Chapter 264

The CPR wasn't being administered by Vivian as Ethan had hoped. Instead, it was a sunburnt rescue worker with arms like tree trunks.

"Goddammit!" Ethan sprang up violently, shoving the man backward with enough force to send him sprawling across the sand.

Vivian's face lit up with pure relief. "Nathaniel! You're alive! Thank heavens!"

"Was this your idea of a joke, Lockhart?" Ethan scrubbed at his mouth repeatedly with the back of his hand, his expression twisted in disgust.

'This is humiliating,' he thought bitterly. 'Nathaniel Blackwood, fooled like some naive schoolboy. That little minx will pay for this.'

What Ethan didn't know was Vivian's genuine concern. She'd truly believed he needed resuscitation and had gone out of her way to find the most qualified person available.

Seeing him full of vigor now, Vivian couldn't contain her joy. She threw her arms around him without thinking. "You made it! Dominic was right - you're indestructible!"

The anger drained from Ethan's body the moment her soft form pressed against him. Her obvious worry made it impossible to stay mad.

This caring version of Vivian was unfamiliar territory. Clearing his throat, he teased, "If you're so afraid I'll die, why claim you wouldn't shed tears? Such a little liar."

His words snapped Vivian back to reality. She pushed away abruptly. "You don't value your own life. Why should I mourn you?"

"Then explain these tear tracks—"

"Sea spray! Nothing more!"

"And your soaked dress? Did you actually try diving in after me?"

"I enjoy beach walks! Not everything's about you!" Vivian crossed her arms stubbornly.

Ethan's expression softened. "Fine, fine. You don't care at all. Just know I'll always come back, no matter what happens."

"Again?!" Vivian's face darkened as if he'd said something outrageous. Her palm connected sharply with his cheek.

Her fist hovered threateningly near his face. "Die next time if you want to be so reckless! Save everyone the worry!"

"Worry?" Ethan's lips curved knowingly. "I thought you didn't care?"

Vivian faltered, caught in her own contradiction. The truth was obvious - despite her denials, she still cared deeply. Her entire being was attuned to his safety.

She told herself it was only for the children's sake. He was their father, after all.

A gentle breeze carried the unspoken tension between them as they stood in silent understanding.

The moment shattered when urgent shouts came. "She's awake! Miss Sinclair is conscious!"

Exchanging glances, Ethan and Vivian hurried over.

Olivia had swallowed dangerous amounts of seawater, remaining unconscious for hours. After extensive resuscitation efforts, she'd finally expelled the water and regained breathing.

Though cradled in Dominic's arms, her darting eyes searched the crowd frantically for one particular face.