Chapter 9

Maisie's eyes widened. "Aren't you afraid Alden will hear you?" "So what if he does?" Vivian shrugged, her voice dripping with indifference. "Men are simple—give them a little sugar, and they'll stay loyal forever." Willow stood in the hallway's shadowed corner, struck by a sudden curiosity. What face would Alden make if he heard those words? What would that proud, untouchable man do if he knew he was just a backup plan? Vivian was the woman he'd tear the world apart for. A cold, sarcastic smile twisted Willow's lips. She turned away without a sound, leaving the room undisturbed. Later, after leaving the club, she went straight to the cemetery. Willow knelt before Camille's gravestone, gently brushing dust from the photograph. "Mom, I'm getting married to the Scott family's vegetative son... It's fine—at least he won't cheat on me." A breeze rustled the white lilies at the base of the stone, and their petals trembled. "Don't worry. I won't end up like you." Her fingertips traced the cold granite. "Loving someone enough to destroy yourself? That's just stupid. I'll live well. Better than well." As dusk bled into the horizon, Willow rose, casting one last look at Camille's photo before turning away. At home, she spent the night packing. She folded clothes, tucked away jewelry, and sifted through photo albums, one by one. She wouldn't be coming back. Dawn had barely broken when her phone buzzed. "Funds received: Ten billion dollars." Walter's call came seconds later. "The Scotts are pushing hard. You need to leave today. The ten billion dollars is yours. As for Alden—" "I'm sending him to Rooney Manor." Willow cut him off. "Starting today, he's Vivian's bodyguard. I'm done with him." A brief silence hung on the line before Walter's voice softened unexpectedly. "Willow, I never stopped loving you or your mother—" "I used to think you were just corrupt." Willow laughed. "Turns out you're something worse." Without another word, she ended the call and blocked the number. Outside, the moving truck idled by the curb. Willow directed the workers as they hauled out her luggage. Just then, Alden emerged from his room. "Ms. Rooney, what's all this?" He frowned at the sea of boxes strewn across the floor. "Moving." She didn't look up. "Just relocating." Alden nodded, unfazed—certainly not guessing that by moving, she meant from Blythera to Nythera. "Let me help." "No need." At last, she met his gaze. "You've got another job." "What?" "Buy some roasted chestnuts and take them to Rooney Manor for Vivian." Alden stiffened. He was caught off guard. "Why?" "You'll see when you get there." She watched his Adam's apple bob. That usually distant gaze flickered with something unreadable. In the end, the desire to see Vivian won out over doubt. Alden remembered something else. "Ms. Rooney, send me your new address once you're settled. I'll clear out my things and join you later." As her full-time bodyguard, he was contractually required to stay at her side to ensure her safety. That was the deal. But this time, Willow didn't answer. He waited. When it became clear she wouldn't respond, he figured she'd send the details later and turned to go. As he reached the doorway, he thought he heard her murmur something. "What?" He looked back. Willow stood bathed in morning light. Her voice was barely above a whisper. "Nothing. Go." It was only when he was completely out of sight that she finally slipped into the car. "To the airport," she said to the driver. The world outside the window streaked past in a smudge of color. She dug out her phone, pried the SIM card free, and snapped it in half. Then, she tossed the pieces out the window. They disappeared instantly.