Chapter 2

"So that's why Ethan wanted me gone by tonight. He's already got another woman lined up to move in!"

How pathetic that I ever let that man have power over my emotions! I wish I could slap some sense into my past self.

Cassandra sauntered toward Vivian with a smug grin.

"So you're Vivian Lockhart, huh? Why are you still here? Didn't Nathaniel throw you out? Get moving already! Have you no dignity?"

Despite the taunts, Vivian continued packing her things at a deliberate pace.

"Hey, are you ignoring me? I'm talking to you!"

"Sorry, I didn't quite catch that." Vivian met her gaze coolly.

"All I heard was some rabid mutt yapping."

"How dare you call me a mutt?"

"I didn't. Seems you're the one jumping to conclusions." Vivian stood with her suitcase, tilting her head at Cassandra blocking her path.

"Now if you'll excuse me. Good little dogs know better than to stand in people's way."

"You insolent—" Cassandra's face flushed crimson as she stomped her foot.

'Wasn't she supposed to be a doormat? Since when did she grow a backbone?'

The housekeeper rushed to placate Cassandra.

"Please don't upset yourself, Miss Delacroix! Someone like her isn't worth your attention!"

"You'll be mistress of this house soon—that wretched woman is nothing compared to you!"

"Master Blackwood prepared your suite personally. Let me show you!"

The flattery worked. Cassandra lost interest in Vivian and followed the housekeeper inside.

Alone again, Vivian stared at the imposing estate. How ironic—after four years here, she'd be back on the streets.

"Goodbye, Nathaniel." She took a steadying breath and walked away.

Her new one-bedroom apartment downtown felt like freedom.

Shedding the title of "Mrs. Blackwood" lifted an invisible weight. No more gilded cage. No more clipped wings.

Vivian unblocked a number she hadn't dialed in four years.

"Boss! You finally remembered me!" The voice on the line crackled with excitement. "Four damn years!"

This was Julian Montgomery—one of Harborview City's infamous Four Princes. Despite his reckless reputation, he turned downright deferential with Vivian.

"Congrats on the divorce, by the way. Should've dumped that bastard years ago!"

"While you played the meek housewife, your old reputation's been getting dragged through the mud. If those stuffy old men knew their 'mysterious benefactor' was you all along—priceless!"

"So? When's the big comeback? I can—"

"Enough." Vivian nearly hung up.

"I promised Grandfather I'm done with that life. If you respect me at all, keep quiet."

Her past was... complicated. Not something she cared to revisit.

"I need you to look into something."

After briefing Julian, she hung up—just as a text from Nathaniel came through.

Her pulse spiked as she tapped the screen.

[Harborview Courthouse, 9 AM tomorrow.]

Brusque. Clinical. As if she deserved no more consideration than a business memo. The fleeting hope in her chest withered. How foolish to expect anything else.

[Ok.]

She replied in kind.