Chapter 224

Vivian Lockhart stood out effortlessly in her simple white dress. Her minimal makeup and casually swept hair created an illusion of innocence, yet there was an undeniable magnetism about her.

She took a satisfied sip of her drink. "This place isn't bad at all. We should make this our regular spot. Having Victoria Chen join the firm was the best decision - it's like a weight's been lifted. We deserve to celebrate..."

Her words trailed off as she noticed Sophia staring intently across the room.

"Viv, doesn't that guy on the dance floor look exactly like your ex?" Sophia whispered, gripping Vivian's arm nervously.

Following Sophia's gaze, Vivian's breath caught. It was indeed Ethan Blackwood.

Liam and Sophia exchanged worried glances, bracing for Vivian's reaction.

But Vivian merely shrugged. "Ex-husband, not husband. Get your terms right, people."

"Boss, if this makes you uncomfortable, we can go somewhere else. How about-"

"Why should we leave?" Vivian interrupted sharply, tossing her hair back as she strode confidently toward their reserved table. "This lounge doesn't belong to him. If he can enjoy himself here, so can I."

"Damn right!" Liam grinned, leading the way. "Let's show them how to really have fun."

Fate placed their VIP table directly across from Ethan's group.

Nathan Prescott and Dominic Harrington spotted Vivian immediately, shifting uncomfortably in their seats.

Vivian raised her glass toward them in a graceful, indifferent toast.

Dominic returned the gesture, his eyes lighting up with admiration.

Nathan glared at his friend. "Dominic, what the hell?"

"Relax, Nathan. Vivian's being remarkably civil considering everything. She's handled the divorce with more class than anyone expected," Dominic reasoned.

"You've got to be kidding! Ethan was the victim here. She trapped him into marriage. If she was so classy, why did she block him everywhere?" Nathan argued heatedly.

While the two men bickered, Vivian had already ordered another round.

She chose a light fruit-infused wine - perfectly safe despite her condition.

"Phones out, people! Let's play!" Vivian demanded excitedly, already pulling up the trending mobile game. She hadn't so much as glanced toward the dance floor since sitting down, behaving as if Ethan were invisible.

Sophia and Liam shared another meaningful look.

"Viv... you're really okay with this? You don't have to pretend with us," Sophia ventured carefully.

Vivian rolled her eyes. "I told you - ex-husband. Why would I care?" Her focus remained entirely on her phone screen. "Less talking, more gaming. We need a fourth for this raid."

Liam studied her skeptically. Had she truly moved on? "There's only three of us. How are we making a team of four?"

A mysterious smile played on Vivian's lips. "Don't worry about that... I know just the person to complete our squad."