Unmasked My CEO Ex-Husband’s Regret novel Chapter 21

Though Vivian claimed it was an accident, she made no move to leave, clearly targeting them.

Elara saw right through the act but refused to play along. "Oh, that's fine. Just make sure to close the door on your way out."

It was a blatant dismissal, stripped of any polite pleasantries and leaving no room for negotiation.

Vivian remained silent.

Her smile froze, leaving her expression awkwardly twisted as she tried to suppress her rising anger.

With her plan foiled and Elara offering no invitation to enter, Vivian's pride wouldn't allow her to stoop any lower.

"Sorry to bother you."

She offered a tight-lipped apology, closed the door, and slowly backed away.

Julian walked up the hallway just in time to see Vivian retreating from the room, and he quickly closed the distance. "Vivian, there you are."

Startled by the sudden voice, Vivian swallowed the intense frustration she had nowhere else to vent.

She glanced at the door, which was still open a crack, released her clenched fists, and walked toward him.

"What are you doing here?"

"I kept calling you, but you didn't answer."

Julian looked her up and down. "Were you resting in here?"

"That was the original plan."

Vivian reached up, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Someone else was already inside, so I have to find another spot."

She didn't specify who was inside, but Julian immediately thought of Elara and Melody. He instinctively reached out to take her hand, but his fingers curled into a fist, and he pulled back at the last second.

"Let's find you somewhere else, then."

Julian shoved his hands into his pockets. "Have you eaten?"

Vivian lowered her eyes, masking her expression as her voice dropped into a pitiful whisper. "I suddenly lost my appetite."

When they had returned from the restroom earlier, she had mentioned being hungry and wanting food.

Sebastian had started cutting the birthday cake shortly after, leaving her no time to eat. It didn't take a genius to figure out why she had suddenly lost her appetite.

"Are you done with work, Daddy? Did you come to take us home?"

The moment Melody had run out, Vivian stepped aside, giving the father and daughter their space.

When Elara appeared, Vivian practically pressed herself against the wall, trying desperately to minimize her presence.

Julian noticed her discomfort, his heart aching for her. He also knew their conversation had definitely sparked Elara's suspicions, and he didn't want to draw any more friendly fire toward Vivian.

"No."

Julian carried Melody over to Elara. "I came to look for your mom."

Elara crossed her arms and leaned lazily against the doorframe, her tone dangerously calm. "Were you looking for me?"

"From what I just heard, it sounded like you were specifically looking for Ms. Winthrop."

"Elara."

Julian offered a sharp warning. "Don't speak nonsense."