Chapter 137

Vivian Lockhart became an overnight sensation after the summit forum, despite being virtually unknown before.

She was now the darling of the tech world. People flocked to her, eager for photos and conversation, as if nothing else mattered.

Traditionally, the summit's conclusion was marked by a grand banquet attended by industry elites. Naturally, Ethan Blackwood and Vivian were both expected to attend.

They sat at the same table, but several people separated them.

Though they had once been intimately close as husband and wife, not a single word passed between them. Not even a glance.

In truth, Vivian didn’t spare Ethan a single look. Ethan, however, couldn’t take his eyes off her—his infamous "Blackwood Stare" locked onto her the entire evening.

With a glass in hand and effortless charm, Vivian mingled with industry titans like she’d been doing it for years. There was no trace of the timid, submissive woman she’d once been.

Ethan’s expression remained dark throughout the meal, his icy demeanor warning others to stay away. Anyone who dared approach him with congratulations or a toast quickly retreated under his piercing glare.

The banquet hall became a study in contrasts—one side lively with laughter and conversation around Vivian, the other silent and tense around Ethan.

Ethan Young stood behind his boss, equally captivated by Vivian.

"Mr. Blackwood," he murmured, "I never knew Mrs. Blackwood had this side to her. A tech genius and a master networker? How did we miss this?"

Ethan’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing.

"Remember when you said the new association director would blacklist Lockhart Enterprises?" Ethan Young continued, oblivious. "Now we should be grateful if she doesn’t blacklist us. Talk about a power move."

Ethan shot him a look that could freeze hell. "If you can’t use that tongue wisely, I’ll have it removed."

Undeterred, Ethan Young pressed on. "Sir, swallow your pride and remarry her. She’s not the woman who used to hide indoors anymore. She’s the director of the Tech Association now. Together, you’d be unstoppable."

Ethan remained silent, but his gaze burned into Vivian. The Blackwoods ruled Harborview City’s elite. Blackwood Group was untouchable. He didn’t need a wife for power.

Yet the thought of her surrounded by other men made his blood boil.

He wanted to drag her home and keep her away from them all.

The intensity of his possessiveness startled even him.

Misreading his silence as agreement, Ethan Young cleared his throat and called out, "Ms. Lockhart! Mr. Blackwood would like a word with you—in private!"

Vivian was deep in conversation with the Minister of Technology and other key figures. At Ethan Young’s words, her smile vanished.

She swirled her orange juice, then turned to Ethan with an unreadable expression.

"An invitation from Mr. Blackwood himself?" Her voice was cool, measured. "How could I refuse?"