Chapter 78

Nathaniel noticed Vivian's discomfort and immediately stepped in.

"I agree this punishment is ridiculous. Wouldn't dare offend His Royal Highness Mr. Blackwood, so I'll forfeit my turn."

Eyebrows raised across the room.

The hypocrisy was glaring. Julian Montgomery had been all for the game moments ago.

His favoritism toward the new CEO couldn't be more obvious.

Ethan's expression remained unreadable, his chiseled features shadowed under the dim lighting.

His icy gaze locked onto the woman beside him. "Impressive charm. You've certainly won over the crowd."

Vivian stayed silent, fingers tightening around her glass.

Why the sarcasm?

She'd just saved him from humiliation. Shouldn't he be grateful? That stormy look made no sense.

Men.

The bottle spun again, landing on Nathan Prescott.

"Perfect!" Nathan grinned, sensing payback.

Time to teach Julian some manners.

The cocky lawyer had been practically draped over another man's wife all evening. Disgusting.

But Vivian's earlier rejection intrigued him. If she loved Ethan, why refuse that kiss?

Nathan turned directly to her. "Do you love your husband? Was he your first?"

Gasps rippled through the group.

Ethan's gaze sharpened, waiting.

Vivian met his stare. "I pass."

Groans of disappointment.

Typical. The new power couple played by the same rules - both terrible at this game.

"Silence speaks volumes," Nathan muttered, shooting Ethan a pitying look.

This was the woman he'd chosen over his first love? Tragic.

Vivian rolled her eyes. "Just give me the punishment."

Nathan hesitated. He'd expected an easy answer - either confirmation or playful denial.

Her refusal said everything.

The stage lights dimmed as the current performance ended.

"Sing something," Nathan suggested, hoping to embarrass her.

Surely the brilliant lawyer couldn't carry a tune.

Vivian stood without hesitation, smoothing her dress.

She took the guitar, fingers dancing across strings. Two notes and the room stilled.

"Long ago, you were mine... Long ago, you left me behind..."

Her voice wrapped around the lyrics like silk, haunting and raw.

Tears welled in Nathan's eyes despite himself. "Damn it, why didn't you warn me she sings like an angel?"

"First time hearing it," Ethan murmured, gaze fixed on the stage.

Spotlights haloed Vivian, making her glow untouchable.

Upstairs, Dominic Harrington's grip tightened on his glass. Now he understood Ethan's quick recovery.

As the last note faded, Vivian descended gracefully. "Punishment complete. I'm leaving."

"If the boss goes, we go," her team chorused, following en masse.

The booth emptied, leaving Ethan and Nathan in awkward silence.

Finally, Ethan stood. "Let's go."

"Wait!" Nathan grabbed his arm. "What about introducing me to Julian Montgomery?"

"Not happening."

Nathan groaned. Might as well break his own legs now and save his father the trouble.