Chapter 320

Julian Blackwood was undeniably handsome, but Vivian Lockhart barely knew him. His sudden closeness made her skin crawl.

She ducked under his arm and slammed him against the wall, twisting his wrist behind his back with practiced ease.

A pained grunt escaped Julian as his face pressed into the cold stone.

"Try that again," Vivian hissed, her breath hot against his ear, "and I'll break every bone in your pretty little hand."

"Damn—Vivian, let go!" Julian yelped, shocked by her strength. His shout echoed through the courtyard.

Eleanor Kingsley smirked from her hiding spot. "Perfect. He's playing his part well."

Inside the room, Vivian finally released him after a final warning squeeze.

"Scarlet Phoenix," Julian groaned, rubbing his sore wrist as he backed away. "Hacker, fighter, and absolute menace. What man would dare marry you?"

Her glare sharpened. "Keep talking. See what happens."

"Alright, alright!" He threw his hands up. "But you can't expect me to be silent all the time, can you?"

"I absolutely can." She folded her arms. "Now—what's your plan for Eleanor Whitmore?"

Julian's playful expression darkened. "Teach her some manners. Make sure she never forgets her place."

"Are you insane?" Vivian's pulse spiked. "She's Nathaniel's mother. The Blackwoods won't let this slide. Your little army might be impressive, but theirs isn't just for show. This won't end well for either family."

Julian scoffed. "There's always a winner and a loser. We've been dancing around each other for years. Time to stop pretending."

The Blackwoods had been itching for a fight. Eleanor had just handed them the perfect excuse.

"But—"

"Stay out of it, Scarlet." Julian straightened his jacket. "The Lockharts have no stake in this. Just sit back and enjoy the show."

He left before she could argue.

Vivian clenched her fists. She couldn't just wait around. If Julian made his move, this would spark a full-blown war.

There was only one solution: find where they were holding Eleanor and sneak her back to Newport City.

But the Blackwood estate was massive, and every inch was under surveillance. Where would they keep her?

"No time to waste." She yanked open her closet.