Vivian, though lacking Shawna's striking beauty and possessed of a shy and introverted nature that hardly seemed fitting for a CEO's wife, held an advantage in her quiet compliance.
To Hayden, this was sufficient. He urgently required a controllable piece on his chessboard, one that could silence Ethan's avaricious relatives. Should Vivian bear a child within three to five years, all the better; if not, he and Ethan would have ample time to deal with the remainder of the Sharpe family. By then, Vivian's importance would diminish, her presence becoming dispensable, her future decided at their whim. Such were Hayden's calculations.
Yet, he refrained from discussing these schemes with Ethan, well aware that beneath Ethan's icy exterior lay a heart less inclined towards ruthlessness. Ethan would never sanction such manipulation of Vivian. Moreover, Hayden was loath to expose the sordid truth to Ethan, to reveal Shawna's true perspective on him.
Hayden understood that Shawna represented Ethan's first love, a woman who had captivated him during his diligent years after he is eighteen, when work consumed him, leaving no room for leisure or romantic pursuits. Shawna, with her audacious and willful spirit, stood in stark contrast to Ethan, invigorating his mundane routine with her vibrant presence – be it through shopping sprees, casual drives, idle chatter about trivial matters, or discussions on the latest fashion pieces.
Hayden had been Ethan's constant companion, witnessing firsthand the arduous journey that led to his current position. While outsiders saw only the glamour of Ethan's presidency, they ignored the hardships and sacrifices he made behind the scenes. The cold, detached mask Ethan wore was a necessity, imposed by Hayden and his father to ensure survival amidst the predatory Sharpe clan. Revealing Shawna's disinterest would only exacerbate Ethan's sorrow, pushing him further into isolation – a sight Hayden could not bear.
"So, you thought it appropriate to make decisions on my behalf? To conspire with the Shaw family to dictate whom I should marry?" The betrayal of Shawna stung, but it was Hayden's unilateral actions that truly infuriated Ethan. "Am I not trustworthy? On what grounds do you decide for me whom I should wed?"
Hayden gritted his teeth, pausing before muttering, "I'm sorry... I believed it was for your own good."
"I didn't partake in the Shaw family's scheme. By the time I learned of it, they were already in motion. I merely..." Hayden trailed off, ashamed, head hung low. His decision to feign ignorance, regardless of motive, constituted a betrayal.
"Very well, I believe your intentions were pure, and this misjudgment stems from a leader's flawed decision-making. However, concealing the truth merits punishment. Three months' salary deducted, no objections?" Vivian interjected, decisively settling the matter.
Both Ethan and Hayden were taken aback.
"What are you implying, Vivian?" Ethan watched, baffled, as Vivian began unfastening Hayden's restraints, her sudden shift in action perplexing.
From her unauthorized interrogation to this swift resolution while Ethan was still angry, her actions defied explanation.
Vivian released Hayden, assisting him back into his clothes, patting his suit twice before addressing Ethan, "My sole intent was to uncover his involvement and motivation. I won't tolerate disloyalty, but now that he's confessed, I've administered punishment. Isn't that the end of it?"
Ethan was left speechless.
Was it truly that simple? Ethan glanced at Hayden, who appeared equally uncertain.
"Or do you believe a harsher penalty is warranted?" Vivian tilted her head, puzzled, looking at Ethan.
Ethan suddenly realized Vivian had again closed the distance between them, prompting him to retreat hastily. To hide his alarm, he barked, "Who gave you the authority to decide Hayden's punishment?"
"Is three months insufficient?" Vivian suppressed a smile, staying put.
"O-of course not," Ethan retreated behind his desk, heart pounding erratically. Losing his composure, he inadvertently followed Vivian's lead, "Three months is too light, his quarterly bonus should also be revoked."
"Oh, as the CEO commands." Vivian turned, winking at Hayden.
Hayden, catching on, promptly noded,"As you wish"
Ethan belatedly wondered if this meant he had forgiven Hayden.
Their eyes met. The lingering resentment since their marriage unexpectedly dissipated, leaving Ethan with a sense of liberation, as if letting it go mattered little.
Had Vivian discerned the tension between him and Hayden and intentionally intervened to mend their relationship?
Ethan studied Vivian, who still wore a playful grin, hands in her pockets, as if nothing out of the ordinary had transpired. Catching his gaze, she shot him a flirtatious glance, causing his pulse to race once more.
Impossible, Ethan instantly dismissed the notion. A woman like Vivian couldn't possibly harbor such benevolence.
Yet, if not, what was her objective?
His gaze returned to Vivian, who shifted from intimidating to innocently sweet, an inconceivable duality in one person.
Who was Vivian, really?
