Chapter 72

"Which documents?"

Vivian felt like she could finally surface for air. Her mind cleared instantly. Those sharp eyes focused intently.

"Wasn't it you who wanted me to sign the equity transfer agreement? Hand them over before I reconsider!"

Nathaniel's voice carried that familiar icy arrogance.

He actually agreed?!

Vivian could hardly believe it. She immediately presented the contract and pen with both hands, movements precise and respectful.

"Right here, Mr. Blackwood."

She barely dared to breathe during the entire process, terrified this volatile man might change his mind over some imagined slight.

Nathaniel signed with mechanical precision before delivering his ultimatum in that detached tone. "The divorce settlement terms stay confidential. If you want something, ask directly. No need for underhanded tactics."

Each word struck like an icicle - sharp, cold, painful.

Vivian froze.

She'd thought his quick compliance meant he hadn't believed Walter's accusations.

Apparently, she'd been wrong.

Not that it mattered anymore. Vivian was done explaining herself.

They were divorcing anyway. His opinion of her held no weight now.

His sudden cooperation probably just ensured their clean break.

"Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Blackwood. Barring complications, we only need to see each other once more - when we finalize the divorce. After that..."

Vivian secured the signed contract and left without a backward glance.

Nathaniel's glacial stare remained fixed on the empty doorway long after she'd gone.

Her eagerness to escape him was palpable.

It puzzled him. She'd forfeited $40 million in alimony for that failing law firm.

What game was she playing?

Did she not realize how incompetent Blackwood Legal's partners were? Could she possibly handle them?

Next morning.

Vivian rose early. Professional makeup, polished leather heels - she marched toward Blackwood Legal with determined energy.

Though technically a Blackwood Group subsidiary, the firm operated independently.

Beyond handling corporate legal matters, they'd once accepted private cases too, sharing only annual profits with the parent company.

But backed by the Blackwood empire, the lawyers grew complacent. Private cases dwindled to zero.

Now they just collected paychecks while the firm bled money annually.

Every December, the three absentee partners miraculously appeared to demand Blackwood Group subsidies.

The corporation had wanted to ditch these parasites for years. Contractual obligations prevented it.

By taking the firm off their hands, Vivian had actually done them a favor.

The address led her to a dilapidated building beyond the Fourth Ring Road.

The rusted "Blackwood Legal" sign looked ready to crash down any second.

Exactly the cesspool she'd expected.

This only fueled Vivian's determination.

Inside, only a janitor wiping desks occupied the space.

Eventually a lawyer wandered in. Before she could speak, he dismissed her. "Take your lawsuit next door. We're not accepting clients."

Vivian's lips pressed tight. She approached the janitor instead. "Mr. Caldwell, might I have a word?"