Chapter 281

"Tch!"

Ethan's face darkened further, his lips curling in undisguised contempt.

The reason for his anger? Even he couldn't explain it.

Every time he saw Vivian getting close to another man, this inexplicable fury would bubble up inside him.

"What's with the attitude? Man, you claim you're not jealous but your face tells a different story—"

Nathan smirked. "I'll admit, I used to dislike Viv. Back then, I thought she was just some gold-digger clinging to you, a delicate flower that could only survive under the Blackwood family's protection. I believed she was holding you back from finding real happiness—"

"But now that you're divorced, I see how capable she truly is. Not only does she run Blackwood Legal and Lockhart Enterprises flawlessly, she's even acquiring land from me—probably for some ambitious project. Far from being fragile, she's more like a resilient, venomous blossom!"

Before Nathan could finish singing Vivian's praises, Julian chimed in enthusiastically. "Damn right. Our boss is brilliant, resourceful, and detail-oriented. All three partners at Blackwood Legal now follow her lead willingly. I've never seen the firm's employees so motivated before—it's like the place finally woke up from hibernation. All thanks to our boss's incredible leadership!"

Vivian flushed slightly at the compliments. She waved a dismissive hand. "It's nothing special. Just channeling my newfound freedom into work, that's all—"

Ethan zeroed in on the crucial detail amidst the praise. His brow furrowed as he demanded, "You got land from Nathan? What for?"

"That's classified information, Mr. Blackwood."

"Don't tell me you're building a manufacturing plant?"

"How perceptive. But... only half correct."

Vivian's lips curved mysteriously. "Lockhart Enterprises won't remain just a manufacturer forever. We're expanding into core business territories."

"You've lost your mind!"

Ethan looked at her like she'd grown a second head. His voice turned icy. "Do you even comprehend the challenges you'll face? The risks involved?"

The barrage of questions left Vivian momentarily speechless.

She couldn't fathom why he was so worked up. Was he afraid Lockhart Enterprises would grow powerful enough to challenge Blackwood Group's market dominance? Talk about insecurity!

Nathan couldn't resist teasing. "Bro, not your circus, not your monkeys. Need I remind you—you're divorced now. Whether she wants to start a business or date someone new, it's none of your concern. The risks? The consequences? Not your problem!"

"Right. Why should I care?"

Ethan stood abruptly, his expression unreadable. "Finished eating. Goodbye."

With that, he strode out.

The atmosphere instantly turned awkward.

Nathan offered Vivian and Julian an apologetic look. "Sorry about that. He's not usually this temperamental."

Vivian and Julian exchanged knowing glances. "No explanation needed. We're familiar with his... quirks."

Dinner continued with the trio taking turns roasting Ethan's behavior.

After the meal, they went their separate ways. Julian and Vivian headed in one direction while Nathan happened to be going the same way as Vivian, so she accepted a ride home with him.

Engrossed in lively conversation, neither noticed the dark figure watching them from a distance—or the impending storm brewing on the horizon.