Chapter 199

"Pfft!"

Vivian couldn't contain her sudden burst of laughter.

Had anyone else spoken those words, she wouldn't have found them amusing.

But coming from Nathaniel Blackwood, the human iceberg? It was downright hilarious.

"Hah! Mr. Blackwood, did you get possessed or something?" Vivian wiped tears from her eyes. "Those words actually came out of your mouth? Now that's comedy gold!"

Nathaniel's expression darkened.

His lips pressed into a thin line as he watched Vivian double over with laughter. "Is it truly that amusing?"

"You bet it is." Vivian finally caught her breath, giving him a mocking look. "Desperate measures, huh? Trying every trick to make me drop the charges against Cassandra?"

She shook her head, still chuckling. "After four years of marriage, you still don't know me at all."

"Did you really think sweet words would work on me now? Like they used to?" Vivian's laughter turned bitter.

"Back then, I listened because you were my husband. Because I cared." Her voice hardened. "Now? You're just my ex. Your requests mean nothing to me."

Each word struck Nathaniel like a blade.

The wound wasn't deep, but the hollow ache it left was undeniable.

For the first time, he realized he might have lost something precious.

A self-deprecating smile touched his lips. "Is that really how you see me?"

Vivian shrugged. "Obviously."

"Pathetic." Nathaniel's eyes turned glacial. "If I wanted Cassandra free, I have countless ways to make it happen."

His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "I came to you hoping you'd find closure. But clearly—" He straightened his tie. "My patience has limits."

Vivian's eyes narrowed. "I knew it! You've got something up your sleeve." She slammed her palms on his desk. "Man up and say it to my face!"

Nathaniel ignored her outburst. He opened a file with deliberate calm. "Get out."

"Listen well, Nathaniel Blackwood." Vivian leaned in, her voice trembling with rage. "Play dirty and I'll make you regret it."

The office door burst open as security arrived.

Fuming, Vivian stormed out.

The entire trip had been a waste. No answers. Just more frustration.

She pulled out her phone, fingers flying across the screen as she messaged her mysterious confidant.

[SO. DAMN. ANGRY.] A string of fire emojis followed. [My ex is the most infuriating man alive!]

The reply came instantly. [Still letting him get to you? Sounds like unresolved feelings.]

"Bullshit!" Vivian growled as she typed. [I hate him so much I could feed him to sharks!]

[I'll buy the knife if you need one.]

Vivian actually laughed at that. [You're the best, Mr. Moon.]

The moonlit sea in his profile picture calmed her somehow. The imagined sea breeze seemed to cool her temper as she strode from Blackwood Group's towering headquarters.

She never noticed Nathaniel watching from above.

He stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, gaze tracking her tiny figure below.

So small. Yet somehow, she'd become his greatest challenge.

Releasing Margaret had been a genuine gesture. Why couldn't she see that?

His phone vibrated.

Nathaniel answered without looking. "Proceed as planned."