Chapter 5

I stretched languidly after finishing my work. My eyes were drawn to Vivian, who was still ensconced on the couch, waiting for me. She looked up from her phone. "Done with work?"

I nodded.

Vivian said gently, "You've worked hard. I never realized how exhausting your day-to-day life could be. You know, this is the first time I've seen you working. You look quite handsome."

I gave a wry smile. In the past, I would always make sure to fix myself up to look more presentable before meeting her. I didn't want her to see me tired. I also always tried to make as much time as possible for her.

But I never received a shred of understanding in return.

Now, she was acting gentle and considerate to get back on my good side.

She would probably never know that I had been busy finalizing the arrangements to sever all business ties with the Saddler family during the two hours she spent waiting for me.

I threw on my coat. Before I could say a word, Vivian scrambled to her feet. "Are we leaving now?"

I nodded and had the chauffeur prepare our ride.

Vivian and I locked eyes. However, neither of us said a word the entire way there. The silence between us was almost unsettling. Then suddenly, her phone rang, breaking the silence.

Vivian reached to end the call on reflex, but I caught her arm. "We're still a distance away from the restaurant. You might as well pick up."

She looked confused but nodded. "Okay."

As soon as she answered the call, panic suddenly bled into her countenance. My guess was that she finally found out about Wyatt's scandal.

After ending the call, she immediately tried to call Wyatt. But no matter how many times she tried, there was no answer. Her hands tightened around her phone as she frowned.

"Did something happen?" I pretended to ask in a concerned tone.

It was only then that Vivian remembered that I was beside her. She quickly composed herself. "I won't be able to join you for dinner tonight, Lucian. Let's do it another day. My treat!"

I smiled gently. "Of course. If you have something to take care of, go ahead. Do you need a ride?"

Vivian quickly turned me down, seemingly flustered. "It's fine. Just drop me off somewhere. I'll call for a cab."

I said nothing more and inclined my head to signal the chauffeur to pull over.

Once Vivian got out of the car, I watched through the rear-view mirror as she stood by the roadside, frantically trying to make more calls. Her anxious expression made it obvious that no one was answering her calls.

I dialed up one of my men. "Spread the news. I want to see it in the headlines tonight! Deliver the prepared divestment plan to Saddler Group first thing in the morning!"

Given Griffith Corporation's reach, it wouldn't take more than an hour for the entire city of Seabrook to find out. By then, it wouldn't change a thing even if Wyatt were to get down on his knees and beg.

The chauffeur asked cautiously, "Where to now, Mr. Griffith?"

I stared out the window. "Go pick up Yvonne."

The truth was that I had never intended to have dinner with Vivian tonight. I had everything arranged long before Vivian had even shown up. I also knew that she would find out what Wyatt had done at 6:30 pm sharp.

The reservation for the restaurant had always been made for me and Yvonne. Vivian just happened to walk into the line of fire, and I simply wanted to see her reaction when she received the news with my own eyes.