Chapter 4

"Unbelievable! The audacity of this man!" Vivian's thoughts burned with fury. She had always believed Nathaniel to be a man of integrity—someone who would never stoop to infidelity.

Yet here he was, shattering that illusion completely. Not only was he planning to marry his mistress, but they were also expecting a child together.

That final revelation erased any lingering sorrow in Vivian's heart. She felt nothing but cold resolve now.

"So you were cheating on me, is that it?"

Before Nathaniel could answer, Cassandra wedged herself between them, tears already welling in her eyes. "Miss Lockhart, this is all my fault! If it makes you feel better, you can take your anger out on me—"

Is this woman serious? She’s acting like we’re in some cheap melodrama.

"Really?" Vivian raised her hand as if to strike.

Cassandra shrieked and ducked behind Nathaniel.

"You just said I could punish you however I wanted," Vivian said with a mocking smile, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Relax, I’m not some barbarian. I don’t resort to slapping people like in those ridiculous dramas."

"If you two are truly in love, I’ll gladly step aside and end this marriage."

"W-what?"

Cassandra blinked in shock. She had been ready to play the victim, but Vivian had just handed her victory without a fight.

So the rumors were true. Their marriage really was just a business arrangement. Why else would she be so calm about her husband’s affair?

Vivian continued, her voice steady. "Since you betrayed me, I think it’s only fair we renegotiate the terms of our divorce."

At the mention of money, Cassandra’s mask slipped.

"Nathaniel already agreed to give you forty million dollars and a penthouse! That’s more than generous! Don’t forget—the Blackwoods were the ones who cleaned up your family’s mess. How can you be so shameless?"

Vivian nearly laughed at Cassandra’s sudden outburst.

"Oh? We’re not even divorced yet, and the mistress is already managing his finances? Worried he’ll lose too much in the settlement? Who’s the greedy one here?"

Cassandra paled. "Th-that’s not what I meant—"

Nathaniel had remained silent until now. His piercing gaze locked onto Vivian. "Go on."

She met his stare without flinching. "I don’t want your money or the penthouse. Just hand over Blackwood Legal."

"Hunts & Co.?" His brow furrowed slightly.

As one of the Elite Eight families of Newport City, the Blackwoods had countless businesses under their empire. A single law firm was insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

He barely remembered its existence—it mostly handled the family’s legal affairs. To him, it was little more than a charity, with employees collecting high salaries for minimal work.

She’s turning down forty million for this worthless firm? What’s her game?

For the first time, Nathaniel studied her closely. In just a few days, she had transformed into someone entirely different.

"That’s my only condition," Vivian said. "I’ll send over the amended paperwork soon. It’s late, so if you’ll excuse me."

She flashed a triumphant smile. "Oh, and I wish you both a very happy life together."

Her cool facade lasted only a moment.

Her vision blurred.

Then everything went black.