Chapter 297

"But I want to—"

Nathan hesitated, his puppy-dog eyes fixed on Vivian. The look was downright pathetic.

"You want to play video games, right? Absolutely not!"

Vivian crossed her arms, channeling her inner school principal.

"Fine! Whatever!"

Defeated, Nathan yanked the blanket over his head with dramatic flair.

The contrast between his tough exterior and childish pouting was oddly endearing.

At the mention of their departure, he immediately peeked out. "Vivian, you promised to take care of me. Was that for real?"

"Obviously."

No hesitation. "You saved my life. Taking care of you is the least I could do."

"Just one warning—I'm not exactly the patient type. If you pull another stunt like today's tantrum, I can't promise I won't throttle you."

"No worries there." Nathan smirked. "With you as my nurse, I'll be the model patient."

He disappeared under the covers again.

Dominic observed the exchange with growing suspicion.

"Mr. Harrington, I'm heading to the supermarket for supplies. Care to join?"

Vivian meant every word about caring for Nathan. This was her debt to repay.

"Give me a minute. Need to have a word with Nathan first."

"Sure."

She didn't pry, simply exiting the room.

Dominic yanked the blanket down, revealing a drowsy Nathan. "What's your game here?"

Nathan blinked sleepily. "Dom? You're still here?"

Dominic's expression darkened. "Cut the act. What's really going on between you and Miss Lockhart?"

"Nothing happened."

Nathan shrugged. "Went for tea, her place caught fire. Saved her, messed up my leg—"

"That's it?"

"That's it!"

"Then why do I get the feeling you're into her?"

"Not a chance!" Nathan scoffed. "She's not my type. You know my preferences. Even if she were the last woman on earth—"

"This is about gratitude. Without her, Julian Montgomery wouldn't have taken my case. I'm just returning the favor."

When Nathan tried elaborating, Dominic cut him off. "Save it. Just remember—some lines shouldn't be crossed. Never poach a brother's girl. You know the rules."

The air turned thick with tension.

Nathan, usually respectful toward Dominic, flashed a sardonic grin. "Relax, I'm not an idiot. But speaking of rule-breakers... weren't you the one who—"

Dominic's face clouded with remorse. "Exactly. Learn from my mistakes. I won't let history repeat itself over another woman."

"Chill." Nathan waved dismissively. "Just killing time. Don't overthink it."

The door swung open abruptly—Ethan strode in mid-conversation.