Farewell to Love: The CEO's Desperate Chase novel Chapter 81

Christian ignored everyone else and let his gaze fall on the woman standing beside him.

Moonlight poured over her, casting a silvery glow that seemed to set her apart from everyone around her. She looked almost ethereal, wrapped in that soft, white light.

Her long, dark hair was loosely swept up, with most of it cascading freely down her back, making her fair skin appear even more luminous by contrast.

She was saying something to Christian, her lips slightly parted in a half-smile, making her look all the more captivating.

It was Serena.

"Tyler?" Vivienne was still basking in the thrill of her unexpected victory when she noticed Tyler's attention had drifted.

What was he looking at?

She followed his gaze, but there was nothing unusual in that direction.

Tyler drew back, turning to Vivienne. "Let's head inside."

"Sure." Vivienne flashed him a sweet smile and fell into step beside him as they walked into the villa together.

…

The paparazzi tried to follow, but the heavy doors swung shut, blocking their way. They had no access to the main event.

All they could do was watch, frustrated, as the guests disappeared inside.

Still, tonight's big scoop—Vivienne attending the gala with Tyler—was more than enough!

"Looks like Emilia really is finished."

"I'm not so sure. Didn't the doctors say Vivienne only has six months left?"

"True. Guess it just depends on whether Emilia can endure these next six months."

Muttering among themselves, the reporters hurried to tip off their contacts and send out the latest news.

The villa was the Donovan family's private property, a three-story mansion: the first floor was a grand hall, the second housed more exclusive seating for select guests, and the third was divided between a lounge and a rooftop garden.

Inside, as soon as Tyler made his entrance, the crowd buzzed with excitement. People vied for a chance to greet him.

After all, The Erickson Group was the most powerful of Alden City's big three, and Tyler was the man in charge.

It was rare to see him at an event like this.

The room quickly filled with energy as guests bid on items that caught their eye.

Tyler glanced at Vivienne, who was studying the catalog intently.

"If you see anything you like, just bid for it," he said, pointing to his paddle—making it clear he'd pay for whatever she wanted.

Vivienne looked up and smiled. "Thank you, Tyler, but there's no need. I have a bit of savings myself, and I'm not looking for anything extravagant. I just want to do my part."

Tyler simply nodded.

But for some reason, her words brought to mind the day at city hall, when Emilia had handed him that property settlement agreement.

It had clearly stated that during the waiting period before the divorce, any money they earned belonged to themselves.

He realized he was thinking of her again.

The image rose unbidden—Emilia and Felix, leaning together behind the rippled glass doors.

Did she see him here tonight, attending the gala with Vivienne?

Tyler lowered his eyes, darkness flickering in their depths. His right hand tightened unconsciously, a storm of emotion rising within him—one he didn't dare name.