Chapter 205

"Ethan Blackwood!" Vivian gasped in shock.

Her eyes nearly popped out when she spotted the towering figure standing behind Professor Kingsley and Isabella.

Ethan Blackwood was all business, through and through. What could he possibly have to discuss with Professor Kingsley, a renowned scholar?

Was he here for Isabella too?

"Big Sis Vivian! You're here! Isabella missed you so much!"

Isabella, dressed in a sunny yellow dress with her hair in twin braids, flitted over like a butterfly. Her porcelain face beamed up at Vivian with pure adoration.

"I missed you too, sweetheart. It's only been a few days, but you've gotten even prettier. Come here—let me kiss those cheeks!"

Vivian cupped Isabella's face and planted several loud kisses on her.

The heartwarming scene made Leonard and his wife exchange pleased smiles.

"They're so close. It's like they were sisters in another life," Sophia mused.

Leonard turned to Ethan. "Sophia and I never had children of our own. Before Isabella, we treated Vivian like our daughter. They haven't known each other long, but they're inseparable. Like real sisters!"

Ethan's gaze flicked to Vivian. As usual, his voice was flat. "Sisters? The age gap is too wide."

Vivian: "..."

Her fists clenched. She wanted to punch him!

Was he implying she was old?

But he was older than her! If she was old, then so was he!

Just as she was about to retaliate, Isabella chirped, "Uncle Ethan, this is Big Sis Vivian I told you about. Isn't she beautiful?"

Ethan's expression darkened. He didn't respond, clearly displeased.

Leonard quickly interjected, "No, no, you can't call him uncle if you call Vivian big sis. Isabella, remember—if you call her big sis, you should call him big brother."

"Why?"

"Because Big Sis Vivian and Uncle Ethan used to be..."

Professor Kingsley hesitated, unsure how to explain that Vivian and Ethan had once been married.

Sophia smoothly added, "They were like mommy and daddy, so they belong to the same generation. Understand?"

Isabella blinked. She looked between Vivian and Ethan, then frowned. "But Big Sis Vivian looks so much nicer than Uncle Ethan. Uncle Ethan is scary... I've never seen a big brother this scary!"

"Pfft—HAHAHA!"

Vivian burst out laughing.

"You hear that, Ethan Blackwood? Kids don't lie. She's saying you look ancient. You're pushing thirty—maybe start a skincare routine before you join Professor Kingsley's age bracket. Aren't you worried?"

Ethan stared at her like she was an idiot, then turned to Leonard. "Professor, let's talk in the study."

Leonard nodded solemnly. "Right. This way."

As the two men disappeared into the study, Vivian was still wheezing with laughter.

When she finally caught her breath, realization struck.

What was Ethan doing here? What did he need to discuss with Professor Kingsley?

"Sophia, do you know why Ethan came to see the professor?"

Sophia shook her head. "No idea. Ask Leonard yourself later."

After playing with Isabella for a while, Vivian crept toward the study, pressing her ear to the door.

Just as she leaned in, the door swung open.

She lost her balance and tumbled straight into a solid chest.

Ethan's embrace was unexpectedly secure.

"Eavesdropping is rude," he said coldly, looking down at her.

Vivian scrambled upright, cheeks burning. "Right, eavesdropping is rude—so I won't eavesdrop. I'll just sit in and listen. May I?"

Ethan gave her that same idiot-stare. "What do you think?"

Vivian glared. "I wasn't asking you. I was asking Professor Kingsley!"

She turned to Leonard with her most charming smile. "Professor, can I join you? I promise I'll be quiet."

Leonard had always doted on her. Surely he'd say yes... right?