband was dependable—that he could make her happy. She'd adored him, certain Vivian's parents would've approved.

That's why Evelyn was determined to reunite them.

"Lunch is ready!"

She carried out the final dish, only to find Vivian sitting alone.

"Where's Mr. Blackwood?"

"I kicked him out." Vivian sat down calmly and started eating as if nothing had happened.

"You what?" Evelyn sighed. She knew Vivian well enough to see through the act.

"Miss Vivian... I know you still have feelings for him. Have you considered remarriage? For the baby's sake?"