Chapter 395

Vivian appeared to be joking, but her words carried deadly seriousness.

Without the Lockhart family's complete backing these past four years, she never would've risen so swiftly. Nor could she have returned with such unshakable confidence.

Fear didn't exist in her vocabulary anymore. The only thing that terrified her was letting Nathaniel down.

"Now that's what I like to hear."

Nathaniel had been stewing in jealousy all evening. His striking features finally relaxed, like storm clouds parting to reveal sunlight.

Ah, the golden days. Once known as "Newport City's Young Devil," even the cockiest elites gave him wide berth to avoid his notorious temper.

Now? Reduced to Vivian's obedient lapdog.

Gone were his wild ways. No more womanizing. No more bullying. He even helped little old ladies cross streets now - a regular boy scout.

Vivian arched an eyebrow. "If you're not the top bidder, you must be second? This isn't your first charity scam, after all."

She and Nathaniel had pulled similar stunts on Ethan at galas before.

Nathaniel shook his head. "Broke as a joke. Couldn't swing it even if I wanted to."

"Odd. Then who?"

Vivian exhaled, brushing the thought aside. Probably just another wealthy admirer dazzled by her charm.

After freshening up, she retreated to her suite.

It would be afternoon on Coral Isle now. Vivian video-called Evelyn.

"Miss Lockhart! Are you alright? Saw you trending everywhere. That bastard hasn't bothered you, has he?"

Though advanced in years, Evelyn kept up with online gossip. She'd seen Vivian's sudden fame explode across feeds.

Her greatest fear was Ethan causing trouble.

"Doing splendidly. No sign of him - likely forgotten I exist."

"Thank heavens."

Evelyn's jaw tightened. "May that scoundrel never darken your door again. Or the children's. Best you both wipe each other from memory."

Vivian's expression remained neutral. She changed subjects. "How are Adrian and Abigail?"

"Oh! I meant to tell you—"

Managing both children alone overwhelmed Evelyn. Their brilliance constantly outpaced her.

"Adrian's been inconsolable since you left. Locked himself in his lab, says he won't emerge until you return—"

Vivian's lips curved. "That boy's curiosity knows no bounds. Always tinkering since he could crawl. My son through and through. Future Nobel laureate."

"And Abigail? Is she angry with me?"

"Took it much better. Not angry - just mentions you constantly. Made a toy phone to 'call' you regularly."

"Evelyn, fetch them please. I'd like to chat."

Longing for her children ached in Vivian's chest. She needed to see their faces.

"Of course, Miss Lockhart. One moment—"

Evelyn called for Adrian and Abigail.

Abigail came running. But Adrian was nowhere to be found—