Three Years Forgotten, Why Go Crazy When I Say Goodbye? novel Chapter 423

The moment the words left his mouth, Vivienne understood exactly why he had come back. A wave of relief washed over her. People driven by worldly desires were the easiest to control. And money was the one thing she possessed in abundance.

"Why should I trust you?" she asked, cutting straight to the core issue.

She wanted results, but she demanded absolute security. The fewer people who knew about this backroom deal, the safer she was.

"No need to rush. I understand your skepticism," Jayden replied smoothly, entirely unbothered. "Take your time. I will prove my worth."

Some things didn't need to be spelled out. The mutual understanding was already there.

Vivienne laid out her final condition. "Let me be clear. If this works, we both get what we want. If it goes south, you take the fall alone. You will not drag me down, and you will never mention my name."

"Deal."

With that single word, their covert alliance was forged.

In public, they would remain distant professional acquaintances, keeping strict boundaries. In private, they were co-conspirators tied to the same sinking ship, bound by mutual greed and shared risk.

With the terms settled, the suffocating tension in the room dissipated.

Jayden didn't say a word, merely offering a satisfied smirk. Vivienne knew she had him exactly where she wanted him.

Leaving the bistro, she headed straight for New York City's upper east side. Over the past few days, Julian's intense fury toward her had somewhat cooled. He occasionally spoke to her, though his attitude remained frustratingly distant. Unwilling to poke the bear, Vivienne had been walking on eggshells.

She had even gone out of her way to pick up takeout from a high-end restaurant, hoping to bring him a peace offering.

During the drive, she sent Julian two texts, telling him not to go to sleep yet because she was bringing him a late-night dinner. When no reply came, she dialed his number. The line was busy. Frustrated, she ended the call.

Irritation flared in her chest. It was late—who on earth was he talking to? She ordered her driver to speed up. She needed to get home and see exactly what was keeping him so occupied. Was it about Willow again? Was he still refusing to sign those divorce papers?