Chapter 233

Liam had heard Vivian mention once that Ethan couldn't hold his liquor—that he turned into a clumsy amateur when it came to drinking games. That was exactly why Liam had brought the strongest vodka he could find. His plan was simple: challenge Ethan to a drinking game, get him wasted, and humiliate him publicly to avenge Vivian.

Liam knew Ethan was prideful. With a little taunting, he'd surely take the bait.

But the plan backfired spectacularly.

Ethan didn’t even glance at the bottle. Instead, he stood abruptly, turning to Dominic and Nathan. "Something came up. I'll catch up with you later."

Then, his gaze shifted to Cassandra. "Come with me."

"Me?" Cassandra's eyes widened in shock. She was just a college student working her first part-time job at the bar. Tonight had already felt surreal—now this?

Ethan didn’t wait for a response. He strode toward the exit.

"W-Wait!" Cassandra grabbed her purse and hurried after him. To her, Ethan wasn’t just a knight in shining armor—he was a lifeline. If there was even a sliver of hope, she’d cling to it.

The bar fell into stunned silence as they left.

Even Nathan, who usually defended Ethan without question, frowned. "What the hell? He barely drank tonight. Is he seriously into that girl? She looks like Vivian’s carbon copy. Ditching the real thing for a knockoff? What’s wrong with him?"

Dominic’s gaze flicked toward the exit, then back to Vivian. A knowing smirk curled his lips. "He’s serious this time."

"About her?" Nathan scoffed. "No way."

Dominic chuckled. "I didn’t say it was about her."

"This is ridiculous. It’s your bachelor party, and he just walks out? Even if he’s into her, couldn’t he wait one damn night?" Nathan muttered.

A man and a woman leaving a bar together? The implications were obvious.

Liam slammed his glass onto the table, his voice dripping with venom. "Ethan’s a heartless bastard. Playing with people’s emotions like that—karma’s coming for him."

He trudged back to Vivian, shoulders slumped. "Sorry, Boss. I failed. Didn’t expect him to be such a piece of work."

Vivian didn’t react. Instead, she shuffled her tarot cards with a serene smile, as if none of this mattered.

"Boss, don’t be upset. You’re divorced. If he’s chasing younger girls, you can too!"

Vivian remained silent, laying the cards out before her. She picked one at random and smiled. "The Sun card. Freedom and happiness. My luck’s changing—nothing to be sad about."

Liam and Sophia exchanged uneasy glances. When someone turned to superstitions for comfort, it meant they were hurting. Vivian might act carefree, but inside? She was barely holding it together.

"I’m tired," Vivian announced suddenly, standing. "Let’s go."

As she passed Dominic’s table, he called out, "Ms. Lockhart, a moment?"

She paused, turning to face him.

Dominic offered an apologetic smile. "Ethan’s emotional range is about as deep as a puddle. He doesn’t know how to express himself, so don’t take his behavior personally."

Vivian shrugged. "Doesn’t matter. We’re nothing to each other now. He can do whatever he wants."

Dominic sighed but didn’t argue. Instead, he pulled an invitation from his bag. "Olivia and I are getting married tomorrow. I meant to have Ethan deliver this, but… well. I’d rather give it to you myself. Hope you’ll come."

Vivian blinked in surprise. She and Dominic had only met a handful of times—why invite her to something so private?

Then again, the Harringtons were political royalty. Staying on their good side could only benefit the Lockhart family.

She took the invitation with a grin. "Thanks. I’ll be there in style."

Once she left, Dominic grabbed Julian. "Kid, explain yourself. Why are you so cozy with your ex-aunt?"

Julian smirked. "Ex being the key word. She’s fair game now."

"Don’t play dumb. Your uncle’s serious this time," Dominic warned.

"Could’ve fooled me." Julian’s arrogance mirrored Ethan’s perfectly. "I gave him a chance. He blew it. Can’t blame me for stepping up now."

In all his years of reckless living, Julian had met countless people—but none as intriguing as Vivian.

He wasn’t sure if it was love, but he was definitely interested.