Chapter 32

"With who?" Vivian's confusion was evident as she struggled to comprehend Sophia's frantic words. She'd learned long ago not to take her best friend's dramatics too seriously.

"Ethan Blackwood!" Sophia shrieked through the phone. "Tell me you didn't actually sleep with that bastard! I may have supported you two once, but he crossed every line imaginable! Weren't you the one demanding a divorce? How could you—"

Vivian cut her off. "Who told you that happened?" She cringed, realizing Sophia must have seen last night's livestream. "It was all performance. Yes, we kissed, but I also slapped him across the face."

The kiss had been a small price to pay for the satisfaction of seeing shock register on Ethan's perfect features when her palm connected with his cheek. "Worth every second," Vivian muttered.

"Oh my god, you hit him?" Sophia's tone shifted to impressed before turning serious again. "But that doesn't excuse sleeping with him! Swear to me nothing happened. The paparazzi photos show you both returning to Sunrise Heights together. Is he there with you now?"

"Don't be absurd!" Vivian scoffed, though her stomach dropped. She had no memory of Ethan accompanying her home. The photos Sophia sent showed them entering the luxury apartment building within minutes of each other.

Sunrise Heights contained only two exclusive units. Nathan Prescott had secured it for her personally. She'd guarded her privacy fiercely, never disclosing her address to anyone.

Which meant only one explanation: Ethan was stalking her.

"That manipulative bastard." Ice flooded Vivian's veins.

She ended the call with Sophia and immediately dialed Ethan's private number.

His sleep-roughened voice answered with surprise. "Vivian?"

"Cut the act, Blackwood," she spat. "How pathetic can you be? Following me like some common stalker? I detest mind games. Our divorce is happening whether you like it or not. One more stunt like this and I'm filing a restraining order."

A beat of silence. Then Ethan's voice turned glacial. "Explain yourself."

"Don't play dumb! The tabloids have photos of you entering Sunrise Heights last night and not leaving. Are you lurking outside my door right now? That cold CEO persona was always a front—you're just a creep who can't take no for an answer!"

"You live at Sunrise Heights?" Ethan ignored her tirade, zeroing in on the address.

The doorbell chimed, cutting through Vivian's mounting fury. Assuming it was her breakfast delivery, she hung up and stormed to the door in her sleep shorts and barely-there camisole.

Her blood turned to fire when she yanked the door open to find Ethan standing there, impeccably dressed in a charcoal suit, his expression unreadable.

"You psycho!" She instinctively crossed her arms over her chest. "Were you camped out here all night? I'm calling security!"

Ethan's gaze flickered over her disheveled state. "Cute pajamas. Though that neckline is dangerously low. Might want to button up before answering doors."

Heat flooded Vivian's cheeks. "Eyes up here, pervert!"

A muscle ticked in Ethan's jaw. "No need for modesty. We're still married, in case you've forgotten."

"Answer me!" Vivian's hands balled into fists. "Why were you following me? And what the hell are you doing at my home?"