Chapter 7

"I've got everything right here. Would I dare slack off when you're my boss?" Liam dropped his playful act and handed Vivian a thick stack of documents.

Despite her weakened state, Vivian quickly flipped through the pages.

A satisfied smirk curled her lips moments later. "Perfect. I knew those lawyers weren't as straightforward as they seemed. They're worth far more than the settlement he offered!"

"Tsk, but they're Ethan Blackwood's people. How good could they really be?" Liam scoffed, leaning against her hospital bed railing with crossed legs. "I know plenty of better lawyers. Want some recommendations?"

"No. I want them," Vivian stated firmly, her mood unshaken by the divorce.

"Boss, are you scheming something? I can practically smell trouble brewing," Liam said, barely containing his excitement.

Four years. It's been four damn years. The queen is back—the ruthless, brilliant queen who never backs down from a challenge.

"Come on, spill it!" he pressed.

Vivian only gave him a sly, secretive smile. "Patience. You'll find out soon enough."

Knowing her too well, Liam didn't push further. She wouldn't budge, and if he annoyed her enough, she'd block him again—something he couldn't afford.

"But..." He straightened, testing her patience carefully. "Are you sure you're over that... ice statue?"

He knew better than anyone how deeply Vivian had loved Ethan. Letting go wouldn't be easy.

"What if I'm not?" Vivian sighed, her voice quiet. "Being his wife was exhausting. It was a losing battle. Now, I just want to be Vivian Lockhart again."

At the Blackwood estate, Nathaniel's parents, Alfred and Eleanor Whitmore, had polar opposite reactions to Cassandra's pregnancy.

Eleanor was ecstatic, clinging to Cassandra as if she were a miracle. "Oh my god, you're carrying my son's child!"

"You have no idea how devastated I was after Sebastian died. I thought my life was over... But this baby—it's a blessing! Maybe it's Sebastian's soul returning to us!"

"You must take care of yourself. This child is our family's future!"

Meanwhile, Alfred's expression darkened. He glared at Nathaniel. "What the hell have you done, boy? You got another woman pregnant while still married to Vivian?"

"Have you forgotten what her grandfather did for us? If Arthur Lockhart hadn't saved our family, we'd be ruined! We promised to take care of her!"

Furious, Alfred lunged at Nathaniel. "I should kill you for this!"

Cassandra threw herself between them, tears welling up. "Please, Mr. Blackwood, don't blame him! It's my fault. If this is causing so much trouble, I'll get rid of it tomorrow!"

"Absolutely not!" Eleanor snapped, shielding Cassandra. "This child is a Blackwood! It will be born!"

She turned on Alfred. "Why are you so obsessed with the Lockharts? If Vivian had truly mattered to Nathaniel, no other woman could've come between them!"

"She's just a has-been heiress with no real skills. What has she ever done for our family? We've supported her for four years—isn't that enough to repay Arthur?"

"It's 2023! Nathaniel can marry whoever he wants! Stay out of his life!"

After her tirade, Eleanor turned to Nathaniel, who had remained silent.

"Well? What's your decision?"