Chapter 140

“When I chose you, I elevated your status. But my disinterest rendered you insignificant. I refuse to diminish myself for you. You’ve grossly overestimated your importance,” Vivienne declared with glacial precision. “My previous interest stemmed from youthful naiveté. Now that I’ve found someone more worthy, you no longer warrant my attention. Don’t flatter yourself.”

Without another glance at Warren, Vivienne strode toward the Sinclair Group building.

Conventionally, their breakup should have ended his involvement in her life. He understood the unspoken rule of distance between former couples. Yet, witnessing Vivienne's intimacy with another man unleashed a nauseating blend of disgust and heartache. He wondered if their three-year relationship had left any mark on her; if she’d felt even a moment of grief.

“Vivienne, our separation is recent, and you’re already with another man. Is this relationship… prior to our breakup?”

The implication hung heavy—that Vivienne and Derek’s connection predated their separation.

Vivienne stopped, her eyes narrowing dangerously. “Warren, I advise you not to test my patience.” Her voice held the sharp chill of winter; her gaze made him recoil.

Under her withering stare, Warren’s heart constricted, his breath catching. Only after her departure did the blood flow freely again.

“Mr. Mitchell, shall we proceed?” his assistant asked cautiously, glancing between Vivienne and Warren’s impassive face.

Warren’s brow furrowed. “Is everything prepared?”

“All documents are here,” the assistant confirmed, patting his bag.

Warren adjusted his tie and approached the Sinclair Group building. Security stopped them. “State your business.”

“Mitchell Group representatives, here to see Miss Hayes,” the assistant announced, a hint of superiority in his tone.

The guard, remembering instructions, remained firm. “Access denied.”

“On what grounds?” the assistant demanded.

“New directive: no Mitchell Group personnel permitted,” the guard stated flatly. “You must leave.”

Warren’s expression darkened. “Is this your CEO’s directive?”

“That information is classified,” the guard replied.

Faced with this, they retreated. As they walked, the assistant spoke. “Mr. Mitchell, Vivienne entered without issue, suggesting a connection to Sinclair Group. The new CEO shares the surname Hayes… Could Vivienne possibly be…”

He trailed off, the weight of the coincidences striking him.