Chapter 20

"Ouch! Watch where you're going!" Margaret snapped, rubbing her forehead where the impact had left a dull ache.

When she realized it was Vivian who had bumped into her, her irritation flared instantly.

"What are you doing here?"

"I knew my dear Maggie would attract misfortune wherever she goes," Vivian remarked dryly.

A cold smirk curled on Vivian's lips. "Don't worry. Just endure me for twenty more days, and we'll be done."

"What do you mean?" Margaret's eyes narrowed, her voice sharp. "It's not like you'll vanish into thin air after that."

"No, I won't," Vivian said, her smile polite but icy. "But our divorce will be finalized by then."

"Even if your precious son grovels at my feet, I've sworn never to involve myself with the Blackwoods again. It's better for both of us."

Margaret gaped at her, momentarily speechless.

What the hell happened? She used to be so meek, letting me walk all over her. Now she’s like a completely different person.

"How dare you speak to me like that?"

"Why wouldn’t I?" Vivian countered, unfazed.

Before, she had tolerated Margaret’s behavior solely because she was Ethan’s mother—her mother-in-law.

But now? There was no reason left to endure her cruelty.

"I'm just treating you the way you've always treated me. If you want respect, earn it."

"You insolent little—!" Margaret raised her hand, ready to strike.

Before the blow could land, Ethan appeared, gripping her wrist. "Mother, enough."

Only then did Margaret notice the fresh blood staining his bandages. Her face paled.

"Ethan! You have hemophobia! How could you be so reckless? Do you want to give me a heart attack?"

"Your brother is already gone. If something happens to you, how will I go on?"

Ethan winced, dizziness washing over him. He pressed a hand to his temple. "Mother, please... just be quiet."

Vivian clenched her fists, listening.

Hemophobia? Since when? I never knew.

"Are you okay? Should I call a doctor?" Margaret fretted. "Fine, fine, I’ll stop talking. Let’s get you back to bed."

She shot Vivian a venomous glare. "Since you’re divorcing this ungrateful wretch anyway, I won’t waste my breath!"

Ethan collapsed onto the bed, too exhausted to argue.

Margaret tucked him in, still muttering. "You’re just as foolish. Risking yourself for her? Does she even care? Has she thanked you? No!"

"The Lockharts are nothing but parasites. Her parents scammed investors—they deserved what they got!"

"And after everything we’ve done for her, this is how she repays us? Good riddance!"

Vivian’s gratitude toward the Blackwoods evaporated instantly.

Ungrateful?

If I were a parasite, why did Blackwood Group survive the economic crash three years ago?

If I were truly selfish, why was their company spared in the cyberattack?

She had protected them countless times—silently, without expecting praise.

Forget it. They’re not worth my energy.

She turned to Ethan, her voice flat. "I’ve sent the revised divorce papers to your office. Sign them when you’re ready."

Ethan frowned.

Didn’t I say those exact words to her before?

She’s turning the tables on me so easily. No hesitation. No regret.

Then why… does it sting so much?

Before he could respond, Vivian was already gone.