In the extensive 150,000-word novel, "The Heartless President's Delicate Wife," descriptions of Hayden were scarce. Mostly, he was depicted as a loyal subordinate who flawlessly executed Ethan's commands, gathering intelligence and countering the nefarious Sharpe relatives, seemingly capable of anything.
However, peculiarly, Ethan in the book did not seem to fully trust his impeccable secretary. Despite Ethan's character traits being cold and autocratic, an underlying discord lingered. Furthermore, Hayden often held back vital information and acted independently at critical moments. Although these actions eventually saved the protagonists, they bred a sense of contradiction.
Vivian inherently believed in Hayden's loyalty to Ethan. Yet, embodying the character of Vivian, she couldn't overlook the discordant notes. As she stated, for trust to exist, it had to be absolute, without secrets. This minor inconsistency was a thorn in her side, one she intended to remove, preparing herself for the trials to come.
After two days of contemplation and preparation, Vivian confronted the pair, confirming that the marriage was the root of Ethan's distrust toward Hayden. Observing their renewed harmony, Vivian knew Ethan's distrust had been alleviated, paving the way for a more cohesive partnership based on mutual trust.
Vivian smiled faintly, waving nonchalantly as she prepared to exit the office.
"Vivian, where are you going?" Ethan called out, halting her.
Vivian turned, her eyes twinkling as she replied, "Home, of course."
"To the Shaw residence?" Ethan queried, unsure of what 'home' meant to Vivian. He assumed she would return to her family after "escaping" his household.
Surprised, Vivian countered, "Why would I go there? I meant the house we share after our marriage. What other house do you think I'd refer to?"
Ethan, being wealthy with several properties, wasn't unusual. But to Vivian, there was only one home she knew.
"Aren't you going back to the Shaw family?" Ethan wondered if Vivian didn't intend to advocate for Shaw's business deal. He had assumed her visit was for Shaw's sake, yet she orchestrated a scenario for him and Hayden to confront their truths, and now she planned to leave unceremoniously, without seeking credit?
And she was returning to their home, not her parental one. Did she truly have no intention of supporting Shaw family? Ethan found it astonishing, though he had no intention of altering his stance.
Vivian furrowed her brow, folding her arms. "I haven't quite understood you. You keep mentioning the Shaw family... suggesting I'd lobby for them? Do you think I have some connection with them?"
"You have no connection with the Shaw family?" Ethan and Hayden stared at Vivian in astonishment, unable to respond.
Realization dawned on Vivian. Having crossed over from another world, she naturally felt no ties to the Shaw family. However, to them, she was blood-related, a bond impossible to sever.
Understanding this, Vivian confidently stated, "Although you didn't intend to marry me, I am your legally wedded wife. Regardless of your feelings, until we divorce, I am a Sharpe, and thus have no relation to the Shaw family."
In truth, Vivian wanted nothing to do with the unfeeling Shaw family. Investigating during her two days at home, she discovered Vivian's assets amounted to a mere hundreds of thousands labeled as dowry.
Although the Shaw family's assets fall far short of the Sharpe family's, they still boast a net worth in the tens of millions. The media had claimed that Vivian entered her marriage with a dowry worth millions. However, upon investigation, Vivian found that apart from a few hundred thousand in cash which indeed belonged to her, the rest of the alleged million-dollar stocks were tied up with numerous conditions, hardly qualifying as her personal assets.
The Shaw family, who orchestrated the fake marriage and treated their daughter as a commodity, lacked familial affection. With them showing no kindness to the original Vivian, why should she, a fake Vivian, feel any obligation? Cutting ties was best.
Unbeknownst to Ethan, Vivian's thoughts ran deep. However, her declaration of being a Sharpe touched him.
Even if marrying him wasn't Vivian's choice, she embraced being a part of his family. Yet, he doubted her, questioned her motives, neglected her, and failed to treat her as his wife. Ethan's heart tightened with guilt.
"Is that so? It's good that you think this way," Ethan said coldly, maintaining his aloof demeanor despite his remorse.
Unable to humble himself to apologize, Ethan's words rang haughty. Fortunately, Vivian, accustomed to his coolness, noticed nothing strange.
"I'm aware of a recent project Shaw's attempted to join but was rejected by you. You suspect I'm here to plead their case. Rest assured, I have no intention of interfering. Business isn't my forte, and I won't cause you any trouble," Vivian declared candidly.
Her straightforwardness only accentuated Ethan's feeling of pettiness.
Hayden chimed in, "Madam misunderstands. Mr. Sharpe had no such intentions."
His attempt to clarify seemed to muddy the waters further. Ethan glanced at Hayden, surprised by his defense, which almost implicated him.
Vivian blinked, smiling. "I know he didn't. I merely clarified my stance. I hold no grudge."
...How had it suddenly become his fault? Ethan felt outmaneuvered yet speechless.
Ethan stiffened, tersely acknowledging, "I understand your kindness."
"Then... may I go?" Vivian suppressed a smile.
Ethan reluctantly nodded.
As Vivian turned to leave, Ethan softly called out, "I'll be home for dinner tonight. Wait for me."
Vivian halted, surprised, seeing Ethan's back, his ears slightly flushed.
Vivian grinned, her smile genuine and warm, gently responding,
"Alright."
