Chapter 340

Ethan's fingers dug into Vivian's throat as rage consumed him. In that moment, he lost all control.

He needed an outlet for his guilt and fury. Rational thought had abandoned him.

Vivian couldn't speak through the pain. Her tear-filled eyes met his with eerie calm. She could fight back—but chose not to.

Cassandra had lost her child because of Vivian's mistake. If Ethan wanted her life as payment, she'd give it. Hers and the twins'. Better to die by his hand than drown in guilt forever.

Her vision darkened. Eyelids fluttering, she surrendered to the pain—

Then Ethan shoved her away, his last shred of control snapping the chain of his rage.

Vivian gasped, coughing violently. "You almost did it. Why stop?" Her voice scraped raw. "Don't you want justice for your dead child?" The desperate smile twisting her lips begged for punishment.

"Shut up!" Ethan's fists clenched. He hated her cruelty—but hated his own weakness more. He'd failed to protect his brother's last legacy. Failed to avenge an innocent life.

Pathetic.

"From today," he bit out, "we're strangers. I never want to see you again."

Vivian's heart shattered. She straightened, masking agony with icy pride. "Fine by me. Let's keep that promise."

She turned to leave—then paused at the door. "You had one chance to take revenge, Ethan. You won't get another."

"Get out," he snarled.

Neither imagined those angry words would echo for years—

Days later, Cassandra stabilized, moving from ICU to a regular ward. Ethan attended her meticulously, drowning guilt in duty.

Her body healed. Her mind didn't.

She refused food. Water. Sleep. When Ethan left, she'd scream—or reach for anything sharp.