Chapter 420

Jason Roscente's eyes rolled back as Vivian Ashcroft's chokehold tightened. His Adam's apple bobbed violently before he coughed out, wrenching her slender but surprisingly strong wrist aside.

"Trying to kill me, woman?" He gasped, his dress shirt collar twisted askew.

The fruit knife in Vivian's hand glinted coldly under the light, its tip pressing against his carotid artery. "One word about this, and I'll make today your death anniversary."

Jason arched an eyebrow, his throat moving against the blade. "Funny. Most women would announce a Roscente heir to the world. Yet here you are, hiding it?"

"This child was an accident." Sophia Lowell's fingers absently brushed her abdomen, her eyes clouding. "Ethan Roscente made it clear he'd never let me bear his child."

"Bullshit!" Jason jerked upright, the blade nicking his skin red. "If Uncle Ethan knew—"

"Knew what?" Vivian sneered, tapping the flat of the knife against his cheek. "Would he drag her to an operating table like last time?"

The air turned glacial. Jason's mouth opened, then shut, remembering Ethan's ruthless methods.

"So," Vivian yanked his ear, "either shut up, or I'll shut you up permanently."

Jason winced, eyeing the apple split in two on the coffee table. "Fine. But I want something in return."

"Bargaining now?" Vivian raised the knife toward the table.

"Wait!" He caught her wrist. "I'm risking my neck here. At least reply to my messages from now on."

Vivian glanced away. "I'm...busy."

"Liar! Last month, you left twenty-seven of my thirty-six texts on read!"

After Sophia mediated, Vivian reluctantly agreed. Once Jason left, Sophia stared at the darkening sky outside. "I'm leaving."

"Where?" Vivian spun around, sending cherries scattering.

Sophia traced the snow-capped mountain on her phone wallpaper. "Somewhere far away."