Chapter 95

The room froze into absolute stillness.

An unspoken tension crackled between them.

Ethan Blackwood's lips parted slightly, as if struggling to form words.

The moment shattered when the hospital door burst open.

"So this is your 'business trip abroad'?" Margaret Whitmore's voice dripped with venom as she stormed in. Her glare at Vivian could have melted steel.

Cassandra Delacroix followed close behind, her swollen belly protruding like a grotesque accusation.

That visible pregnancy hit Vivian like a physical blow, snapping her back to cruel reality.

How pathetic she'd been.

The cheating was undeniable fact. Yet she'd foolishly tested his feelings.

Did it even matter now whether he regretted saving her?

"Perfect timing. I can finally leave." Vivian rose gracefully, gesturing to the medicine bowl. "Three applications daily. This seems more your responsibility, Cassandra."

The other woman immediately donned her wounded dove act. "Thank you, Vivian. So kind of you to care for my Nathaniel these past days." Her saccharine tone barely concealed the taunt.

Vivian nearly laughed at the absurdity.

Without another word, she turned to leave.

"Stay." Ethan's command sliced through the room with imperial finality. "No one tends me better than you."

Cassandra's face twisted before she could school her features into pitiful dismay.

Margaret exploded. "Have you lost your mind? Cassandra carries your heir while this woman-" she jabbed a finger at Vivian "-is nearly your ex-wife!"

"Nearly being the operative word." Ethan's gaze never left Vivian. "Until then, wifely duties remain hers."

The tension thickened.

Margaret sputtered helplessly.

Vivian paused at the door, then turned with a razor-sharp smile. "You should know, Margaret - your son became quadriplegic saving me from a snakebite. He may never walk again."

She directed false sympathy at Cassandra. "Such hardship ahead for you both. But true love conquers all, no? I wish you joy in your... unique marriage."

Margaret swayed, clutching her chest.

Cassandra's reaction was priceless. "Lies!" She lunged, nails digging into Vivian's arm. "You're desperate to keep him!"

Vivian shook her off contemptuously. "Ask him yourself."

All eyes turned to Ethan, whose expression remained unreadable. "She speaks truth. Would you still wed a cripple?"