Ethan remained oblivious to what Vivian intended to protect, and Vivian had no intention of enlightening him. Instead, she smirked mysteriously，closed her laptop and placed it on the side table, effectively changing the subject.
"Tell me, Ethan, you didn't just come home early for dinner, did you?" Seizing the moment when Ethan was off guard, Vivian leaned over, pressing his shoulders to push him down onto the couch, her gaze at her filled with mischief.
Never in his life had Ethan anticipated being forcefully pinned down by a woman, let alone experiencing it twice, both times at the hands of the same woman. The memory sent a chill down his spine, recalling their unpleasant encounter.
"Vivian! Don't push your luck!" Ethan mentally berated himself for underestimating her.
"I haven't done anything," Vivian protested innocently, raising her hands. Then, leaning closer, her breath warm against his face, she teased, "I said I wouldn't touch you without permission, but if you change your mind, I'm always ready."
...Was this how a lady should speak?
"You'll never have the chance to touch me!" Ethan gritted through clenched teeth.
"What a pity. I thought my chance had finally come when you invited me to dinner tonight," Vivian sighed dramatically.
If not for societal norms dictating against striking a woman, Ethan would have lashed out. How could she say such shameless things?
Her attire—shorts and a bra—left little to the imagination. Her fair thighs straddled his side, and the thin straps of her bra failed to conceal her ample cleavage, accentuated against the black fabric that highlighted her creamy skin. A subtle floral scent from her shower gel assailed his senses, and she brazenly sat astride him, casually grazing his sensitive spots.
Ethan tensed, alarmed to find his body responding despite his resolve. This, absolutely, could not be detected by Vivian.
Mercifully, the intercom buzzed, interrupting the tense moment. The butler efficiently answered, conversing briefly with the building manager before appearing before them, seemingly oblivious to their intimate position.
"Mr. Sharpe, Miss Shaw is here to see Mrs. Sharpe. Shall I allow her to get in?"
Ethan hesitated, exchanging a glance with Vivian, who shrugged nonchalantly, offering no opinion.
Knowing Shawna's probable motive, Ethan felt compelled to allow the sisters to meet, even if Shawna had ulterior motives, which seemed inevitable.
Just as Ethan was about to respond, he realized Vivian was still on top of him, prompting an urgent, flustered "Get off!"
Reluctantly, Vivian slid off Ethan. He eyed her outfit with disapproval. "Your sister is here. Change your clothes!"
"Ugh, what a hassle. I don't want to see her. Can't you send her away?" Vivian drawled lazily.
"She's your sister! Refusing to see her will only make people think you're snobbish or that the Sharpes mistreat you," Ethan chided.
"Are you worried about my reputation, then?" Vivian perceptively pierced through his rebuke with a knowing smile.
"You……Just stop it!" Ethan snapped.
Vivian smirked but didn't reply, complying and heading to her room. Once inside, her expression hardened.
She had been home for two days without Shawna showing up. Now, Shawna chose to visit precisely when Ethan was home early? It couldn't be coincidence.
Vivian didn't believe in coincidences. Someone in the company must have tipped Shawna off. For a CEO's movements to be so easily tracked by a sheltered heiress spoke volumes about his lack of caution.
Selecting a more formal outfit from her wardrobe, Vivian let her hair down only to style it into an elegant updo. A light touch of makeup later, she transformed herself into a different persona, reflected in the mirror as a refined, genteel aristocrat. Her hand rested on her flat stomach, her eyes cold and resolute, like a lioness preparing to defend her territory.
What the Vivian from the book couldn't protect, she vowed to safeguard. She would erect an impregnable fortress around Ethan and herself, one that nobody could penetrate.
