Chapter 4

When Logan woke up in his hospital bed, his first words were a plea.

"Vivian, tomorrow is my mother’s birthday. Can we go together?"

I nodded. Indeed, a grand family gathering would be the perfect venue to announce my new update.

The banquet hall at the country club was split into two distinct groups.

On one side were Logan’s working-class relatives; on the other were my elite business partners.

The two sides ignored each other, though they kept casting judgmental glances across the room.

Before dinner was even served, Logan's mother summoned me to her table.

In front of all her guests, she raised her voice at me.

"Vivian, when exactly are you planning to have a baby? If you won't do it, there are plenty of girls begging to carry my son's heir. Don't be so ungrateful."

"Chloe is a million times better than you. She actually knows how to take care of my son, unlike you!"

My business associates, knowing my status, looked appalled. The tension in the room instantly spiked.

Previously, out of respect for Logan, I had always maintained his dignity in public.

I had given his mother whatever money and resources she asked for.

And now, it seemed my generosity had given her the delusion that she was a high-society matriarch.

I looked around the room. Logan was nowhere to be found.

I smiled faintly and spoke up.

"And what exactly does your family have that is worth inheriting? Even if I do have a child, my wealth stays in the Thorne family. The child will take my surname."

"Furthermore, do you actually know who your darling Chloe really is?"

"Here are some documents for you to look over. I must say, you and your husband have remarkably consistent taste in women."

I signaled my assistant to hand out folders to Logan's mother and their relatives. Then, with a smile, I walked out to greet my guest.

On my way out, I ran into Logan, who was leading some relatives back to the hall. Seeing his questioning look, I merely walked past him without a word.

"Vivian," a soft voice called.

Standing outside the lobby was Julian Pierce. He stood there somewhat awkwardly, giving me a shy, bright smile.

I looked him up and down. He immediately straightened his posture, his deep, expressive eyes blinking rapidly.

"Let’s go," I said, slipping my arm through his.

I have to admit, he was far better than Logan. At least he didn't freeze up or stammer when I introduced him to the seasoned CEOs in the room.

Though his ears were slightly red from shyness, he politely blocked every drink offered to me, drinking them himself.

When he needed a break, he politely excused himself to the restroom to freshen up.

The moment Julian left, Logan rushed over to me.

"Vivian, my mom didn't mean those things. Someone must have put those words in her head!"

"And about Chloe—I know you're jealous, but you can't just ruin a girl’s reputation like that!"

"Please, explain things to my mom. I promise I'll make Chloe leave the company as soon as we get back, okay?"

I looked past his shoulder and saw Chloe standing there, sobbing, with a fresh red slap mark on her cheek. I smirked.

My private investigator really did a thorough job.

"Vivian!"

Julian, just returning from the restroom, immediately stepped in front of me, shielding me from the hostile duo.

Logan froze, staring at him.

"Who the hell is he?"