Chapter 289

Ethan kept driving without hesitation. His voice was icy. "Lockhart Manor is gone. If you don't return to Blackwood Villa, where exactly do you plan to go?"

"Anywhere but Blackwood Villa!"

Vivian's response was absolute. "I'll rent or buy a place. This world is vast enough for me to find shelter."

"Unnecessary."

Ethan's tone brooked no argument. "You still own half of Blackwood Villa, which makes it your home too. In a few days, I'll transfer the remaining ownership to you. Then it'll be entirely yours to keep or sell as you wish."

Hearing this, Vivian decided against further protest.

After all, Blackwood Villa was worth over a hundred million. Ethan was essentially gifting her a fortune. Arguing would seem ungrateful.

Still, she couldn't resist muttering, "That's not what you said when you kicked me out."

"What was that?"

Ethan's sharp question made it clear he'd caught her words.

Vivian quickly shook her head. "Nothing. I said Blackwood Villa is beautiful and spacious. I like it very much."

"Better."

Ethan returned his attention to the road without pressing further.

With Cassandra Delacroix gone, Blackwood Villa had finally regained its peace.

What stunned Vivian most was the garden - where roses once dominated, sunflowers now bloomed vibrantly, mirroring those at Lockhart Manor exactly as she preferred.

The servants who'd once mistreated her now rushed to greet her return, some even weeping with relief.

"Thank heavens Mrs. Blackwood is back! I knew you'd return!"

Beatrice Thornton, the head housekeeper, exclaimed tearfully.

Vivian smirked. "How touching, Beatrice. Your welcome rivals your enthusiasm when you threw me out. How... generous."

Beatrice flushed crimson. "Please don't mock me, Mrs. Blackwood. I know I overstepped before. I'll accept any punishment if you'll forgive me!"

"Forgiveness granted. No punishment needed. But are you truly this repentant? You'd do anything for my return?"

Vivian's smile turned enigmatic.

"Absolutely! Anything!"

"Then pack your things. Someone new will take your position."

Vivian's expression hardened instantly.

"But—"

Beatrice paled, caught off guard.

She never imagined the once-gentle Vivian would strike first upon returning to the Blackwood family.

"You refuse?"

"No, it's not that—"

Beatrice scrambled behind Eleanor Whitmore. "The truth is, I serve under Madam Eleanor's orders. Dismissing me would show disrespect."

"Ah, using my former mother-in-law as leverage."

"That's not my intention—"

Beatrice thought Vivian wouldn't dare defy Eleanor.

Ethan spoke then. "From today, this villa belongs solely to Miss Lockhart. Choosing staff is her privilege. You're dismissed."