Chapter 159

Nathaniel stood rigid as always, his striking features carved in cold arrogance.

He pretended not to see Vivian and moved to step into the elevator.

Vivian tilted her chin up. She considered ignoring him—until the memory of him drunkenly wailing with a group of attractive men flashed through her mind.

The way he'd clung to her, refusing to let go... She couldn't help it. A laugh burst from her lips.

Nathaniel froze. His entire body turned to ice. "What's so funny?"

Vivian schooled her expression back to indifference. "I'm just in a good mood."

His lip curled. "What could possibly make you happy? You're delusional."

"I'm divorced. Free from hell. Of course I'm thrilled."

She smirked, eyes glinting. "Unlike you, drowning your sorrows in alcohol, hiring pretty boys to nurse your broken heart. Pathetic, really. Begging your ex-wife not to leave? The whole world saw it. Where's your dignity?"

Nathaniel's usual icy composure shattered. His fists clenched, but no retort came. He choked on his own fury.

Damn it.

That drunken video was a permanent stain on his reputation. No matter how arrogantly he carried himself now, Vivian would never see him the same way again.

He'd spent a fortune erasing every trace of that humiliation, shutting down media outlets that dared spread it. But what was the point? The world already knew.

Nathaniel Blackwood, on his knees, begging Vivian Lockhart to stay.

The shame burned.

Vivian, sensing his vulnerability, pressed harder. "Who knew you loved me so much? You should've said something sooner. I must be irresistible if even the great Nathaniel Blackwood cries over me—"

After years of groveling for his attention, the tables had turned. And she relished it.

She flicked her hair, smirking. "Be honest. How long have you been pining for me? Was all that coldness just to get my attention?"

His jaw tightened. Dark eyes bore into hers, radiating silent fury.

Vivian faltered under his glare. She swallowed hard. "Relax. Just joking."

She had more important things to do than provoke him. Time to leave.

But Nathaniel stepped inside before she could.

Her eyes widened. "What are you doing? This is my place. Get out."

"You claimed I'm obsessed with you." His tone was dangerously calm. "Why would I pass up this chance?"

"It was a joke!"

She regretted teasing him instantly.

Nathaniel was like a hornet's nest—poke him once, and he'd never let you go.

She forced a laugh. "Every man in the world might fall for me—but not you. I know my worth." Her smile turned bitter. "And yours."