Chapter 231

Vivian's breath hitched. The tension between Nathaniel and Liam was so thick she could slice it with a knife. If this escalated into a physical altercation in front of Newport City's elite society, the scandal would be catastrophic.

She rose to intervene, but Sophia's firm grip stopped her. "Relax," Liam's sister murmured. "My brother always plays the long game. Watch."

Vivian exhaled slowly. Of course. Liam Osborne wasn't called the Silver Fox of Newport for nothing. The man who'd outmaneuvered three corporate raiders last quarter wouldn't lose his cool now.

Nathaniel remained impassive as Liam approached, his champagne flute untouched. Only the tightening of his jaw betrayed any reaction.

Nathan Prescott, ever the hothead, shot to his feet. "Got a death wish, Osborne?"

Liam's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Just paying respects to Newport's finest." He raised his glass. "To old money and older grudges."

Dominic Harrington chuckled, patting the empty seat beside him. "Theodore's son, everyone. The man who turned Osborne Pharma into a billion-dollar empire before thirty." His gaze flicked to Nathaniel. "Sit. Let's see if the rumors about your negotiation skills hold up."

The air crackled as Liam settled beside Nathaniel. Two predators circling in a gilded cage.

Nathan's knuckles whitened around his glass. "This some kind of joke? You're dating his ex-wife!"

Dominic's smile turned glacial. "And you're making us look like jealous exes. Sit. Down."

Everyone knew the Harringtons' political reach extended from Newport to DC. When Dominic Harrington gave an order, even Prescott money obeyed.

Liam swirled his bourbon. "Vivian's moved on. Shouldn't we all?" His thumb brushed the lipstick mark on his glass - Vivian's signature crimson. A deliberate provocation.

Nathaniel's laugh was razor-sharp. "Funny. Last I checked, Lockhart women don't stay bought."

The temperature dropped ten degrees. Even Dominic stiffened.

Then Nathaniel did something unexpected. He clinked his glass against Liam's. "To new beginnings."

Vivian's nails dug into her clutch. This wasn't reconciliation. This was war by other means.

Dominic's phone buzzed. His smirk as he read the message sent chills down Vivian's spine. "Seems the SEC just launched an investigation into Osborne Pharma's clinical trials." He toasted Liam. "Fortune favors the bold, no?"

Liam's grin turned feral. "How timely. I just acquired twenty percent of Blackwood Group's debt." He leaned toward Nathaniel. "Shall we discuss terms... partner?"

The bomb dropped. The entire restaurant held its breath.

Nathaniel's response would determine who ruled Newport's financial empire tomorrow.