After the Last Tear: Rising from the Ashes of a Broken Marriage novel Chapter 15

Vivian didn't recognize the man sitting across from her. This wasn't the Alistair who'd always had a soft spot for her, whose eyes would warm when they landed on her.

He'd dumped dozens of women without batting an eye, but never her. She'd always been his exception.

That special treatment had convinced her she was the one who truly mattered to him—the one who'd eventually win.

Now, the arctic chill in his eyes made her blood run cold.

"I didn't mean to cause a scene," she backpedaled, her voice going small. "These pregnancy hormones have me spiraling whenever you're not around. I keep thinking you'll just... disappear."

On cue, tears spilled down her cheeks, the perfect picture of a vulnerable pregnant woman in distress.

He just stared at her with cold detachment, as if she were a stranger who'd wandered into his office.

"Go home, Vivian," he finally said, his tone flat. "Rest. Take your vitamins. Stop thinking more."

A knock saved him.

"Enter," he barked.

His assistant stepped in. "Those reports you wanted, boss." She waited while he flipped through the folder. "Also, Faerwyn Industries is in trouble since Mr. Faerwyn passed. Their stock's all over the place, partners bailing left and right. They're weeks away from a cash flow crisis. Looks like Miss Elaine flew to San Francisco to drum up new investors."

Alistair's head snapped up. "Get me on the next plane to San Francisco."

The moment the door closed, Vivian couldn't contain herself.

"You're going to find Elaine?"

When he nodded, jealousy surged through her. She boldly stepped forward and clung to his arm.

"Shut up."

This wasn't the first time Vivian had badmouthed Elaine in front of him, but it was the first time he'd actually rebuked her for it. Shock registered on her face as she started to speak, only to be cut off.

"She is my wife. It’s not your place to talk about her!"

His protective stance and clear disdain for her were unmistakable. Jealousy flared within her as she forced a smile, unable to hide her bitterness.

"What's so special about her? How can you call her your wife when you're already divorced? You don't even like her! After we get married, I promise I'll be so much better than she ever was!"

Her words didn't move him. If anything, his frown deepened, his cold stare piercing her like a knife.

"Who told you we're divorced? I will never divorce her. I promised Elaine that nothing would threaten her position."