Vivian and Nora had been classmates, then best friends. Their families' wealth was comparable, and when Nora's parents died in that car accident, Vivian had stepped up immediately. Without her help, I never could have stabilized Simmons Corp so quickly, no matter how hard I worked.
They really had been inseparable once—the kind of friends who shared everything.
When did it fall apart?
About six months ago.
I'd been buried in two critical transformation projects at Simmons Corp, barely coming up for air. Meanwhile, Ethan had joined the company as Nora's assistant. The chemistry between them became impossible to ignore.
Vivian confronted Nora about it—defending me.
Nora exploded. Accused Vivian of having ulterior motives. Of wanting me for herself.
Just like that, years of friendship ended.
Looking back now, it still felt surreal.
After dinner, Harold and Margaret excused themselves. I moved to leave too, but Vivian stopped me, insisting I stay for tea.
"What's the rush?" She smiled. "Afraid I'll eat you? You just divorced Nora. You've got nowhere to be. Would it kill you to keep me company for a while?"
I rolled my eyes at Vivian in annoyance.