Chapter 3

Vivian's POV

Maxwell seemed intrigued by my words. He walked over and embraced me from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder.

A wave of nausea washed over me. I fought hard against the urge to push him away.

"Oh?" His breath warmed my ear. "What surprise has my darling prepared for me?"

My heart pounded, but I feigned composure, my nails digging deeper into my palms.

I turned my head slightly, maintaining that stiff smile. "What kind of surprise would it be if I told you now?"

I paused, then lowered my voice even further, "By the way, Maxwell, should we invite my brother that day?"

Maxwell's body visibly stiffened.

The arm around me tightened instinctively, causing a pang of pain.

Then, he let out a low chuckle.

"Sure," his voice returned to its usual lazy tone. "Let him see whose man his most cherished sister belongs to now."

"Bowing to love, it's embarrassing, but for you, I'll accept it."

His words were filled with tender affection, but to my ears, they sounded only incredibly ironic and sickening.

Every word reminded me of the cruel truths I had just overheard.

I lowered my eyelashes, hiding the coldness in my eyes.

I had to delete those videos.

I turned around and deliberately wrapped my arms around his waist, tilting my face up with a fragile, dependent expression.

This was what I had become most adept at over the past three years.

"We just fought, and I'm so sad." My voice had a slight nasal quality, making it sound like I was pouting. "I messaged you, but you didn't reply."

I stood on my tiptoes, reaching for the phone in his suit pocket. "Let me see, are you chatting with other girls again?"

This was a familiar game between us. Before, Maxwell would always laugh and let me play the jealous girlfriend, even actively unlocking his phone and handing it to me for inspection.

He said his phone was always open to me.

Today, however, he easily sidestepped me, caught my outstretched hand, and kissed it, his eyes hazy with drink yet terrifyingly clear. "Easy, baby, don't fuss."

His voice was still gentle. "I just finished talking business. My phone is full of company secrets; it's not convenient for you to look."

My heart sank. This man was incredibly wary.

He might not suspect I knew anything, but his inherent suspicion meant he never relaxed his guard.

Especially not after he had just finished discussing that conspiracy with his associates.

It seemed I would have to find another way.

I didn't press further, obediently retracting my hand, a hint of appropriate disappointment on my face. "Okay."

I turned and walked to the bathroom. When I came out after a shower, Maxwell was already lying in bed, seemingly asleep.

His phone lay on the bedside table, screen down, just inches from him.

I moved quietly, inching closer. The man on the bed suddenly rolled over. My outstretched hand froze in mid-air.

This man, even in his sleep, was incredibly vigilant.

It seemed I really had to wait for another opportunity.