Chapter 311

Julian Blackwood reached for Vivian Lockhart's wrist with unwavering confidence.

Ethan Blackwood's grip tightened instantly. His eyes narrowed into dangerous slits. "Is that so?" His voice dripped with icy challenge. "Let's see you try."

Vivian stood trapped between them, her arms nearly wrenched from their sockets.

Enough was enough.

"Stop!" She wrenched free with a violent twist, delivering sharp kicks to both men's shins. "What the hell is wrong with you two? Do I look like some damn tug-of-war rope?" Her chest heaved with fury as she crossed her arms. "Has it occurred to either of you to ask what I want?"

The men broke their death glare to stare at her.

Ethan's voice turned arctic. "If you had half a brain, you'd realize he's using you. Figure it out."

Julian merely shrugged. "Guilty as charged." A rakish grin spread across his face. "My motive? I'm madly in love with you. The Blackwoods and Lockharts are equals. I can give you everything he ever did - and more."

Vivian's gaze flickered between them.

Decision made, she strode to Julian's side. "One broke my heart," she said coldly. "The other might actually cherish it. The choice is obvious."

She linked arms with Julian, head held high as they walked toward the gate. For the first time in years, she breathed freely.

To Ethan, she'd been disposable. To Julian, she was priceless.

Ethan watched them go, his chest caving in. The realization hit like a sledgehammer - he'd just lost something irreplaceable.

Onboard the private jet, Vivian's posture remained rigid. Not a single tremor betrayed the storm inside.

Nathan Prescott's words echoed in her mind: Never let them see you bleed.

True to Dominic Harrington's promise, the Blackwoods had chartered the entire plane. Vivian sank into the plush first-class seat, watching Newport City shrink beneath the clouds.

Julian appeared with an armful of desserts. "Sugar helps everything." He offered a chocolate torte. "Even heartbreak."

Vivian snatched it immediately. "Exactly. Can't cry on an empty stomach." She devoured the cake while staring mournfully out the window.

Julian chuckled. Only this woman could simultaneously radiate devastation while inhaling pastries.

He studied her profile - the delicate slope of her nose, the sorrow darkening her amber eyes. His pulse stuttered.

"So..." He cleared his throat. "Did you mean what you said back there?"