Emma stared at Logan for a long moment, her expression frozen somewhere between shock and disbelief.Then she laughed.It wasn't a mocking laugh like Vivian's had been. It was lighter, almost nervous — the kind of laugh that bubbles up when someone says something so absurd that the only response is to assume they're joking."You're kidding," Emma said, shaking her head with a faint smile. "The chairman of Imperial Group? Logan, come on. That's not funny."Logan's expression didn't change. "I'm not joking."Emma's smile faltered slightly, but she waved a hand dismissively. "Logan, I appreciate what you did back there. I really do. But you don't have to make up stories to impress me. The chairman of Imperial Group is… he's a legend. People say he built hundreds of companies from nothing. That he controls billions. That world leaders show him respect. Someone like that couldn't possibly be—"She stopped herself, but the implication hung in the air.Someone like that couldn't possibly be

"It won't." Vivian's voice was absolute. "Because the chairman is a businessman. He doesn't let personal vendettas interfere with profitable deals. And our partnership was profitable for both sides.""She's right," Brandon added, his voice strained through his injuries. "The partnership made perfect business sense. No rational executive would cancel it over an insult. Not when billions are on the table.""Exactly." Vivian moved to the mirror above the fireplace, examining her bruised reflection. Her jaw tightened. "Logan got lucky tonight. He called in a favor from someone powerful. But favors run out. And Marcus Reed isn't going to keep protecting a pathetic nobody forever."Margaret joined her daughter at the mirror. "What will you tell the chairman?""The truth," Vivian said coldly. "That Logan is my ex-husband. That he crashed my private dinner at Vantage specifically to humiliate me. That he manipulated Marcus Reed into canceling our partnership out of petty revenge. And that Imp

"Because I'm tired of watching him pretend," Vivian snapped. "I'm tired of watching him lie and manipulate and trick people into thinking he's something he's not. And I'm especially tired of watching desperate women like you fall for it."She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to something venomous. "Let me save you some time, Emma. Logan is using you. Just like he used me. He's going to make you think he's your savior, your knight in shining armor, and then he's going to bleed you dry. That's what parasites do.""That's not true," Emma said, but her voice wavered slightly."Isn't it?" Vivian straightened, her smile cruel. "He lived in my penthouse for years. Ate my food. Wore clothes I bought him. Attended events on my arm like a kept man. He contributed nothing. Built nothing. Earned nothing. And now you're going to let him do the same thing to you."Brandon chuckled darkly. "Face it, sweetheart. You're trading one broke nobody for another. At least Vivian had the sense to trade u

"I think she'll try to hurt both of us," Logan said. "So be careful. Don't trust her if she suddenly becomes friendly. Don't believe her if she claims to forgive you."Emma nodded slowly. "I'll be careful. I promise."But even as she said it, Logan could see the doubt in her eyes. Emma wanted to believe the best in people. Even people who had proven they didn't deserve it.That evening, Emma sat in her small apartment, staring at her phone.She had been debating for over an hour whether to reach out to Vivian. Logan's warning echoed in her mind, but so did her own guilt.Finally, she typed out a message.Vivian, I know you're angry with me. I understand why. But I want you to know that I never intended to take anything from you. What happened with Imperial Group wasn't personal. I hope we can talk and clear up this misunderstanding. I'm not your enemy.She hit send before she could second-guess herself.The response came faster than she expected.Emma. Thank you for reaching out. You'

"Well, I know it's coming up soon," Vivian lied smoothly. "I had something special made for you. As an apology. For everything. But I left it in the lobby. On the first floor. I was going to give it to you later, but—""You got me a gift?" Emma's voice was thick with emotion and alcohol. "Vivian, you didn't have to—""I wanted to," Vivian interrupted. "Let me go get it.""No!" Emma stumbled to her feet. "You're the birthday girl. You shouldn't have to fetch things. I'll go."She took two steps and nearly fell. Logan caught her again.Vivian's eyes gleamed. "Actually, Emma, you're pretty drunk. Maybe Logan should go instead. It's just downstairs in the lobby. The concierge is holding it."Logan's eyes narrowed. Every instinct screamed trap. "I'm not leaving her.""Oh, don't be ridiculous," Vivian said with a dismissive wave. "She'll be fine here with us. We're friends now, remember? Besides, you'll only be gone five minutes. Ten at most."Emma grabbed Logan's arm, her coordination poor