Life returned to the rhythm it had before the jewelry exhibition, with Vivian resuming her position as Security Director. She would often huddle beside Hayden, arguing over every item in the budget reports. At home, she and Ethan would share a simple dinner before retiring to their separate rooms for the night.
It seemed as though nothing out of the ordinary had ever occurred...
...How could that be?
Ethan felt a nagging irritation. Just days ago, Vivian had been eyeing him hungrily, using words and actions to provoke him. How could she suddenly lose interest in him overnight?
What scheme was this woman cooking up now? Previously, even the slightest touch of her hand was enough to ignite his imagination, yet now she didn't even attempt to touch him. Dinner was a quiet affair, after which she disappeared into her room.
And worst of all...
"Mrs. Sharpe seems to be having an affair," Hayden casually mentioned while delivering the day's documents to Ethan.
Ethan’s expression darkened, his lips forming a cold name: "Rowan?"
This was Ethan's wayward cousin who had been caught the night before the jewelry exhibition. According to Rowan, his delinquent behavior had led his family to cut him off financially, prompting him to attempt stealing jewels from the exhibition.
Given that he was caught before he could act, Ethan had let him off the hook. Logically, Rowan and Vivian, who had been on opposite sides due to his criminal intentions, should have an awkward relationship. Yet, inexplicably, they had grown closer.
Rowan was visibly infatuated with Vivian, frequently showing up at the company to talk to her. Vivian, for her part, played along with an amiable demeanor, chatting with him. They were even spotted going out for lunch several times during breaks.
Why? It couldn't be that Vivian had genuinely fallen for that young troublemaker, could it?
Though Rowan shared the Sharpe family bloodline and bore a slight resemblance to Ethan, his looks paled in comparison. He was handsome in his own right, but his frivolous demeanor and impulsive behavior made him a far cry from Ethan's sophistication.
There was no logical reason for Vivian to prefer a ne'er-do-well over a man of Ethan's caliber, Ethan thought confidently, dismissing Rowan's growing advances towards Vivian.
However, hearing of Vivian's supposed affair from Hayden soured Ethan's mood.
Hayden nodded calmly, discussing the matter as if it were a business transaction, "I overheard downstairs that Mrs. Sharpe agreed to a date with Rowan."
Rowan's frequent visits to the company had drawn the attention of everyone, including Ethan, who felt reassured knowing that Vivian wouldn't engage in anything inappropriate under the watchful eyes of their colleagues.
Vivian couldn't possibly be serious about Rowan. Ethan had convinced himself of this.
Until now, he realized he might have been mistaken.
His brows furrowed deeply, his voice uncertain as he asked, "A date?" He and Vivian had never gone on a proper date. Why would a rogue like Rowan appeal to her more than he did?
Wasn't he her lawfull husband?
"Yes, they arranged it during lunch in the company cafeteria. The news has spread like wildfire," Hayden emphasized, his eyes gleaming with anticipation behind his glasses, relishing the potential drama.
While Vivian was indeed peculiar and different from what his investigations had suggested, Hayden didn't dislike this version of her. Smart, independent, and capable of bringing
benefit to the Sharpe family, she was an asset to Ethan. Her presence, tied by marriage, was advantageous. Hayden could tell Ethan was smitten with her, yet their relationship stagnated in a vague, undefined territory, causing Hayden frustration.
Hayden knew Rowan stood no chance with Vivian, and their recent interactions likely served another purpose of hers. Still, he saw this as an opportunity to prod Ethan into action.
"If that's the case, let her be." Ethan glanced at Hayden, quickly masking his emotions with a stoic expression, his thoughts unreadable.
This was the result of years of pressure from Hayden, his father, Ethan's uncle, and others after Ethan ascended to his position. It was now difficult to discern Ethan's thoughts from his expression, but Hayden momentarily regretted his role in this. Ethan seemed more vibrant, more alive, when he was with Vivian.
This was why Hayden believed Vivian should stay by Ethan's side.
Of course, Ethan wasn't as composed as he appeared.
Especially when, at the end of the workday, he witnessed Vivian climbing into Rowan's car.
