Chapter 91

Vivian struggled to suppress her laughter at Ethan's devastated expression.

Karma's a bitch. The mighty Nathaniel Blackwood, reduced to this pitiful state. She'd savor every second of his humiliation.

She schooled her features into false sympathy. "Accidents happen. Life's unpredictable like that."

"Leave." Ethan's voice was hollow as he turned away. "I need to be alone."

"Not happening." Vivian crossed her arms. "You got hurt saving me. I'm staying."

"I said no!" His rejection was sharp as shattered glass.

"Positive?" She tilted her head, feigning concern.

"Get. Out." Each word dripped with Arctic venom. "I won't repeat myself."

A relentless ringing pierced the tension. Ethan's phone vibrated insistently on the dashboard.

"Fine, Mr. Blackwood. I'll give you privacy." Vivian's saccharine smile didn't reach her eyes.

The ringing continued. Ethan's jaw clenched. "Bring me the damn phone."

"Pardon? Couldn't quite catch that." She cupped her ear dramatically.

"I. Need. That. Phone." He ground out through gritted teeth.

Victory tasted sweet. Vivian plucked the device from his jacket, holding it just beyond his reach. "See? Was that so hard? Pride won't feed the cat, darling."

Dominic Harrington's frantic voice burst through the speaker. "Sir! Your mother's called twelve times! Mr. Alfred's flight lands at eight - she insists you meet him personally!"

"Announce I'm vacationing abroad with my wife," Ethan snapped. "No public appearances."

"With Miss Lockhart? But you two-"

"End of discussion." Ethan's glare could've melted steel. Vivian obediently disconnected.

"Alfred's coming home tonight? How was his surgery?" Genuine concern crept into her voice. The old man was the only Hunt - no, Blackwood - she actually missed.

"Not your concern." Pain flickered behind Ethan's stoic mask.

Vivian's smirk faltered. Maybe she'd pushed too far. She opened her mouth to confess-

"You're my primary caretaker starting now." Ethan's commanding tone returned. "Name your price. Triple whatever Blackwood Legal pays you."

Typical. Even paralyzed, he thought money solved everything. "And if I refuse?"

The challenge hung between them like a drawn blade.