Chapter 147

Vivian left without looking back.

Cassandra smirked in satisfaction, adjusting her grip on the intoxicated Ethan. "Mrs. Whitmore," she said to Eleanor, "I'll take Ethan to his room now. By morning, our engagement will be undeniable."

Eleanor gave a curt nod. "Good. Don't waste this chance."

She might not have approved of Cassandra, but compared to Vivian, the girl was at least obedient. Tonight had to seal Ethan's fate before Vivian could interfere again.

Nearby, Ethan's secretary, Ethan Young, shifted uneasily. Something wasn't right.

He couldn't fathom why Vivian would willingly hand Ethan over to someone like Cassandra.

Did Mrs. Blackwood truly stop loving him? If so, Mr. Blackwood is walking into disaster.

"Ethan, let's get you to bed," Cassandra cooed, sliding an arm around his waist.

Suddenly, Ethan shoved her away, his voice icy. "Don't touch me. You're not her."

Cassandra blinked. "Ethan... are you sober?"

No response. His body swayed slightly, his gaze unfocused. Still drunk, then.

Ethan Young seized the moment, stepping between them. "Miss Delacroix, you don't understand Mr. Blackwood's habits. He despises being handled when he's like this—especially by women. I'll take care of him."

Cassandra's smile tightened. The secretary was treating her like a fool.

"Really?" She laughed sharply. "Then why did he cling to Mrs. Lockhart earlier? And how, exactly, did I get pregnant if he hates being touched?"

Ethan Young's expression didn't waver. "Your pregnancy is your business, Miss Delacroix. As for Mr. Blackwood and Mrs. Lockhart—they were married for years. Some habits die hard. Unlike strangers who force themselves where they don't belong."

Cassandra's nails dug into her palms. "Watch your tone."

"You're the one panicking," he countered coolly.

She scoffed. "You defend a divorced woman so fiercely. Do you want her for yourself?"

A secretary was beneath her concern. Once she became Mrs. Blackwood, he'd be the first fired.

Ethan Young merely smiled.

Eleanor cut in, her voice like steel. "Enough. You will not disrespect Mr. Young again, or you'll regret it."

Cassandra flinched, falling silent.

Oddly, Ethan didn't resist his secretary's touch. No childish tantrums like with Vivian earlier. He simply allowed himself to be guided upstairs.

In the bedroom, Ethan Young eased him onto the bed.

A whisper slipped from Ethan's lips. "Vivian... Come back. That's an order. No one protects you but me."

Ethan Young sighed. "Mr. Blackwood, you pushed her away when she loved you. Now that she's gone, you chase her. Why make everything so difficult?"