Chapter 14

"Mr. Brooks, I should go." Right now, all Vivian could think about was figuring out why the Knight family suddenly decided to hold a press conference. She hadn’t forgotten how Alexander met his tragic end in her previous life. And those Knight brothers? Yeah, she had them all blocked — top of her revenge list. This time, she'd dig out whoever that hidden puppet master was, no matter how deep they were buried. "Vivian, you still owe me an answer." Alexander pulled her into his arms without warning, holding her so tightly that she couldn’t dodge even if she wanted to. His clean, mildly masculine scent wrapped around her instantly. She froze for a beat before snapping back and managing to say, “Rent a place, find a job.” That was pretty much her whole to-do list for now. “I’ll have Ethan look for a place,” Alexander replied, thinking back to the phone call earlier. He was already planning to keep her from stepping out alone. As for a job? He was the CEO of Brooks Group. She could have any position she wanted. Maybe he could use a new assistant. One who didn’t need to do anything… just smiled at him. Vivian quickly shook her head, turning him down. “I really don’t want to trouble you, Mr. Brooks. I’m not exactly your… anything.” "Vivian, don’t test me. You don’t think I could make you mine right now?" Alexander suddenly went full possessive. His hand slid to her waist, looking like he might just unbutton her shirt right then and there. Vivian’s eyes widened a little in surprise. She looked up at him blankly, caught off guard. His eyes were so clear, like they could see straight through her. Silence stretched between them for a few seconds. Finally, Alexander let out a sigh of defeat, moved his hand away, and gently pressed her head against his chest. “Vivian…” he murmured, a soft, helpless breath. Nestled in his arms, Vivian blinked playfully. She knew it — this man wouldn’t actually do anything she didn’t want. Even in her past life, when he literally stormed her engagement party to snatch her away, he never laid a finger on her without consent. After getting her back, he vanished for three whole months… all because he couldn’t bear seeing the hatred in her eyes. That thick journal full of scribbles? It had held all his bottled-up emotions. If she hadn’t read it after he died, she would’ve laughed at it. Laughed at him, acting like some teenage boy in love, doing such cringey stuff. “So, I can’t house-hunt — what about the job?” Alexander’s voice was heavy, already knowing what her answer would be. “I get what you're saying, but have you really thought this through, Mr. Brooks? I’m only 18. I didn’t even go to college. If I start working at Brooks Group, imagine what people will say.” Vivian lifted her head slightly, locking eyes with him. “With me around, no one will dare say a word,” Alexander said flatly, eyes flashing with cold confidence. His people knew better than to be stupid. “Sure, no one would dare say anything in front of you. But sometimes a single look says more than a thousand words.” She’d seen that look too many times in her last life — even from his most trusted people. But back then, all she cared about was Alexander. She was clear about her own worth too, so those looks never bothered her. This time was different though. She didn’t just want to stay by Alexander’s side—she wanted to be someone he could really lean on, his sword if need be. So yeah, she wouldn’t let anyone around him look down on her again. Alexander stared into her bright, determined eyes and didn’t say another word. “…Okay.” Just one word, but that was enough to show he was letting her decide. And everything he gave in to — all of it — was just so the spark in her eyes wouldn't fade away again.