Chapter 182

Ethan Blackwood's chiseled features remained impassive. Only the slight arch of his brow betrayed any reaction as he regarded Nathan Prescott's cautious expression.

"Why wouldn't I go?"

Dominic Harrington, Nathan, and he had sworn brotherhood years ago. Their bond ran deeper than blood.

Now that their eldest brother was getting engaged, it was only natural for him to attend.

Nathan clearly thought Ethan was putting on a brave front. He clapped Ethan on the shoulder. "Dom said it's fine if you skip it. He gets it. I mean, the whole thing with you, him, and Olivia... It's messy."

"Nothing messy about it."

Ethan's tone was ice-cold. "One's my brother. The other's an old friend. They're engaged. Of course I'll be there."

"But—" Nathan exhaled sharply, his expression dripping with pity.

To him, Ethan's indifference was obviously an act.

Olivia Sinclair had been Ethan's first love. Watching her marry his sworn brother? The pain must be unbearable.

Ethan had it all—wealth, power, looks—but love had always been his downfall. First love gone. Wife gone. The man couldn't catch a break.

Hopefully, the "Six-Step Seduction Guide" Nathan had just taught him would help. Maybe then he'd stop being so tragically unlucky in love.

Once Nathan left, Ethan studied his notes intently, his dark brows knitting together. "Step one..."

Vivian Lockhart and Evelyn Whitmore returned from their riverside stroll that afternoon.

A fleet of delivery trucks blocked the villa's entrance. Workers in coveralls milled about, searching for someone to speak to.

"Who are you looking for?" Vivian called out.

One man perked up. "Miss Lockhart?"

"That's me."

Her gaze flicked to the trucks behind him, suspicion flaring.

"Mr. Blackwood purchased furniture, appliances, and decor for you. High-end items. Please verify everything on this list and sign here."

He handed her a thick stack of papers.

Vivian skimmed the inventory—sofas, TVs, vases. Enough to stock a luxury showroom.

Evelyn whistled. "Your ex-husband? Generous. Not the heartless bastard you described."

That only stoked Vivian's irritation.

"Generous? He's desperate. His mistress is facing jail time. This is a bribe."

She shoved the papers back. "Return everything."

The workers paled. "These are non-refundable, Miss Lockhart! Don't make our jobs harder!"

"Each piece costs tens of thousands. The total exceeds a million. Just accept them," another pleaded.

Vivian's lips curled. "You're right. How kind of Mr. Blackwood. I'll take them."

Relief washed over the man. "Wonderful! Please sign—"

"Once I do, these belong to me. I can do whatever I want with them, yes?"

"Of course!"

"Perfect."

She scribbled her signature, then dropped the bomb. "Sell everything to a secondhand dealer at half price. Keep anything above that as commission."

The man gaped. "But—"

"Not interested? Plenty of other dealers will be."

"We'll do it!"

Brand-new luxury goods at half price? The profit margin was insane. Who would say no?

Evelyn bit her lip. "Miss Vivian, isn't this too much? What if Mr. Blackwood finds out?"

"Not my problem." Vivian grinned. "This villa cost a fortune. Now someone's handing me cash? I'd be a fool to refuse."

That evening, Ethan received the update.

"She accepted them?"

A smirk tugged at his lips. Maybe she wasn't as stubborn as he thought.

Then the worker stammered, "She—she sold everything to a pawnshop immediately, sir. We couldn't stop her."

Ethan's blood ran cold.

"She WHAT?"

+15 BONUS

"Clever girl, Vivian Lockhart. You'll pay for this."