Chapter 21

Vivian Lockhart stepped into her Sunup Heights apartment and immediately powered up her laptop. Her fingers flew across the keyboard as she swiftly neutralized the malware infecting Blackwood Group's systems.

Within minutes, the cyberattack ceased. Negative online chatter dwindled. Blackwood Group's stock began stabilizing.

Liam's call came through instantly. "Boss, what the hell? We were just gaining momentum! Why shut it down now?" His voice crackled with frustration through the phone.

Vivian swirled her coffee absentmindedly. "We got what we needed. No point in overkill."

"Bullshit." Liam scoffed. "This is about Nathaniel, isn't it? That protective stunt he pulled got to you."

The past week's digital siege had leaked Blackwood Group's client data. Several major partners had already defected to their newly established competitor - a front company run by Liam, but secretly owned by Vivian.

"You're still hung up on him after four years," Liam pressed. "It's understandable, but dangerous."

Vivian's grip tightened around her mug. She couldn't deny Nathaniel taking that bullet for her had stirred something.

"Listen," Liam's tone turned grave. "That bastard just placed a $150 million bounty on Phoenix's head. Even Julian Blackthorn came out of retirement for this hunt. When Nathaniel discovers you're Phoenix..."

Vivian's lips curved. "Julian's joining? Interesting."

After hanging up, she rested a hand on her growing abdomen. "Don't worry, my loves. Mommy will secure your future before you arrive."

The unsigned divorce papers gnawed at her. Nathaniel should've returned them days ago. This delay jeopardized her plans for Blackwood Legal.

She couldn't wait any longer.

At Blackwood Group headquarters, employees greeted her warmly. "Mrs. Blackwood!"

Vivian forced a smile. Her past lunch deliveries to Nathaniel's office - always with extras for staff - had made her popular. Now the familiarity chafed.

Nathaniel's secretary paled when Vivian approached. "H-he's in a meeting, Mrs. Blackwood."

"I'll wait." Vivian's gaze locked onto the office door.

The secretary fidgeted. "It's... not a good time."

Something was off. Vivian's instincts screamed it. Without another word, she strode past the flustered assistant and pushed the door open.

The scene inside froze her in place.