Chapter 60

Vivian shoved against his chest with all her strength. "Ethan, have you lost your mind?!"

"Don't ruin the moment," he murmured against her neck.

"This is completely inappropriate! You shouldn't be seeing this!"

His tone turned paternal, as if shielding some naive schoolgirl from corrupting influences.

Vivian rolled her eyes. "I'm not some sheltered child. I've been around the block."

"Oh?" His lips curved. "Do enlighten me about your vast experiences."

The storm clouds cleared from his striking features, replaced by amused curiosity as he studied her reaction.

Her throat tightened as memories of their night together surfaced unbidden. Heat flooded her cheeks before she could stop it. His knowing smirk only confirmed his suspicions - she wasn't pregnant. Hell, she'd probably never been properly touched before!

Cassandra fled the room moments later, flustered and eager to deflect blame. "Are you alright, Miss Lockhart? I never imagined Micah would behave so...indecently. He didn't...take liberties, did he?"

The trap was obvious. No one would believe a notorious playboy and a woman spent hours alone without incident.

Vivian's laugh held an edge. "Would you be terribly disappointed if I said nothing happened, Miss Delacroix? Though I suppose that spiked wine you served me should have guaranteed otherwise."

Cassandra blanched but recovered quickly. "I don't know what you mean! I only wanted to apologize for our past misunderstandings. Charlotte brought the wine - you should ask her about its contents."

"Really?" Vivian arched a brow. "Because we both know Charlotte lacks the cunning for such schemes."

The blatant attempt to shift blame disgusted her. Poor Charlotte might be vicious, but at least she owned it.

Cassandra's eyes welled with crocodile tears. "I know you resent me for...for carrying Ethan's child. I'll pack my things and go—"

Like flipping a switch, she turned on the waterworks, playing the victim to perfection.

"Enough." Ethan's voice cut through the theatrics. He shot Vivian a warning look. "This is between you and Charlotte. Leave innocent parties out of it."

Turning to Cassandra, his tone softened. "Go rest. The stress isn't good for the baby."

Cassandra sniffled. "Forgive us for burdening you." With one last pitiful glance, she retreated, the picture of wounded dignity.

Vivian's nails bit into her palms. The irony burned - his precious mistress shed a few tears and he rushed to comfort her, while the twins in her own womb had nearly been poisoned tonight!

She couldn't stand another second in this gilded prison. "Have my belongings brought down. I'm leaving."

His brows drew together. "Charlotte crossed a line this time. I'll make her apologize."

Vivian nearly laughed. Since when did the man who let his family walk all over her suddenly grow a conscience?

"Save it. Just get my things."

She descended the stairs without waiting for a response, standing by the entrance like any other visitor awaiting their coat.

The symbolism wasn't lost on her - from mistress of Blackwood Estate to just another guest waiting to be shown the door.