Chapter 107

"You're the most ungrateful man I've ever met. Completely paranoid!"

Vivian stormed out of the memorial chamber, her heels clicking angrily against the marble floor. She couldn't stop the furious words tumbling from her lips.

What was she thinking, trying to be kind to that impossible man? She was only making herself angrier. She could be soaking in her jacuzzi right now with a glass of wine, binge-watching her favorite show.

Winston had been waiting outside. Seeing Vivian emerge so quickly, he rushed forward. "Mrs. Lockhart? That was fast—"

"That insufferable man is using me and insulting me. Why should I stay?"

"Surely you're mistaken!"

Winston shamelessly pleaded, "You know Mr. Blackwood's temperament. He's stubborn and sharp-tongued but doesn't mean half of what he says. Please help him. Convince him to eat and treat his wounds, or he might not survive the night."

"Absolutely not!" Vivian clenched her jaw, her expression hardening. "He made it clear his life is none of my concern!"

"Oh no! Mr. Blackwood collapsed—" Winston cried out in panic. "Mrs. Lockhart, help! He'll die at this rate!"

Vivian squeezed her eyes shut, stomped her foot, and spun around. 'Ethan Blackwood, I must have owed you a life debt in my past existence!'

Ethan had indeed collapsed on the floor. His forehead glistened with sweat as he endured the pain from his lash wounds.

"Why did you come back? Get out!"

Even in this weakened state, Ethan's arrogance remained intact.

"Shut your mouth, you idiot!" Without another word, Vivian began stripping Ethan's shirt off.

His broad shoulders and perfectly sculpted back muscles were now visible. The whip marks across his golden skin gave him a dangerously alluring aura.

"Ahem!"

Vivian's mouth went dry at the sight. She swallowed hard and cleared her throat, trying to mask her racing heartbeat.

Though weakened, Ethan's sharp eyes missed nothing. He easily detected Vivian's attraction. "Woman. You couldn't keep your hands off me last time. Trying to take advantage again?" His voice was icy.

"What nonsense! You're utterly delusional!"

Flustered, Vivian accidentally poured too much ointment onto his wounds.

Ethan grimaced in pain, sweat dripping down his temples. Then a cooling sensation spread through his wounds, gradually easing the agony. The burning pain subsided noticeably.

Vivian continued treating his injuries, her touch gentler now. Ethan's tense expression slowly relaxed.

Her slender fingers moved with feather-light precision across his back. Each stroke sent tingling waves straight to his core.

"Remarkable! Mr. Blackwood never behaves this docilely, but Mrs. Lockhart always knows how to handle him!"

Winston, peeking through the chamber door, whispered to himself in awe.

In their four years of marriage, this was the first time he'd witnessed such harmony between them. The rare moment moved him to tears.

Suddenly, Winston felt an oppressive presence behind him. He turned and nearly had a heart attack.

"M-Master Alfred—"

"What are you doing skulking about at this hour?" The elder Blackwood's voice was stern.

"Sir, it's not what you think! Mrs. Lockhart, she—" Winston stammered nervously.

Alfred glanced away. "I don't know what you're babbling about, but I saw nothing."

With that, the old man walked away as if nothing had occurred—though he couldn't suppress the knowing smile tugging at his lips.

Winston suddenly understood.

'Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!' The butler marveled at the patriarch's tactics. Truly, with age came wisdom!