Chapter 189

Blackwood Estate.

Vivian sat by the second-floor window, gazing outside for what felt like hours. Still no sign of Evelyn.

She pulled out her phone again. The call went straight to voicemail, just like the last five attempts.

"Strange. It's nearly sunset. Where could she be?"

That morning, Vivian had found a note on the kitchen counter. Evelyn's neat handwriting said she'd handle some personal business and return soon. No need to worry.

But now darkness crept across the sky, and still no Evelyn. No calls. No texts.

Something wasn't right.

Vivian's fingers tightened around her phone. With everything happening lately, too many people wanted revenge against their family.

The fading sunlight decided it. Vivian grabbed her leather jacket and headed for the door.

The silver Aston Martin parked at the gates made her freeze.

Nathaniel leaned against the hood, his silhouette stretched long by the amber streetlights. A cigarette dangled from his fingers, smoke curling into the chilly evening air.

Her traitorous heart skipped a beat.

Of all people, why him? Why now?

Vivian schooled her features into indifference and walked right past him without acknowledgment.

Nathaniel stubbed out his cigarette with deliberate slowness. The trash can lid clanged shut as he fell into step behind her.

His shadow swallowed hers whole.

Vivian quickened her pace. After three blocks, she whirled around abruptly. "Got a stalker kink, Blackwood?"

Nathaniel barely avoided colliding with her. The scant inches between them crackled with tension.

He smirked. "Dangerous neighborhood for midnight strolls, Mrs. Blackwood."

"Don't blame victims for predators' crimes." Her nails dug into her palms. "Then again, I shouldn't expect moral clarity from a man who sleeps with vipers like Cassandra Delacroix."

Nathaniel's smile deepened. The jealousy in her voice pleased him more than he'd admit. "You always get so... passionate when Cassandra's mentioned."

"Because I despise her."

"Is that all?" He stepped closer. "Or do you hate what she represents?"

Vivian retreated. "What's gotten into you tonight?"

"What if I told you my relationship with Cassandra isn't what you think?" His gaze held hers. "That I protect her for reasons you don't know?"

"What reasons?" Vivian's breath hitched.

The streetlight flickered above them, casting shadows across Nathaniel's unreadable expression.