Chapter 6

Nathaniel Blackwood's icy presence froze the air the moment Liam stepped into the hospital room.

Liam's cocky grin faltered as his eyes locked onto the imposing figure standing beside Vivian's bed. The tension between them crackled like static.

"Do you two know each other?" Nathaniel's voice was sharp enough to cut glass.

His mind raced. How could a notorious playboy like Liam Osborne and Vivian Lockhart, the poised heiress, possibly cross paths? Their worlds were galaxies apart.

Vivian buried her face in her hands. She had texted Liam to meet her here, but she hadn’t expected him to arrive so quickly.

This is like some terrible rom-com cliché—ex-husband meets the charming bad boy.

"Know her? She’s my muse!" Liam declared, striding forward with a bouquet of sunflowers.

He smirked at Nathaniel. "Little do you know, Mr. Blackwood, Miss Lockhart was legendary at Stanford. She had admirers lining up for miles. And me? I’m her most devoted fan."

Liam turned back to Vivian, his expression softening. "As your biggest supporter, I had to come celebrate you finally filing those divorce papers. Today’s a victory!"

He handed her the flowers, his gaze unusually sincere. "Sunflowers—your favorite. They stand for loyalty and new beginnings. Perfect for you."

Vivian’s chest tightened. She did love sunflowers. But to her, they had always symbolized unwavering love—the kind she’d foolishly given Nathaniel.

Now, it was time to move on.

She inhaled the fresh scent and smiled. "First flowers I’ve gotten in four years. Thank you."

"I’ll send you a fresh bouquet every day if you let me," Liam promised.

Nathaniel’s glare could’ve frozen hell over. The room temperature plummeted.

Liam noticed and smirked. "Mr. Blackwood, I owe you my gratitude. You’ve set a goddess free. Newport City just got its queen back."

Nathaniel ignored him entirely. To him, Liam was just Theodore Osborne’s spoiled brat—unworthy of acknowledgment.

But the sight of golden sunflowers against Vivian’s beauty struck him. He muttered under his breath, "I didn’t know you liked sunflowers."

"There’s a lot you don’t know about me," she replied coolly. "Liam, put these in water for me?"

"On it!" Liam obeyed instantly.

Nathaniel’s jaw clenched. What is their relationship?

Liam Osborne—infamous flirt, acting like a lovesick puppy around Vivian?

"Was there something else, Mr. Blackwood?" Vivian’s polite smile was a clear dismissal.

Nathaniel’s voice dropped dangerously low. "Remember, you’re still legally my wife. Conduct yourself accordingly."

"I will. At least I won’t end up with a surprise child like you did."

Nathaniel stormed out before he lost his temper.

The second the door shut, Liam burst out laughing.

"Did you see his face? Priceless!" He wiped tears from his eyes. "Four years, and I’ve never seen him crack. You destroyed him!"

Vivian didn’t laugh.

Nathaniel might be cold, but he was still the man she’d loved for years. This wasn’t how she’d imagined their story ending.

"Enough," she said quietly. "Where’s what I asked for? Hand it over."