Farewell to Love: The CEO's Desperate Chase novel Chapter 39

Vivienne never expected to have Tyler completely under her control; as long as she could outshine Emilia, that was enough.

Just like tonight.

Emilia was stuck in the hospital, while Vivienne sat comfortably in the passenger seat of Tyler's Aston Martin.

"We're here."

Tyler's left hand drummed idly on the steering wheel, making no move to help her out. Sensing the awkward silence, Vivienne took the initiative.

"Aren't you coming up with me, Tyler?" she asked, her voice soft and a little shy.

It was an invitation—one that didn't need spelling out. Adults understood these things.

Tyler's fingers stilled. He looked at her, saying nothing, just quietly studying her face.

The silence stretched, making Vivienne's heart pound in her chest.

After a few seconds, he spoke. "I'm a bit tired tonight."

Vivienne nodded, understanding. She didn't push.

They sat there in a cloud of awkwardness.

"Go get some rest," Tyler finally said, his tone gentle but distant.

"Okay." Vivienne nodded again, gathering her purse.

Tyler walked her to the elevator. She rode up alone, watching the floor numbers tick by. Once inside her apartment, she went to the window, peering down just in time to see Tyler slipping back into his car. A small, satisfied smile curled on her lips.

Her thoughts drifted back to earlier that night—the moment she'd learned about Emilia's pregnancy and everything she'd set in motion since.

Four hours earlier, 8 PM, at Bloom & Vine Floral Studio.

Vivienne had bolted upright, startling her assistant who had no idea why her boss's mood had swung so fast from smug satisfaction to seething frustration.

The assistant wisely kept quiet, watching as Vivienne paced, thinking furiously, before finally dialing a number on her phone.

"It's me. Vivienne," she said, her tone cool and commanding. "I need you to do something for me—right now."

"I don't care why you think I'm asking. If you care about me—if you really love me—you'll do it, no questions asked."

Every headline, every photo that blew up online afterward—she had orchestrated it all.

Watching the Aston Martin pull away from her building, Vivienne let out a soft, self-satisfied laugh.

"You think a baby will keep him? I won't let you win that easily."

"Three days from now, the first Divine Voice livestream will air. That's when your nightmare truly begins."

"You'll lose everything, Emilia. And I'll take it all."

"You never stood a chance against me."

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Meanwhile, across town.

Alden General Hospital.

Joyce had been waiting outside the ER for what felt like forever. At last, she heard footsteps and saw the doors swing open. She shot to her feet, heart in her throat.