Chapter 430

Sophia nodded instantly. "Absolutely!" She shared her brother's unwavering trust in Vivian. "Bestie, I need you to vet this guy. Your opinion matters most."

Before exiting the ward, Sophia shot Vivian a playful smirk and gave William's shoulder a light tap. "Better impress my bestie, or this wedding isn't happening."

William's smile never wavered. "No pressure. I'm certain Ms. Lockhart will recognize my sincerity." His gaze locked onto Vivian. "Isn't that right?"

"Perhaps." Vivian's lips curled into an enigmatic smile.

The moment the siblings left, her expression hardened. "Close the door."

William complied without protest, his demeanor still warm. "I assume you've already dug into my background, Ms. Lockhart."

Vivian arched a brow. "Smarter than you look."

"Flattery won't help your case. Sophia talks about you constantly—loyal, sharp, meticulous. Of course you'd investigate me before blessing our marriage."

"At least you're self-aware. I'll admit, your record is... surprisingly clean." Vivian hadn’t expected such humility. His lack of defensiveness unsettled her.

"Then cut the act. Why are you really pursuing Sophia?" She wasn’t here for games.

William chuckled. "What other reason could there be? I love her. I want to marry her, build a life together."

"Spare me." Disgust flickered across her face. "Sophia might buy that, but I won’t. Not with your history of obsession. And don’t pretend you’re unaware your ex is persona non grata in our circles."

His smile chilled. "Ah. Cassandra Delacroix." A muscle twitched in his jaw. "Impressive reach, Ms. Lockhart. I didn’t think you’d uncover That chapter."

"First love, wasn’t she? Drove you to madness. Yet here you are, claiming you’ve moved on?"

"It’s the truth. That darkness is behind me. I’ve rebuilt myself. All I ask is the chance to prove it."

Vivian scoffed. "Victim act won’t work. Obsession like yours doesn’t just vanish. You want something from her."

His gaze turned razor-sharp. "Funny. Weren’t you once obsessed with Nathaniel Blackwood? Yet here you are, judging me for daring to love again."

Her breath hitched. "That’s different."

"Is it? Or are you just bitter because I chose your best friend?" He tilted his head. "Unless... you never truly moved on from him?"

"Don’t project your issues onto me!" she snapped.

"Then why the double standard? If you can love again, why can’t I?" His voice dropped. "Or is this just jealousy in disguise?"

Vivian’s fists clenched. "Maybe it is."