Chapter 7

I didn’t dwell on Ethan’s breakdown.

To me, it was just a bruised ego lashing out. Once the novelty wore off, he’d go back to his world and be the untouchable heir again.

But someone else found the situation far more unbearable.

Vivian had been having a rough time. Since Ethan started pulling away, she’d tried everything to get close to him again—and been shut down cold every time.

Watching him drown himself in alcohol, camp outside my door, and lose his composure over me—her hatred grew like weeds.

Why her? Vivian was from a prominent family, had known Ethan her whole life. What did that woman from an ordinary background have that she didn’t?

She said over the phone to someone: “Claire’s going to the embassy next week to submit her materials. You know what to do. I’ll cover whatever happens.”