جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 150

[Vivienne]This time, when Harvey turns, it feels like I have his attention.But before I open my mouth again, and finish what I started, he holds me by the shoulders and kisses my forehead.“Look. I get it. And I know where you’re getting with this. But no. I really can’t do this right now. Emma is…she’s doing great. But she’s not like other kids. She needs special care and I can’t let some innocent woman—or any woman—get burdened by the needs of my child. It’s just not fair.”Tears prick my eyes for the reason that I don’t even know. It’s maybe my brother has a heart of gold and it shows. I love him so much for this. But is it really the truth or he’s just too scared to move on?“Why don’t you let her decide that? Ask her on a date or something. I’m sure if you talk—”“Like I said to Mom, Viv, I have a lot on my plate right now, and this is just not the right time,” he says, taking a step back and checking his phone. “I’ve got to go. Emma’s nanny is sick, and she wants to leave earl

[Vivienne]The elevator jerks to a halt, and the lights flicker before plunging us into total darkness.Elijah curses softly under his breath. “Well, this is just fantastic.”I blink, trying to adjust to the sudden blackness. “Did we just—?”“Yep,” he cuts me off, sounding calm despite the situation. “Elevator’s stuck. Don’t worry, it happens from time to time. Building’s old.”I can hear him moving, likely reaching for his phone. “Let me just call maintenance, and we’ll be out in no time.”“Great. Stuck in an elevator. Just what I needed today.”“Hey, if you’re going to get stuck in an elevator, at least you’re stuck with me. It could be worse.”I laugh, despite myself. “Always looking at the bright side, huh?”“Well,” he says, his voice moving closer, “I try to make the best out of bad situations. Keeps life interesting.”“You’re impossible.”He chuckles, and I hear him tapping away on his phone. “They’ll get us out soon. In the meantime, consider this a forced break. I bet you have

[Vivienne]My back stiffens at the familiar voice.I haven’t even turned around yet, and I already know whose mouth those words are coming out of.Irritation burns in my chest like never before.I turn around to face him head-on.“What are you doing here?”He doesn’t say anything right away. Just stares. As if trying to get comfortable in my space. He sits there on the couch like nothing can move him, as if he holds not even an ounce of guilt for walking into my place without permission.And I hate him even more for that.“I said, what are you doing here, Caden?”“What do you think?” he says, and I feel like I don’t have the patience for his nonsense.It hasn’t even been 24 hours since we last met, meaning his every word and action is still imprinted on my mind, fresh as ink.I fold my arms across my chest, glaring at him. “I think you’re in the wrong place. Get out.”He raises an eyebrow, not offended but definitely amused. “Bold words for someone like you, don’t you think?”Someone

[Vivienne]Money. Money. Money.That’s all he cares about. That’s everything he cares about.I know I’ve already regretted this a million times before, but thinking about what just happened makes my blood fucking boil.What the hell does he think of himself?What does he—No, no, no, no, no. I’m not getting sucked into that same toxic cycle again. I won’t.As soon as he walks out the door, I call Marcus.He picks up right away, like he always does. “Yes, Ms. Richardson. Is everything alright?”I look around the place, curling my fingers into a tight fist. I shove the tears off my face and take a deep breath. “Prepare the car, Marcus. We’re leaving.”He doesn’t ask unnecessary questions. “I’ll be there in five.”I pack what I need as quickly as I can and storm out of the building.By the time I stand next to the guard at the entrance, Marcus is already there, ready to help me with the small bag I’ve packed.He tosses the bag in the trunk and opens the door for me.“Where to, madam?” he

One Week Later[Caden]“What the hell is this?” I hear myself roar on what should’ve been a normal Monday morning.Why? Because the first thing I see on my desk is a court order, restraining me from being anywhere near my ex-wife. “Is this some kind of joke?”Betty Adams, my assistant, looks more anxious than usual. She nervously pushes her thick-rimmed glasses up her nose and clasps her hands tightly in front of her. “I don’t think so, sir. I’ve already sent a copy to the legal department. Hopefully, they’ll be able to give us more information soon.”I slam the paper down on my desk. “How the hell did this happen without me even knowing?”Betty flinches slightly. “It must have been filed under emergency provisions. These types of orders can be fast-tracked, especially if there’s a claim of imminent danger or threat.”“Imminent danger?” I scoff. “She thinks I’m a threat to her?”She can’t be serious about this. Who the hell even gives her such stupid advice? First, she becomes hellbent