Chapter 139

Milo, seated in the driver's seat, averted his gaze from the unexpected display of affection. Following his instinct for discretion, he quietly closed his eyes. Vivienne, who had always maintained careful restraint, felt an overwhelming urge to kiss Derek. Without hesitation, she surrendered to her heart's desire. The remnants of her lipstick adorned his lips, adding an unexpected warmth to his typically aloof features. Derek's eyes held Vivienne's gaze, brimming with unspoken emotion. Her lips curved into a gentle smile; her eyes shimmered with newfound confidence. "Derek, thank you for standing beside me during my darkest hours," she said. The words of gratitude had lingered in her heart, though she remained uncertain of his feelings in that moment. "Every time before, you watched me walk away. Today, let me be the one to see you off," she murmured, her eyes never leaving his.

Derek's eyebrow arched slightly as his fingertips traced the corner of his mouth, savoring the lingering sensation of their kiss. "Are you finding it difficult to bid me farewell?"

"Yes," she answered with disarming honesty, leaving him momentarily speechless. He studied her face intently, then a smile tugged at his lips. "I'll return for you after work tonight."

"Okay." She stepped backward, waving as the distance between them grew. As his car disappeared from view, a familiar emptiness crept into her heart. Only when the vehicle had completely vanished did she release a soft sigh and turn toward her office.

"Vivienne, don't you owe me an explanation?" A harsh voice stopped her. Turning to face Warren, the warmth in her expression cooled, her eyes hardening. With practiced nonchalance, she arched an eyebrow. "In what capacity are you demanding answers, Mr. Mitchell? As my former boyfriend?"

"We've barely ended things, and you're already throwing yourself at another man. I never imagined you could stoop so low!" Warren's eyes filled with disappointment, as though she had betrayed their shared history.

Noting his accusatory stare, Vivienne's lips twisted into a sardonic smile. "As you pointed out, we're no longer together. My life choices are not your concern. Should I put my existence on pause to honor our failed relationship?"

"You!" Warren gaped, struggling to process this transformation. In his mind, Vivienne had always been the perfect combination of cool temperament and unwavering compliance, her life organized around his needs. Years of her acquiescence had inflated his ego. Now, faced with this fiercely independent woman who radiated defiance, he felt unbalanced. Perhaps what truly unsettled him wasn't her transformation, but the ease with which she had moved on.

Drawing a deep breath to temper his rising anger, he spoke with calculated coldness. "Vivienne, I understand our breakup has been challenging for you, but maintain some dignity rather than degrading yourself to capture my attention!"

"Who exactly do you think you are?" Vivienne's voice carried the weight of glacial disdain as she regarded him with newfound clarity.