Chapter 68

Vivian Lockhart's body had fully recovered after several days of rest.

She clutched the freshly drafted share transfer agreement as she approached Blackwood Group's headquarters, determined to get Ethan Blackwood's signature.

The atmosphere at Blackwood Group was unusually tense today. Security barricades lined the perimeter of the building.

Rumors swirled that a high-profile delegation was touring the company. Reporters had gathered outside, cameras at the ready.

Vivian was halted at the security line. She'd have to wait until the event concluded before being allowed inside.

From a distance, she spotted Ethan. Dressed in a sharp black suit, he stood at the center of the lobby, effortlessly commanding attention as he posed for photographs with the visiting dignitaries.

His striking features and piercing gaze gave him an air of natural authority. He was magnetic, as always.

Then, chaos erupted in the crowd.

"Let me through! Don't you know who I am?"

A man was shoving past security, shouting toward Ethan.

Walter Reynolds.

Vivian's jaw tightened, her fingers curling into fists.

Walter, behaving like a common street thug, bellowed at the top of his lungs, "Nephew-in-law! Over here! I'm Vivian's uncle! You can't ignore me!"

Every camera in the vicinity swiveled toward him.

Mortifying.

Vivian stormed forward, her expression icy. "Shut your mouth, Walter! Have you no dignity?"

"Vivian! Perfect timing!" Walter grinned shamelessly. "Tell your husband to come here. We need to renegotiate the divorce settlement!"

"I won't stand by while my niece gets cheated out of what's rightfully hers!"

He was putting on a show, deliberately drawing attention.

He knew Blackwood Group was hosting a major event today—knew the press would be watching. This was his pathetic attempt to pressure Ethan into paying him off.

Humiliation burned through Vivian.

Worse, if Ethan took offense, he might retaliate by complicating the share transfer.

"Last warning, Walter. Leave now, or I'm calling the police."

Walter seized the opportunity to escalate. "Hear that, everyone? My niece has turned her back on her own family! Now she's threatening to have her uncle arrested!"

Ethan, who had been observing the commotion from a short distance, finally stepped forward.

Normally, he wouldn't bother with such nonsense. Security would handle it.

But Vivian was there.

His gaze flickered toward her small frame, his brow furrowing slightly.

Meanwhile, Vivian had reached her limit.

Dealing with shameless people was worse than dealing with outright villains. Engaging with them only dragged you down to their level.

"Walter, I said get lost!"

She grabbed his arm, trying to yank him away.

"No! I'm not leaving until Ethan gives me what I'm owed!"

With a rough shove, Walter sent Vivian stumbling backward.

Instinctively, she curled her arms around her stomach, protecting her unborn babies.

But before she could hit the ground, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her against a solid chest.

She turned her head.

Ethan Blackwood.

Surprise flickered through her. She hadn't expected the arrogant CEO to intervene.

After steadying her, Ethan turned to Walter, his voice dangerously calm.

"What exactly do you want from me?"