Chapter 332

Ethan Blackwood stood before the crowd, his voice steady and resolute. "I'm here to finalize our remarriage, naturally."

He closed the distance between them in three strides, pulling Vivian Lockhart into a possessive embrace. His lips curved into a dangerous smile. "Sweetheart, you've been very naughty. Running off with another man isn't how wives should behave."

"Sweetheart?" Vivian's eyes widened in shock.

'This act is going too far,' she thought, her pulse quickening. The memory of last night's nightmare flashed through her mind - Ethan's hands around her throat, his eyes cold with murderous intent.

The Baldwins watched Ethan like predators circling fresh prey, but none dared make a move. The sheer intensity of his presence kept them at bay.

Frederick Baldwin slammed his revolver onto the table with a thunderous crack. "The Blackwood heir has impressive nerve - coming alone to steal what's ours. Tell me, boy, how do you think your grandfather Alfred would react if his last remaining heir died here today?"

Ethan's gaze flickered to the weapon, his smirk never faltering. He tightened his grip around Vivian's waist. "You misunderstand, Frederick. 'Stealing' implies taking what isn't yours. But Vivian is my lawfully wedded wife. I'm merely reclaiming what's rightfully mine."

"Insolent brat!" Frederick cocked the revolver with practiced ease, aiming directly between Ethan's eyes. "Semantics won't save you. My bullets never miss their mark - your grandfather should have warned you about that."

Vivian threw herself between them, arms spread wide. "Grandfather Baldwin! That revolver was a gift from my grandfather - not a tool for bullying!"

The room collectively held its breath.

Eleanor Kingsley paled, mouthing silent warnings. She knew better than anyone how quickly Frederick's temper could turn deadly - even toward family.

"What did you say?" Frederick's face darkened, his rage shifting focus to Vivian.

Vivian swallowed hard but stood her ground. "Since my husband has come for me, I won't resist any longer. There's something I must confess—"

"Vivian!" Julian Blackwood's warning came too late.

She'd already made her choice - self-sacrifice was the only way to prevent bloodshed.

With dramatic flair, Vivian covered her face, shoulders shaking with fabricated sobs. "We were deeply in love, but he betrayed me with another woman! In my anger, I divorced him and used Julian to make him jealous! But seeing him risk his life to come here... I'm moved beyond words. Despite knowing the Baldwins would kill him, he came anyway. How can I stay angry? I want to go home with my husband!"

Her performance stunned the room into silence. Even the sharp-minded Ethan found himself momentarily convinced, his arms tightening around her reflexively.