Chapter 234

Ethan's icy gaze locked onto Cassandra. He remained silent.

Cassandra instantly knew she'd crossed a line. "I'm sorry, that was inappropriate," she stammered, hands trembling. "But I could be useful to you. May I have your number?"

For someone who'd always played it safe, this was wildly out of character.

Her nervous demeanor reminded Ethan of Vivian when they first met. Against his better judgment, he held out his hand. "Phone."

"Y-Yes!" Cassandra fumbled to hand it over.

Standing close by the taxi, they looked intimate to any passerby.

At that exact moment, Vivian and Liam exited the building.

Vivian's chest tightened. She wanted to turn away, but fate intervened—Ethan glanced up. Their eyes met.

His expression remained unreadable, but that infuriating arrogance still radiated off him. No guilt. No shame.

On impulse, Vivian looped her arm through Liam's. "How about that seaside hotel we visited last time?" she purred. "I'd love to go back."

Liam froze. If she was serious, their strictly professional relationship was about to implode.

Ethan's jaw clenched. He yanked the taxi door open. "Take us to The Grand Marquis," he ordered the driver.

The car sped past Vivian, leaving her staring after it.

Liam hesitated. "Boss... there actually is a nice beachfront hotel nearby—"

"No." Vivian pulled away, forcing a smile. "This is the last time I let him hurt me. Once Victoria wins the case, I'm leaving for good."

Night had fallen. Though Liam and Sophia offered to drive her home, Vivian refused. She needed space. Somewhere quiet to unravel.

The thought of Ethan with that girl made breathing painful. Like a knife twisting in her ribs.

Four years of marriage, and he'd never wanted her. Yet he'd fallen for a cheap imitation at first glance.

Life wasn't fair.

Her feet carried her to The Grand Plaza—the same mall she'd visited with Ethan and Isabella days ago. By sheer chance, the midnight showing of Soul Wanderer still had seats.

Vivian bought a ticket and slipped into the nearly empty theater.

In the darkness, surrounded by strangers, she finally felt safe enough to break.