Chapter 14

"Achoo! Achoo!"

Vivian Lockhart sneezed violently as she stepped into the packed restaurant, her ears burning with each convulsion.

"Strange. I know I'm not sick anymore," she muttered, rubbing her nose. "Then why won't these sneezes stop?"

Sophia Osborne slid into the booth across from her, tossing a copy of 'Newport Daily' onto the table. "Someone's definitely gossiping about you, Viv. And guess what? Your soon-to-be ex-husband just put a two-hundred-million bounty on your head!"

As Nathaniel Blackwood's twin sister, Sophia shared a unique bond with Vivian. Unlike her brother's hero worship, their relationship thrived on equal footing - trading barbs and creating chaos wherever they went.

Vivian skimmed the headline and smirked. "If he's got time for petty revenge games, maybe he should fix that pathetic security system first. Took me less than ten minutes to breach it. Pathetic."

"That's my girl!" Sophia grinned, raising her beer. "Never change, Phoenix. Though honestly, how did that ice sculpture Nathaniel end up with someone like Cassandra? The man's got the emotional range of a teaspoon."

She took a swig before continuing, "And after everything you've done for Blackwood Group! Without you intercepting those cyberattacks, their system would've collapsed years ago. Ungrateful bastard deserves what's coming."

Sophia had once rooted for their marriage, hoping the arranged union would blossom into love. That fantasy shattered when Nathaniel moved his pregnant mistress into their home. The betrayal still burned hotter in Sophia's chest than Vivian's ever could.

A waiter arrived with sizzling skewers and chilled beers. Sophia immediately cracked one open, downing half in one go while Vivian hesitated over the menu.

"Come on, Viv! Freedom's just around the corner!" Sophia waved another beer enticingly. "Let's get properly wasted tonight!"

Vivian bit her lip and signaled the waiter. "Orange juice, please. And the grilled chicken salad."

Sophia choked on her drink. "Are you kidding me? This is your divorce celebration! Since when do you turn down spicy food and alcohol?"

"I... can't today. You know how it is." Vivian avoided direct eye contact, fingers tracing the condensation on her water glass.

She hadn't told anyone about the pregnancy, not even Sophia. The private clinic appointment was already booked for two days from now. Yet despite her decision, some irrational part kept worrying about the baby's wellbeing.

"Oh! Right." Sophia's eyes widened in understanding. She pushed a glass of warm water toward Vivian. "Should've guessed. Here, this'll help."

"Thanks, Soph." Vivian smiled softly.

Saving the Osborne twins remained her proudest achievement. They'd become her chosen family - the only people she trusted completely.

"Well, well. If it isn't the perfect Mrs. Blackwood?" A mocking voice cut through their conversation as a shadow fell across their table.