Chapter 326

Vivian's gut screamed it was Ethan calling when Newport City flashed on her screen. She considered ignoring it, but the relentless ringing forced her hand.

Sophia gave her an encouraging nod. Not wanting to raise suspicion, Vivian feigned calmness and answered.

"So you finally picked up." Ethan's glacial tone sent shivers down her spine.

Memories of her nightmare resurfaced, but she played dumb. "Insurance? Sorry, not interested." She hung up before he could finish.

"Damn telemarketers," Vivian lied smoothly while blocking the number. "They've been blowing up my phone lately."

But new numbers kept calling. Block after block, the calls persisted until she excused herself to the restroom.

"Have you lost your mind, Ethan?" she hissed into the phone. "You're my ex-husband. You shouldn't even have this number!"

A chilling pause. Then: "I didn't call to chat. Tell me - did my mother visit you? Is she safe?"

"She left Edinburgh hours ago!" Vivian's pulse quickened. Newport wasn't far - Margaret should've arrived by now. "Something must've happened."

"So she did come." Ethan's voice turned deadly. "I'm heading to the Blackwood estate now. If anything's happened to her, neither you nor the Blackwoods will survive this."

"You can't just—" The line went dead.

A knock interrupted her panic. "Everything alright in there?" Sophia called.

"Just checking in with my housekeeper," Vivian lied, emerging with forced calm.

Her mind raced. Ethan's arrival would ignite a war between families. She had to intercept him before—

"Come," Sophia beamed. "The Blackwoods are waiting to breakfast with you."

Vivian blinked at the midday sun. "They're still waiting?" Guilt twisted her stomach. She'd overslept, yet three generations of Blackwood men sat rigidly at the antique table, untouched European breakfasts before them, their military bearing unmistakable.