8
Hearing that, Celeste’s heart hammered.
She knew Xavier would choose Vivian.
Though she’d braced herself for his abandonment, bitterness still welled up.
But Xavier didn’t hesitate.“I won’t choose. I want them both!”
Celeste was stunned.
Vivian, however, was furious, her jaw clenched.
Yet, tears streamed down her face.“Mr. Sinclair, don’t worry about me. This is all my fault. Let me end it.”
She suddenly bumped into Graham. He stumbled, dropping his lighter.
Flames erupted.
In a rage, he shoved Vivian into the fire, then cut Celeste’s ropes.
Both women were in mortal danger.
As Celeste plunged into the sea, she saw Xavier rushing forward, his face ashen.
But not towards her. Towards Vivian.
Vivi!”
He charged into the flames, carrying the collapsed Vivian to safety.
Celeste sank beneath the waves. He’d made his choice.
Celeste awoke in an operating room. Xavier stood before her, furious.
“Celeste, why did you conspire with Graham? You thought you could hide it perfectly? I’m so disappointed.”
Celeste froze, utterly confused.
Xavier continued, his eyes blazing.“Vivi told me you refused to take the blame, so you plotted to hurt her. How vicious!”
Her heart plummeted.
She didn’t know what Vivian had spun to convince Xavier it was her scheme.
“It wasn’t me. I didn’t…” Her throat was raw from saltwater. She tried to explain, but Xavier exploded. “Enough! Don’t even try.”
Her body froze. What was the point? He’d believe Vivian regardless. Why waste her breath?
“So?” she raised her eyes, sneering.“How will you punish me for her?”
Her contempt fueled his rage.
‘An eye for an eye.” His veins bulged.“Vivi’s burned. She needs a skin graft! Give her yours!”
Celeste froze. His cruelty shocked her.
‘I won’t!”
She tried to jump off the bed, but bodyguards pinned her to the operating table.
Xavier, heartless, delivered the final blow. “This isn’t up for discussion.”
Then he left.
