The Stand-In Who Burned the Script novel Chapter 498

Vivian froze, completely caught off guard by his bluntness. "Zane..." That was crossing a line.

"Relax, I'm just messing with you."

Zane poured her a glass of water. "But honestly, I was shocked."

Yet, somehow, it made perfect sense.

For a woman like Vivian, marriage and men weren't exactly life-or-death commitments. If she could walk into a marriage, she could just as easily walk out.

Vivian took a slow sip of her water, her tone entirely neutral. "I just met the right person at the right time. Figured I'd give marriage a spin."

She looked up. "Silas hasn't even told his best friends yet. Your intelligence network is terrifyingly efficient."

"That's only because his friends aren't actively digging into his personal life."

After all, who randomly launches an investigation into whether their best buddy secretly got hitched?

Vivian nodded in agreement, then casually asked, "How are things with your father?"

"Same as always."

Zane clearly had no desire to discuss the man. Just in time, the server arrived with their food. He handed Vivian her silverware. "Eat up. Your food is getting cold."

Vivian offered a subtle lift of her brow but didn't press the issue, turning her attention to the meal.

She had to admit, Zane's client had excellent taste.

Though the menu featured standard upscale fare, the flavor profile and quality of the ingredients easily ranked among the best in Northside.

Once they finished, Zane escorted her back outside.

But they hadn't taken more than a few steps before running into someone completely unexpected.

Scarlett Sinclair.

She was marching straight toward them, dressed in a sleek black trench coat that fell past her knees, a tight pencil skirt, and killer red-bottom heels. Her long hair flowed behind her, and every step she took commanded the pavement.

Her beauty was as sharp and dangerous as a freshly honed blade.

Vivian slipped her hands into her pockets, shooting the man beside her a sideways glance.

"Looks like your fiery little rose has arrived."

Zane frowned, visibly repulsed by the description—especially the word 'your.'

Under the glow of the streetlights, his ink-black eyes revealed absolutely nothing.

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