Chapter 21
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Eric looked genuinely taken aback. “You didn’t know? She’s making a pretty public move?
Shepard’s expression didn’t change, “What she does is her own business. I’m not getting involved”
Their separation had to remain a secret from the rest of the family.
It was important to avoid any slip–ups in front of his grandmother, as her health was too fragile right now.
He and Eric were cousins, but they’d never been close.
If anything, Eric was closer to Henry. The two of them were often seen together.
“It’s just…” Eric started carefully, “Henry’s been at the gallery constantly, doing a lot for Briana?
Shepard’s hand tightened around his pen.
When Shepard didn’t answer, Eric pressed on. “Look, you know Henry and I are friends. I see what’s happening.
“He’s calling in every favor he has to get top–tier artists for her. Honestly, it seems like he’s putting in a lot of… personal effort.
“But I can’t exactly tell him to back off. He’s my friend, and she’s your wife. It’s a difficult spot. Maybe if you got involved yourself, it would put an end to the talk.
“They’re old friends,” Shepard replied, his voice even. “It’s nothing more than that. You’re imagining things.”
Eric scratched his head. “Hey, is everything alright with you and Briana?
“Sure,” Shepard said, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
“But…” Eric’s throat tightened. “Vivian is back now…”
“What’s your point?” Shepard cut him off. “Spit it out.”
Eric waved his hands dismissively. “Never mind. Forget I said anything, I should get going”
He rose from his seat and made a hasty exit from the room.
Shepard stayed rooted to his chair, unmoving, A long moment passed before he finally set his pen down with a firm tap.
Shepard remembered Briana’s talent. She had a real gift for painting and a deep love for it.
Every piece of art that adored the upstairs hallway of the Carter Estate was her work.
Now, looking back, he realized how skillful she was with her hands. Whether it was painting, knitting, making candles, cooking, or keeping house, she did it all with skill.
To this day, Shepard had yet to find a car air freshener that actually worked. He was tired of breathing in the leather smell and that strange odor lingering in his car every day.
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Chapter 21
Irritated, he leaned back and pulled at his tie.
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Outside the conference room, Eric was lost in thought, head down. After a few steps, he looked up and saw Vivian walking toward him.
He stopped right there, watching her closely.
Then he glanced back over his shoulder.
Shepard’s assistants were by the door, and security cameras covered the hallway, so Eric stayed quiet and still.
Vivian didn’t notice him until she was just steps away.
For a second, she looked startled, but just as quickly, her expression settled into calm.
She kept walking, pretending not to see him, but Eric called out and stopped her.
“Ms. Fletcher,” he said. “It’s been a while.”
Vivian had to stop. She forced a smile. “Yes, it has been a while, Eric.”
“I heard you were back in town, but our paths never crossed,” he said casually. “You’ve become quite important, Ms. Fletcher. Hard to get a moment of your time.”
Vivian’s smile wavered. “You’re too kind,” she replied politely, brushing off the comment.
“Here to see Shepard?”
“Yes.”
“Go on ahead.” Eric stepped aside. “He’s in the conference room.”
Vivian immediately sped up, nearly hurrying past him.
Eric’s gaze followed her, thoughtful and intent.
Keeping her eyes straight ahead, Vivian felt as if she were making a clumsy escape.
Eric watched her walk away, a slow smile spreading across his face. This is getting interesting,‘ he thought.
Vivian could feel Eric’s eyes on her back, a heavy stare that seemed to follow her like a shadow.
The oppressive feeling didn’t leave her until she had stepped inside the conference room and shut the door. By that point, she was covered in a cold sweat.
She felt a chill at the thought of meeting Eric alone. A deep sense of dread settled in her stomach.
To her, Eric was a monster. He knew her deepest, darkest secret, the one she could never tell anyone.
“Vivian.” Shepard’s voice pulled her from her thoughts. “What are you doing here?” he asked, his tone flat.
“Shep, L…” Vivian took a deep breath. “I need to talk to you. In person.”
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Chapter 21
“Go ahead, Shepard said.
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After a few seconds of silence, Vivian spoke, her voice no longer light and soft but rough and raw, “I’ve been back for a few days now. And I keep thinking… when you’re going to let people know about us?
Her voice grew thicker as she went on, “Vive years ago, when I left, you promised that once I came back, we could finally be together openly. But now… I still feel like a secret”
Shepard replied, “I’ve already filed for divorce”
“But there’s still that month–long waiting period, Vivian said, her voice trembling, “I’m scared, Shep
“Scared of what?”
“I’m scared something will go wrong,” she said quickly, “Scared the divorce won’t go through, Scared Briana will change her mind and won’t let you go. If that happens, I’ll never get to step out of the shadows”
She paused, her gaze down. “I’m not pushing you, Shep. I know all you’ve done for my family’s business. It wouldn’t be here without you,
“But you know that’s not what I care about. I just want us to be together, for real, for good.”
Shepard’s lips tightened slightly. “You’ve waited five years,” he said quietly, “Can’t you wait one more month?”
“But I want us to be together now, properly,” she said, her voice catching. “I need that.”
She was afraid of what might happen if they waited longer. Kunning into Eric had only made that fear
Worse,
“As soon as the divorce is final, we’ll get married,” Shepard promised. “I gave you my word, and I will keep
“Can’t you… use your influence to get it done faster?” she asked, her voice tight with urgency.
Vivian was usually so gentle and obliging. But today, she was pushing him hard, and Shepard found himself frowning.
Seeing his frown, she moved quickly to embrace him. “Shep, don’t misunderstand. I just love you so much,” she said.
Shepard raised a hand to rest on her shoulder, but a sudden image of Briana flashed in his mind.
Briana had never been the one to hug him first. It was a small thing he’d never noticed before, but lately, the thought kept returning to him.
The thought drifted into his mind that maybe Briana had cast some kind of spell on him during the divorce.
After a long moment, he lowered his hand and gently cased her away. “I have a lot to do today,” he said, his tone distant. “You should go home.”
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