Chapter 263

Dominic led Vivian to a sheltered spot and carefully seated her. "I apologize if I overstepped," he murmured, his voice laced with genuine concern. "Panic got the better of me. I hope you can forgive me."

Vivian exhaled, her earlier fury dissipating. "No, I should be thanking you. I lost control back there."

A quiet realization settled over her. Why does my ex-husband's fate still affect me like this? Our marriage is over.

Yet even as logic returned, Vivian couldn't tear her gaze from the churning waves. Arms crossed tightly, she silently pleaded, Come back, Nathaniel Blackwood. If not for me, then for our children. Please come back.

Then—miraculously—he did.

Against all odds, Nathaniel emerged from the violent currents, his powerful strokes cutting through the water as he fought his way to shore.

"They're here! They made it!" The crowd erupted in relieved cheers, rushing forward to help.

Exhaustion weighed heavily on Nathaniel as he passed Olivia to Dominic and Nathan before collapsing onto the sand, chest heaving.

"My baby! Olivia, darling, look at me!" Olivia's mother sobbed, clutching her daughter's limp form as medics swarmed around them.

Vivian approached Nathaniel, hastily wiping away traitorous tears before adopting her usual sharp tone.

"Impressive, Mr. Blackwood. Who knew you fancied yourself a hero? Planning to single-handedly repopulate the shark population?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm, but her eyes betrayed her worry. "What's next? Donating yourself to science?"

Too drained to retaliate, Nathaniel could only marvel at how the sunlight haloed Vivian's features, making his pulse stutter despite his fatigue.

"Maybe I should start calling you Sir Gallant," Vivian continued her teasing, though her fingers twitched with the urge to check him for injuries. "So? How's our knight in shining armor holding up? Need an ambulance? Or perhaps a medal?"

Nathaniel finally caught his breath—then dramatically clutched his chest. "I... can't... breathe..."

Vivian arched a skeptical brow. People who can't breathe don't talk in complete sentences.

"Quick!" Nathaniel gasped theatrically, eyelids fluttering. "Air... I need... air!"

"Are you suggesting CPR?"

"If you insist," he wheezed, the picture of suffering—though his lips twitched suspiciously.

Vivian tapped her chin, feigning deep thought before snapping her fingers. "I've got just the solution!"

Nathaniel closed his eyes, barely suppressing a grin. He could practically feel her lips already—

"Ready?" Vivian asked, voice uncharacteristically soft.

Nathaniel nodded eagerly—

—only to recoil in horror when something cold and wet smacked against his mouth. His eyes flew open to find Vivian pressing a water bottle to his lips.

"Vivian Lockhart!" he roared, saltwater dripping from his furious scowl.

She smirked, triumphant. "Hydration is crucial after seawater exposure, Sir Gallant."