Chapter 206

Professor Kingsley didn't comply with Vivian's request this time.

He said firmly, "This matter remains confidential between us. But we're done discussing now. I'll prepare dinner while you two take Isabella for a walk."

Vivian blinked. "But—"

She wanted to protest that it wasn't appropriate.

Nathaniel was quicker. His expression remained impassive as he stated, "I've heard Stanford University has a renowned pathway called Magnolia Lane. A walk sounds acceptable."

"Exactly!" Professor Kingsley's eyes twinkled as he glanced between them. "Magnolia Lane is our campus landmark. The blossoms are currently in full bloom—white petals drifting like snowfall when the wind blows."

He leaned closer conspiratorially. "There's even a legend... Couples who walk hand-in-hand down this lane are destined to grow old together. My wife Sophia and I, along with other faculty couples living nearby, prove its magic."

Vivian feigned horror. "That's terrifying! Imagine being stuck forever with someone you despise."

She deliberately wrinkled her nose at Nathaniel while exiting.

His jaw tightened.

That woman had clearly aimed those words at him. The audacity!

Professor Kingsley chuckled. "See? I warned you. Vivian's true mischievous nature emerges when she's free. Marriage suppressed her spirit."

Nathaniel remained silent.

"A little" was a gross understatement. Post-divorce, she'd become an entirely different person.

Sometimes he wondered if she had multiple personalities.

"Come, Isabella! Adventure awaits!"

The two women departed like carefree sisters.

Stanford University remained as Vivian remembered—a perfect blend of academic rigor and artistic charm.

During her student days, she'd been legendary—both for her striking beauty and prodigious intellect.

Yet at her zenith, she'd shocked everyone by marrying into wealth, abandoning her physics career. A tragic waste of brilliance...

Magnolia petals dusted Vivian's hair like nature's confetti.

She caught one, inhaling its fragrance as sunlight illuminated her porcelain features. The scene belonged in a romance film.

"It's snowing!" Isabella twirled beneath the floral shower, spotting Nathaniel's approach. "Uncle Nathaniel! Join us!"

She dragged the reluctant man toward Vivian.

"Why are you following us?" Vivian's cheeks pinkened.

Had he witnessed her cinematic moment? Mortifying.

Nathaniel's sculpted features betrayed no emotion. "Public pathways aren't your personal property."

Vivian huffed.

Infuriating man!

Chin lifted, she declared, "Actually, this lane was created for me."

His eyebrow arched skeptically.

"Don't believe me?"

She flagged down a passing student. "Excuse me! Could you share Magnolia Lane's history?"

"Absolutely!" The eager student launched into an animated explanation.

"Years ago, this very path..."