Chapter 417

"So, you finally understand! Then let me make my own decisions about having children—and with whom. Your interference isn't necessary!" Nathaniel Blackwood snapped, slamming the brakes.

Vivian Lockhart realized she had overstepped. Nathaniel was a man of pride, accustomed to control. Dictating something as personal as fatherhood would naturally provoke him.

"Fine, I apologize. I was too pushy." She exhaled sharply. "But my intentions were good. I only suggested the procedure for you and Miss Delacroix—"

"Get out." His voice was ice.

"What? We're not even there yet." She glanced at the dense woods outside, confused.

"Now." His knuckles whitened on the steering wheel. Only sheer frustration could make him this rude.

"Fine!" Vivian shoved the door open. The suffocating tension in the car made walking to the cemetery seem preferable.

The tires screeched as Nathaniel sped away.

"Petty, much?" She scowled at the vanishing car. "I was trying to help solve their fertility issues. A little gratitude would’ve been nice, but no—he had to throw a tantrum. Ungrateful bastard."

The forest air was unnervingly cold for summer.

Her phone buzzed—a message from Kevin.

[Done. Full dossier sent to your email.]

Vivian opened the attachment immediately. A ten-page PDF detailed William Carter’s life: birth records, education, friendships.

The report confirmed his claims. He came from an academic family, was well-respected in his circles, and had no shady connections.

Except one glaring red flag.

Leia was his second girlfriend. His first? Cassandra Delacroix.

At twenty, William had fallen hard for Cassandra. Their relationship lasted three months before she dumped him. He’d begged, even threatened suicide. Afterward, he buried himself in studies, becoming a rising star set to inherit his father’s empire.

Past relationships were normal. But Cassandra’s involvement? That reeked of trouble.

Too engrossed, Vivian didn’t notice she’d strayed into dangerous territory.