Chapter 4

Alexander chose to pretend he didn’t notice, but Vivian definitely wasn’t going to let it slide. She had told him before: They’d take things slow, one step at a time. So, she corrected him without hesitation. “Not looking for a boyfriend—just need a guy to pretend to be my boyfriend, that's all.” “Why?” Alexander glanced toward the banquet hall, noticing how loud it seemed despite everyone already being there. If she’d agreed to get engaged to Ryan Harris, why was she asking someone else to play pretend? Vivian shrugged. “My adoptive parents are forcing me to get engaged to the Harris boy. But I’m not on board with it. So… you get the drill?” “You’re not okay with it?” Alexander’s whole aura darkened in a flash. “Richard Grant’s forcing you?” “Yep.” Vivian put on the classic pitiful look—big eyes, lips pouting like she just got bullied by the whole world. Without thinking, Alexander pulled her into his arms. “From now on, with me around, no one’s laying a finger on you.” “Hey now, good-looking. Just because you’ve got the face of the century doesn’t mean you get to take advantage of me,” Vivian muttered, soaking in the warmth for a second before pushing him away hard. Her cheeks puffed up in mock anger. “I wasn’t taking advantage,” Alexander said, dropping his gaze slightly. Vivian blinked. “…Are you implying unless it’s a grope, it doesn’t count?” Unbelievable. So unless he grabs her boobs, it doesn’t count as taking advantage of her? What a perv. Suddenly, a commotion broke out inside the banquet hall. Vivian turned her head and spotted the pregnant woman she’d planted—a crucial piece in her plan—being shoved to the floor by an enraged Ryan. The woman clutched her belly and sobbed loudly. Vivian’s expression went cold. She shook off Alexander’s hand and stormed back into the hall. Alexander looked down at his suddenly empty hand, and a sharp pain struck his chest. It felt like something was ripping through him. He couldn’t hold back the violent fury building inside. He needed her. No way was he letting her out of his sight ever again. Ethan, who’d followed Alexander for years, instantly recognized that dangerous look. With no time to spare, he jumped in front of him. “You need to chill, sir. Don’t scare Ms. Grant.” That one sentence pulled Alexander back. His face returned to its usual cold and emotionless state. Brushing past Ethan, he walked toward Vivian in the banquet hall. By now, Vivian had already slapped Ryan. “You hit me?” Ryan stared at her in stunned disbelief, his cheek already swelling from the force of her slap. Vivian didn’t go easy. “So what if I did? You dared to shove a pregnant woman—you’re lucky I only slapped you!” She had already checked the woman and made sure she was okay before dealing with Ryan. That woman had truly cut ties with Ryan—whatever she was carrying wasn’t his. But the fact remained—she was pregnant. And from what Ryan knew, the baby might have been his. What a scumbag. No wonder in their last life, he had teamed up with Daphne and the Knights to go against Alexander. “Vivi! She’s lying! That kid isn’t mine!” Ryan shouted. “Who the hell said you can call me Vivi? You don’t deserve to!” She slapped him again, hard. “Vivian!” Ryan finally snapped and raised his hand to strike back— Before he could touch her, a long leg came flying at him and landed straight on his chest. BAM! He smashed into a full table. Plates, glasses, bottles—everything came crashing down on him. His perfectly styled hair and tailored suit were drenched. Ice-cold rage clung to Alexander’s face as he held the girl tightly in his arms. Someone had dared try to touch what was his. Ridiculous. They must have a death wish.