Chapter 109

"Kind?"

Nathaniel Blackwood idly shuffled through the stack of files. His lips twisted into a chilling smirk. "Did you misjudge her true nature?"

"Misjudge?"

Ethan Young gulped, his throat tight. "For years, Mrs. Lockhart has been nothing but devoted to you," he dared to argue. "She played the perfect wife at home and maintained an impeccable public image. A model of grace and loyalty. As for her sudden shift in behavior... I believe the blame falls on you, Mr. Blackwood."

Nathaniel's expression darkened. "Me?"

"Absolutely!"

Ethan couldn't stop himself from defending Vivian, even if it cost him his job. "You've been cold and indifferent to her for years. Worse, you betrayed her. If you hadn't broken her heart, why would she have turned to a playboy like Julian Montgomery? She wouldn't have built Lockhart Enterprises with him just to rival Blackwood Group—"

"I've always known Mrs. Lockhart was exceptional. A prodigy who skipped grades, a genius in physics and engineering. She abandoned her career for you because she loved you. And what did you do? You threw her away, letting that worthless playboy Julian take what was yours. What a waste!"

Ethan thought of all the clients Blackwood Group had lost to Lockhart Enterprises. Even Kingsley Holdings, a long-standing partner, had switched sides.

Then it hit him. Lockhart Enterprises wasn’t just some vanity project for Julian. At this rate, they could soon rival Blackwood Group in the tech industry.

"Honestly, I’m more impressed by Julian than by Mrs. Lockhart’s transformation. A notorious womanizer, linked to countless socialites and actresses—yet he gave it all up for her. Handed over Lockhart Enterprises without hesitation. Now that’s love."

Ethan cleared his throat, deliberately provoking Nathaniel further. "If you keep this up, I wouldn’t be surprised if she walks away for good."

Nathaniel’s expression turned glacial. He shot Ethan a warning glare. "True love?"

A controlling stake in some small company? Nathaniel could’ve tossed her a dozen of those without blinking.

But thinking about it now—Vivian’s desperation to secure Kingsley Holdings had nothing to do with Julian. It was all for her own ambitions. Julian was just a means to an end.

Strangely, that thought lightened his mood.

"Anyway," Ethan switched to business, "the Global Tech Summit is in Harborview City in three days. Major players and industry leaders will be there. QuantumTech, our core chip supplier, is attending. Blackwood Group has dominated the tech sector with a 75% market share for five years straight. Your presence is mandatory."

Nathaniel arched a brow. "Of course. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him."

Later, at The Velvet Room.

Vivian trudged to the fourth floor, barely interested, searching for the most extravagant private suite.

She’d finally closed the deal between Lockhart Enterprises and Kingsley Holdings. A hard-won victory, and the team insisted on celebrating. Sophia had promised her a surprise.

"Viv, I’ve got something special for you. Custom-made. You’ll love it!" Sophia’s voice had been giddy over the phone.

"Stop. You’re definitely scheming again."

Pushing open the door, Vivian froze at the sight before her—