Chapter 22

Vivian flashed a calm smile at the secretary.

"Relax, I've got this."

With that, she straightened her shoulders and walked into Ethan's office with purpose. Just as she'd anticipated, Cassandra Delacroix was there.

The woman was clinging to Ethan, tears streaking her cheeks, but she immediately pulled away when Vivian entered—like a guilty child caught with stolen candy.

"Mrs. Lockhart, please don't misunderstand, we were just—"

"Spare me." Vivian held up a hand. She turned to Ethan, her voice cool. "Apologies for interrupting your little moment, Mr. Blackwood, but I'm here for the divorce settlement. Once you sign, I'll be out of your hair."

Ethan leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "That urgent, is it?"

What kind of game is he playing now? Vivian clenched her jaw, forcing down the impulse to slap him. "What do you think?"

"There's still twenty days until the divorce is finalized." His tone was flat. "I don't see the rush."

Her nails dug into her palms. She'd never wanted to punch someone more in her life.

Did that hit to the head actually damage his brain?

He's the one who served me divorce papers! The one who threw me out the same night so his mistress could move in! And now he's suddenly in no hurry?

"Are you joking?" Vivian gestured sharply at Cassandra's swollen stomach. "Look at her. That baby isn't going to wait, even if you are. Just sign the damn papers."

Ethan smirked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "How thoughtful of my soon-to-be ex-wife. But why would I let go of someone as remarkable as you so easily?"

Both Vivian and Cassandra stiffened.

What the hell does he want? Vivian's patience snapped. He demanded the divorce, and now he's refusing to sign? Who does he think he is—some kind of king making decrees?

Cassandra cut in, her voice sweet but edged with venom. "Ethan, I can wait, but Mrs. Lockhart seems... impatient. Maybe she's already found someone else. Why not just sign and put her out of her misery?"

The temperature in the room plummeted. Ethan's jaw tightened, his displeasure palpable.

Vivian almost denied the accusation—but then she realized it might work in her favor. She stayed silent, letting the implication hang in the air.

Cassandra swallowed nervously and pressed on. "Since there's no love between you two, wouldn't it be better to just... let go?"

"Exactly," Vivian agreed.

The words stung, but they were true. Ethan had never loved her—so why was he dragging this out?

Is this just another way to torment me?

"Leave," Ethan ordered coldly.

Cassandra shot Vivian a smug glance. "You should go, Mrs. Lockhart. I'll talk to Ethan for you."

But then Ethan clarified, his voice sharp. "You leave, Cassandra."

Her face flushed crimson. "Oh. I—I'll go, then."

The door clicked shut, leaving only the two of them.

Ethan stood, his movements deliberate as he closed the distance between them.

Vivian tensed. "What are you doing?"

He caged her against the desk, his voice a low growl. "Tell me. Is there really someone else?"