Chapter 854

The thought barely surfaced before I dismissed it.

For a scheming snake like Vincent Croix, such PR tactics were child's play.

Vivian Dempsey trembled with rage. "I swear I'll end you today—"

I yanked her back. "Don't! He had a minor concussion last time. What if he fakes injury to extort you?"

"So we just let him off?"

"Could you even take him in a fight?"

"I—"

Bianca Langley stepped from behind me and delivered a stinging slap.

Crack!

The sharp sound echoed down the hallway.

Vivian froze mid-struggle. Bianca's strike had been swift and brutal, snapping Vincent's head sideways.

Alexander Hamilton subtly shielded me.

Red marks bloomed on Vincent's cheeks as he lifted his gaze, eyes dark. "You—"

Crack!

Another slap.

Now perfectly symmetrical.

Vincent licked his split lip, staring at Bianca's bare ring finger. "Still no wedding band."

"Wearing one would've ruined your face."

He smirked. "Then you'd better cripple me. I'll call the police—make you responsible for life."

"I can afford the medical bills. Vincent, I'd pay to never see you again."

"Unacceptable," he drawled. "You'll be my caretaker."

"I'll hire a nurse."

Vincent finally fell silent, nodding slowly.

Bianca's chest heaved. "Those slaps weren't free. First, you earned them. Second, come at me next time. Betrayal's nothing new for you!"

She turned to leave.

Vincent grabbed her sleeve. "I admit harassing Miss Dempsey was wrong. But I only own what I've done."

Fresh blood seeped through his bandages.

Bianca had worn long sleeves specifically to hide last night's abrasions. She wrenched free. "Let go!"

"Why not cut the fabric again, like last night?" His bitter laugh cracked. "Since I 'deserve' it."

"You were faking unconsciousness."

"The nurse told me after I woke." Vincent's gaze dimmed. "You left your number but never visited..."

Bianca scoffed. "Done acting? My turn."

He waited, eyes guarded.

"At last night's auction," she enunciated, "those rings weren't your original donation, were they?"

Alexander immediately texted someone.

I understood instantly.

Vincent spoke first. "I switched items last-minute. But I swear I didn't know you'd be there!"

"Men's vows are cheaper than weeds," Vivian sneered.

Bianca added, "Storm season's coming. Watch for lightning."

Vincent stared desperately. "How do I prove it?"

"Tell the truth."

"I am." He reached for her sunglasses. "These aren't safe at night."

That familiar concern froze Bianca's blood.

Years ago, his hot-and-cold games had ensnared her.

Now, her heart was completely dead, she pivoted away.

"Where are you going?" Vincent demanded.

"To have fun."