Chapter 83

The door burst open with dramatic force.

A whirlwind of designer perfume and expensive fabrics stormed into the room.

"Daddy! I heard some gold-digging tramp was trying to sink her claws into you!"

Isabella Thornton stood there in thigh-high leather boots, clutching a rare Birkin bag. Her shrill voice carried through the private dining room like spoiled champagne bubbles.

Her gaze immediately locked onto Vivian Lockhart seated across from Leonard Kingsley. Recognition flashed across her petulant features.

"You!" Isabella spat through clenched teeth. "The woman Ethan Blackwood despises yet you still shamelessly chase after him!" Her eyes burned with venomous jealousy.

Vivian merely smiled, extending a graceful hand. "Miss Thornton. How flattering that you remember me."

She'd encountered Isabella before. The girl worshipped Ethan like some deity. Spoiled rotten by Leonard's indulgence, she'd grown into a walking tantrum in Prada.

Normally, Vivian would avoid such toxic personalities like the plague.

Today, fate had other plans.

"Don't you dare play innocent!" Isabella screeched, slapping Vivian's hand away. "I'm calling Ethan right now to expose your scheming!"

"Isabella! Enough!"

Leonard's rare stern tone made his daughter flinch. He rarely disciplined his precious girl.

"Mrs. Lockhart is here on legitimate business. Wait outside."

"Business? She's just some desperate housewife!" Isabella's voice cracked with theatrical sobs. "Mom would be heartbroken seeing you like this!" She stomped her designer heels. "I hate you!"

Leonard sighed heavily, the weight of decades-old guilt pressing down. Every tantrum only made him miss Natalie Chase more - the daughter he'd failed.

"Mrs. Lockhart," he said apologetically, "I'll review your proposal for Kingsley Holdings and Lockhart Enterprises. Would you mind giving us privacy?"

"Of course, Mr. Kingsley. I await your decision."

Vivian exited gracefully, but not without casting a pitying glance at Leonard.

Poor Natalie. That foolish, noble woman had sacrificed everything for the Kingsley name, only for this spoiled brat to reap the benefits. What a tragic waste.

Instead of leaving Skyview Retreat, Vivian positioned herself at the lounge bar. The contract remained unsigned - the game wasn't over yet.

Hours passed. Golden sunlight faded to twilight.

When patience wore thin, Vivian rose just as Isabella strutted out, triumph oozing from every pore.

"Give up. Daddy left through the VIP exit. He promised never to see you again!"

"Did he?" Vivian sidestepped the gloating girl. "I'd prefer to hear that from him directly."

The empty dining room confirmed Leonard's cowardice.

Pathetic. A titan of industry brought to heel by a brat's tantrum.

"I read your pathetic contract," Isabella sneered. "Helping another man while married to Ethan? Disgusting." Her smirk turned predatory. "But...I might be persuaded to help you."