Chapter 80

The sleek silver sports car glided through the city streets. Nathaniel Blackwood's grip on the steering wheel was precise, every movement calculated to ensure the smoothest ride possible for his precious cargo—the woman beside him and the twins she carried.

"Boss, you're absolutely reckless." Liam shook his head, his playful tone belying his concern. "A pregnant woman at a bar? That's terrible parenting before they're even born."

"It's a lounge restaurant." Vivian Lockhart rolled her eyes, resting her chin on her palm as she gazed out the window. "I didn't touch a single drop of alcohol."

Though Liam appeared carefree, his sharp eyes missed nothing. He recognized the tension in Vivian's posture immediately. "You're still thinking about Nathaniel, aren't you?" he prodded, half-teasing. "Since the divorce isn't finalized, why not tell him about the pregnancy? Let's see who he chooses."

"From what I've observed," Liam continued, "the Iceberg isn't completely indifferent to you. At the very least... he's still possessive."

That much was evident from the murderous glare Nathaniel had shot them when Vivian entered Liam's car earlier. In male psychology, possessiveness always signaled unfinished business.

"Besides," Liam added with a smirk, "you nearly died saving him. The least he could do is repay you with his body and choose you."

"Absolutely not!" Vivian's glare could have melted steel. "Why should I humiliate myself for his choice? What would I gain by returning?"

"To be that pathetic little wife everyone pities? The laughingstock whose husband openly keeps a mistress?" Her voice turned icy. "I'm not a masochist, Liam."

Possession wasn't love. True love ran bone-deep, like Nathaniel's devotion to Cassandra Delacroix.

"Bravo!" Liam's relief was palpable. "After four years of lovesick delusions, my boss has finally regained her senses. I'm so proud!"

"The babies will need a father figure though..." His fox-like eyes sparkled mischievously. "I volunteer as tribute."

Vivian raised a threatening fist. "Looking to get hospitalized?"

Liam immediately switched to puppy-dog mode. "Uncle it is! I'll be the world's best uncle!"

'Sigh. Liam Osborne, master seducer, rendered powerless by one woman.' Yet this secret bond they shared—something even the mighty Nathaniel Blackwood couldn't touch—warmed his heart.

"Enough nonsense." Vivian smoothed her windswept hair, all business now. "Did you handle what I asked?"

"Appointment secured. Ten tomorrow morning at Skyview Retreat."

Vivian nodded. "Good. I'll go alone."

"Not happening." Liam's playful demeanor vanished. "You're pregnant, and that old fox is Nathaniel's ally. If negotiations turn sour—"

"Since when have I needed protection?" Vivian arched an eyebrow.

Realization dawned on Liam. This was the legendary Scarlet Phoenix—a lethal panther disguised as a housecat. Those four years of docility had been an anomaly, not her nature.

"Fine. But call me immediately if anything feels off." His tone turned serious. "I'll be waiting for your signal."