Chapter 18

Vivian stood frozen, her eyes locked on the broad-shouldered figure before her.

Of all the people in Newport City, why did it have to be him? And why now? Was he following me?

The thugs hesitated under Ethan's commanding presence. Their grips tightened around metal bats as they exchanged nervous glances.

"Who the hell are you?" Their leader's voice cracked. "This ain't your business, pretty boy!"

Ethan's lips curled into a dangerous smile. "Names don't matter. What matters is you picked the wrong woman to mess with."

Otto staggered to his feet, clutching his bruised ribs. "You'll regret this, rich boy! Nobody crosses Otto Gold and walks away!"

"Enough talk!" He signaled his men. "Crush them!"

Ten attackers surged forward, weapons raised. Pedestrians scattered like leaves in a storm.

Ethan positioned himself between Vivian and danger. With one fluid motion, he loosened his tie. "Close your eyes, darling. This won't take long."

His foot connected with the first attacker's jaw, sending the man sprawling.

Vivian observed from behind her human shield, impressed despite herself. Who knew the ice-cold CEO could fight like this?

The Blackwood heir moved with lethal precision. Each strike found its mark. Within minutes, groaning bodies littered the pavement.

"Remember this lesson." Ethan dusted off his tailored suit. "She's off-limits."

Vivian crossed her arms, an amused spectator to this dramatic rescue. Four years of silence, and now he plays the knight in shining armor? Please.

Otto's hand closed around a broken bottle. Rage twisted his features as he lunged.

"Ethan! Behind you!"

Glass shattered against skull. Crimson rivulets streaked down Ethan's temple.

"Damn it." His fingers came away stained red. The color drained from his face.

Vivian caught him as his knees buckled. "Blackwood? Are you hurt?"

His breathing turned shallow. "Can't... protect you... run..."

She frowned. A head wound shouldn't fell someone who just took down ten men.

Then realization struck. "You're not weak - you're hemophobic!"

Ethan's eyelids fluttered. "The blood... I can't..." His body went limp in her arms.