Shadows Gathered Under Fading Lights by Nyx Rowan novel Chapter 41

Charles‘ gaze slid past Diana and locked onto Mr. Chambers.

With a sharp, deliberate look, he wordlessly ordered him to investigate.

He had originally planned to settle things with Diana first, then quietly visit the place where Vivian might be

hiding.

But just a moment later, Mr. Chambers rushed back in, brow furrowed, his expression seemed more flustered

than Charles had ever seen.

A bad feeling clawed at his chest.

“What is it? Did you find her?”

Mr. Chambers hesitated for a few seconds.

“I did… But, Mr. Foster, it’s not good news. Mrs. Foster–Vivian–has erased her identity. That name no longer

exists in any official record.”

The shock slammed into Charles like a brick wall.

He stood frozen, as still as stone.

Ash drifted from the cigarette between his fingers, yet he didn’t even notice.

He didn’t understand.

She had no family. No one else in the world.

He was all she had left.

So why would she leave?

And more importantly–he had never signed that damn divorce agreement.

No. That divorce certificate had to be fake.

What he didn’t notice was the victorious smirk tugging at the corner of Diana’s lips.

She shot a look at Mr. Chambers, silently mouthing: Leave.

She poured a glass of wine, slipped a sleeping pill in with practiced ease, and stepped toward Charles in her heels, her voice as soft as velvet.

“Charles… I know you’re upset. Here, have a drink. Alcohol helps you forget.”

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His mind still whirled with thoughts of Vivian, so he took the glass without question and downed it in one

gulp.

When he came to, he found himself staring in disbelief at the naked woman beside him.

His face went pale.

“What… What happened?”

Diana gave him a charming smile and pulled back the covers, revealing the dark bruises littered across her

chest.

“So, what do you say, Charles? You used to love kissing every inch of me… seems some habits haven’t

changed after all these years.”

Unbothered, she stood and strolled toward the bathroom, still bare.

“Last night was… amazing. Just like old times.”

The sound of running water filled the suite.

Charles didn’t dare look at the silhouette behind the frosted glass–curves sharp, movements familiar.

He wrapped himself in a robe, walked to the window, and lit a cigarette.

Was this… betrayal?

Technically, he and Vivian were divorced.

But a swarm of guilt gnawed at his chest like a thousand biting ants.

He’d only had one glass of wine–how had he blacked out completely?

Or… had Diana drugged him?

But why?

Why would she go that far?

She didn’t love him anymore. She’d made that crystal clear.

Charles would never forget the moment he had kicked open that hotel room door and found Diana in bed

with another man–while they were still married.

Her face hadn’t shown an ounce of guilt–only smug satisfaction.

When he’d asked through gritted teeth, eyes red with rage,

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she’d slapped him and laughed in his face.

“You’re blaming me for cheating? Please. You’re just not attractive enough to keep me around.”

“Charles Foster, let me tell you something–I stopped loving you a long time ago. I’m tired of sucking up to

you just for money and for Evan. Now that you know? Good. I don’t have to pretend anymore.”

“Let’s just get divorced.”

She had been so disgusted with him back then–so done with everything.

So why… why use drugs now just to sleep with him again?

Charles crushed the cigarette into the window ledge with a violent twist.

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