Chapter 169

Vivian signaled for a taxi, swaying slightly as she stood by the curb of Skyview Retreat.

Nathaniel had followed her out without her noticing. His fingers closed around her slender wrist. Concern darkened his gaze as he asked, "You're pale. What's wrong?"

"I'm furious with your little mistress!" Vivian snapped without hesitation.

She tried to shake him off, but her limbs felt like lead. Weakness pinned her in place.

"Are you sick? Should I take you to the hospital?"

Nathaniel couldn't leave her like this. He was already mentally calculating the fastest route to the emergency room.

"Save your fake concern!" Vivian scoffed. The man was insufferable. She glared at him, lips curling in disdain. "If you had any shame, you'd make your precious Cassandra grovel at my feet with an apology. Otherwise, things will get much uglier. Trust me, I won't let this slide."

The threat should've been cutting. Instead, it came out breathless, stripping the words of their bite.

"Do what you must. It's your right. But first, let's get you checked by a doctor." Nathaniel spoke softly, as if coaxing a child.

He steadied her trembling frame, guiding her gently toward his parked sports car.

"I said back off!" Vivian jerked away, eyes glistening with unshed tears.

The injustice burned. She was the victim here, yet Nathaniel made her seem like the villain while defending Cassandra.

His sudden tenderness cracked her defenses. At least he wasn't completely heartless.

They'd barely taken three steps when his phone rang. One of the officers who'd taken Cassandra away was calling.

"Mr. Blackwood—you need to come to the station immediately! Miss Delacroix... something's wrong, and we can't handle it!"

Nathaniel's expression turned to ice. "Explain."

"She complained of severe abdominal pain. We tried taking her to the hospital, but she refused! She insists on seeing you first. It's urgent—please hurry!"

The officer's panicked voice carried clearly. Vivian heard every word.

"Understood."

Nathaniel ended the call and released Vivian. His dark eyes met hers, silent but speaking volumes.

Vivian laughed bitterly. What had she expected? How foolish to think he'd choose her.

She waved him off. "Go on then. Your damsel in distress awaits."

"Will you be alright alone?"

Genuine worry lingered in his gaze.

"Does it matter?" Vivian's voice was frosty. "I survived four years without you. I'll manage now."

Her heart had shattered long ago. Nothing he did could hurt her anymore.

To Nathaniel, she was disposable. An afterthought.

Her taxi arrived. She slid inside without a backward glance.

As the car passed him, Vivian stared straight ahead, refusing to acknowledge the man standing frozen on the sidewalk.

Nathaniel watched the taillights disappear, jaw clenched. It took him a full minute to look away.

By the time Vivian reached Lockhart Manor on the city's west side, night had fallen. The superstitious driver had refused to go beyond the gates, dropping her a kilometer away.

The pain in her abdomen had dulled but still throbbed. Each step toward the manor felt like a marathon.

Evelyn had been waiting anxiously at the entrance. The moment she spotted Vivian collapsing at the gates, she sprinted forward.

"Miss Vivian! My God—what happened?!"