Chapter 351

Nathaniel Blackwood instantly felt exposed.

Vivian Lockhart wasn't like other women. Her sharp intellect cut through his facades effortlessly. This wasn't going to be as simple as he'd imagined.

After hours scouring the Harbor Market docks, Nathaniel still hadn't located Vivian. Frustrated, he finally sought out Ethan Blackwood for answers.

Trying to mask his discomfort, Nathaniel changed the subject abruptly.

"Ethan, what's with the bamboo tube? Some kind of magic act?"

Ethan ignored him, focusing intently on shaking the carved bamboo cylinder. After several vigorous shakes, a single stick clattered to the ground.

The elderly fortune-teller picked it up, his expression shifting as he read the inscription.

"What do you seek, young man?"

"I need to know if there's still a chance between us," Ethan stated coldly.

The old man exhaled slowly.

"The wind comes and goes; fate begins and ends in the heart."

Ethan's brow furrowed.

"Explain."

"Your connection remains unresolved. For four years, your paths may not cross. After that... it depends on you both. If the longing remains, reconciliation is possible. If either lets go, that thread severs forever."

The fortune-teller's words hung heavily in the air.

Ethan fell silent, absorbing this.

Nathaniel scoffed beside him.

"Typical fortune-teller nonsense. Covering all possibilities so you're never wrong."

He clapped Ethan's shoulder.

"Don't listen to this charlatan. My men have the entire Harbor Market locked down. We'll find Vivian tonight - no four-year wait required."

The old man simply stroked his beard.

"Young man, if you doubt my words, try your own fortune."

Nathaniel grabbed the bamboo tube, shaking it with theatrical flair. A stick tumbled out.

"The phoenix rises from ashes! Romance lies within reach!" Nathaniel read aloud, grinning.

The fortune-teller chuckled.

"A most auspicious draw. It predicts you'll meet your soulmate tonight."

The two men reacted polar opposites - Ethan's expression turned glacial while Nathaniel beamed.

"My soulmate? It has to be Vivian!"

Nathaniel's phone rang abruptly. His subordinate reported Vivian's location - the underground casino beneath Harbor Market - with complications.

"Ethan, she's at the casino and likely in trouble. Let's settle this fairly - first one to rescue her wins her heart. Agreed?"