Chapter 89

The man striding down the hospital corridor was Leonard Kingsley himself - the very person Vivian Lockhart had been waiting for all night.

"Ms. Lockhart, my foolish daughter has crossed every line this time." Leonard's voice carried genuine remorse as he adjusted his cufflinks. "She's been confined to her room for a month as punishment. I can only hope you'll find the grace to forgive her."

Vivian's gaze drifted toward Ethan Blackwood's private ward, her nails digging into her palms.

The doctors said he'd survive, but the black mamba venom still lingered in his system. No one could predict the long-term effects. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on her shoulders.

If she hadn't staged that ridiculous performance to secure Kingsley Holdings' cooperation, Ethan wouldn't be lying unconscious now.

The opportunity to make her demand stood before her. Yet the words stuck in her throat.

Nathan Prescott had no such reservations. "If apologies fixed everything, we wouldn't need courts," he said sharply, stepping forward. "You're a businessman, Mr. Kingsley. Do you really think pretty words compensate for what your daughter did?"

Leonard nodded solemnly. "I've considered this carefully. If you'll drop the matter, Ms. Lockhart, Kingsley Holdings will partner with whichever company you choose - Lockhart Enterprises or Blackwood Group."

"Now that's what I call a proper apology!" Nathan's eyes gleamed with triumph.

Everything was falling into place perfectly. His admiration for Vivian grew - it had taken her less than twenty-four hours to outmaneuver a seasoned fox like Leonard Kingsley.

"Since we're all here," Nathan pressed, producing a contract from his briefcase, "why don't we make it official?"

But Vivian shook her head. "We'll decide after my husband wakes."

Nathan whirled around, mouthing silent protests. After coming this far, at the final moment she wanted to stop? Had she lost her mind?

Vivian ignored his frantic gestures.

She knew exactly what she was doing.

Passing up Kingsley Holdings meant forfeiting Lockhart Enterprises' chance to dominate the market overnight.

But she couldn't do it. Not like this. Not until Ethan opened his eyes.

Leonard's sharp gaze flickered between them, trying to decipher their relationship. Not lovers, certainly. Yet something more than colleagues. Then at Ethan lying motionless behind glass...

What a complicated triangle.

"Very well," Leonard conceded. "The offer stands whenever you're ready, Ms. Lockhart." With a curt nod, he departed.

Nathan bit back his frustration. Vivian always had her reasons. Lockhart Enterprises was hers to command - he was merely an employee following orders.

Business called him away, leaving Vivian alone in the sterile hallway.

The head physician arrived with test results, adjusting his glasses nervously. "Mrs. Blackwood, while your husband's life isn't in danger, the mamba venom requires several days to fully purge from his system."

He lowered his voice conspiratorially. "During this period... Mr. Blackwood may exhibit some unusual symptoms. I thought you should be prepared..."