Chapter 79

Vivian stepped out of The Starlight Lounge, bidding farewell to Julian and the other attorneys before standing alone by the curb.

The crisp night air caressed her skin, washing away the fatigue of the evening.

Her slender silhouette looked ethereal in the white cocktail dress, dark tresses dancing like silk in the gentle wind. Though her porcelain face showed little expression, a quiet melancholy lingered in her eyes - windows to untold stories.

Several cars slowed down, their drivers honking or whistling invitations. Each received nothing but her icy glare until they sped away.

When another luxury sedan pulled up, Vivian prepared to dismiss this latest admirer. Then the tinted window lowered to reveal Nathaniel Blackwood's chiseled profile.

Her expression hardened instantly, as if looking at a stranger.

"Need a ride?" His deep voice carried through the open window.

"Wouldn't dream of inconveniencing you." Her refusal came sharp as shattered glass.

Nathaniel's fingers tightened on the steering wheel. Inconvenience? They literally lived next door.

Her disdain couldn't be more obvious. She wasn't even pretending anymore.

This contradiction baffled him. If she truly felt nothing, why had she written that viral fanfiction about them? Unless...

She was putting on an act.

The realization lightened his mood considerably. He even forgave her public humiliation earlier. Women often said the opposite of what they meant, didn't they?

Leaning across the passenger seat, he tried a different approach. "Get in. I'll brief you about Blackwood Legal. The firm's more complicated than you think."

"I'm perfectly capable, thank you." Vivian arched her neck with regal poise. "More so than you, apparently."

Nathaniel's gaze darkened. "You think handling Julian Montgomery with petty tricks means you've won? He's not the real challenge at Blackwood Legal."

She knew he meant Victoria Chen - the formidable senior partner she hadn't yet faced. The true powerhouse behind the firm's success.

Without conquering that obstacle, Blackwood Legal would remain an unsolvable puzzle.

Nathaniel watched the subtle shift in her expression like a hawk tracking prey. Seeing her hesitation, he extended an olive branch.

"The divorce isn't finalized. If you're having second thoughts, get in and we'll renegotiate the terms. I'll accommodate any reasonable request." He paused meaningfully. "No need to keep using your uncle as an excuse."

In his mind, this was more than generous for an ex-husband. At least he wasn't stingy with the settlement.

Vivian's lips curved into a humorless smile. "How kind of you, Mr. Blackwood. But rest assured, every decision I've made since signing those papers came from conviction. Regret isn't in my vocabulary."

Some arrows, once loosed, could never be recalled. Some hearts, once broken, could never be revived by pretty words.

Nathaniel studied her intently, searching for any crack in her armor.

Just then, headlights flashed as a silver convertible pulled up behind them.

"Ah, my ride's here." Vivian brushed past his car with deliberate grace. Over her shoulder, she delivered the final blow: "Do remember our appointment at the courthouse next week. Wouldn't want you to...forget."