The Stand-In Who Burned the Script novel Chapter 252

Chapter 252

After dinner, Vincent’s secretary arrived to pick him up, just as Zoe Hunt pulled up as well.

They crossed paths unexpectedly.

Zoe offered a respectful nod. “Mr. Vaughan.”

The man’s eyes, hidden behind his lenses, were as calm as a tranquil lake. He hummed in acknowledgment. “Thank you for taking care of Vivian these past few years.”

“It’s my duty.” Zoe didn’t meet his gaze, focusing only on the pleasant baritone filtering into her ears. “I’m the one who should be thanking you, Vivian, and the Vaughan family.”

She was an orphan, sponsored and taken in by the Vaughans at the age of ten. After high school, at Vincent’s suggestion, she was sent abroad to rigorously study financial management.

It was only then she realized-

He had sent her overseas to study entirely for Vivian’s sake.

Vincent didn’t say anything else. He turned his gaze to Vivian, a slight frown touching his brow, before shrugging off his coat and draping it over her shoulders. “I know girls like to look pretty, but you need to bundle up when you’re out at night. Don’t catch a cold.”

Warmth bloomed in Vivian’s chest. She smiled. “I know. Hurry back now, Mr. Diplomat. You’re here on

official business.”

The man’s gaze softened further. He paused for a beat before raising his hand to affectionately pat the top of her head.

“Think carefully about what I said earlier. If you’re willing to come back, I’ll send a team to handle your company’s affairs for you.”

“Okay.”

“Call me if you need anything.”

“I will.”

She agreed obediently, but it was obvious she hadn’t taken a single word to heart.

Vincent felt helpless, but there was nothing he could do. This business trip to Northside was a long one-two or three months, at least. He still had plenty of time to talk sense into this stubborn girl.

Before leaving, he cast a cool, profoundly unreadable look at Zoe.

Once he was finally gone, Vivian let out a heavy sigh of relief.

“Vivian, are you afraid of him?”

“Not afraid, just tense. Are you afraid?”

“Yes.”

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Chapter 252

Vivian patted her on the shoulder, opened the passenger door, and slid inside, tossing the coat onto the back seat.

Zoe started the engine, her eyes instinctively darting to the rearview mirror.

“What, do you want to take it home as a collector’s item?”

“…No.”

Vivian stared out the window, her stunning face seeming to blur into the passing shadows. “It wouldn’t be a big deal if you did. If you feel like you can’t control your feelings anymore, you might as well burn your boats and take a gamble. He’s just a man. But Zoe, remember one thing-don’t lose yourself in the process.”

She completely understood the emotions blossoming in Zoe’s heart.

To Zoe, Vincent was a benefactor, a mentor.

He was exceptional, handsome, and seemingly flawless.

But had it ever occurred to her that the man might not deserve to be placed on such a high pedestal?

Not that anyone’s advice would make a difference.

There were some swamps a person just had to wade through themselves.

By the time they arrived back at Eastwick Villa, Vivian had her eyes closed.

Zoe knew she wasn’t asleep and called out softly, “We’re here, Vivian.”

“Sit with me for a minute.”

The darkness outside seemed to act as a protective cloak, hiding her features and the exhaustion

etched into them.

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