No Escape from Love

During the car ride, Vivian excitedly talked about her time abroad and the art exhibitions she had participated in.

"Al, you have no idea! One of my paintings caught the eye of a famous collector! He wanted to buy it on the spot for an insanely high price!"

Alex responded with a simple hum as he fixed his eyes on the road and focused on driving.

Vivian felt a little frustrated, but she wasn't willing to give up, so she continued, "I also met an incredible artist who taught me a lot of techniques. My painting skills have improved so much!"

He only replied with a short, "That's good."

She wanted to say more, but he cut her off. "Sorry, I need to focus on driving."

She bit her lip and swallowed back the words that were about to come out. Turning to look out the window, she watched the bustling streets of Atego blur past, but no matter how bright the lights were, her eyes remained dim.

The car drove smoothly all the way to the Graysons' villa.

Alex helped take her suitcase out of the trunk and carried it to the door.

As soon as they stepped inside, Maxwell Grayson, who had been sitting on the couch with a stern expression, immediately lashed out. "Hurry up and apologize to Alex!"

Vivian was completely confused. "Dad, what did I do wrong?"

Maxwell let out a heavy snort. "Back then, you acted recklessly and caused Alex to-"

"Back then? What happened back then?" Vivian was even more confused. "Wasn't Serena's mother fine with Mr. Hastings? What does this have to do with me?"

Maxwell's expression darkened even more. He pointed at her, his fingers trembling. "You... You actually dare to bring that up! Do you have any idea that because of you-"

Before he could finish, Alex interrupted impatiently. "Mr. Grayson, there's no need to bring up the past anymore. My father and Madam Burke have already divorced."noveldrama

Maxwell and Lucy were both stunned. Vivian also looked at Alex in shock.

"Divorced? When did that happen?" Maxwell asked in disbelief.

"Not long ago, Alex said coldly. "Madam Burke was recently diagnosed with depression. It's

because of what happened backet

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then. She endured too much pressure..." He didn't continue, but the implication was clear.

Only then did Vivian realize the severity of the situation.

She panicked and stepped forward, lowering her voice. "Al, I'm sorry... I didn't know things would turn out like this..."

Maxwell finally snapped out of his shock and sternly ordered her, "Go apologize to Robert immediately!"

Alex let out a cold laugh.

"Apologize? The ones your family should be apologizing to are Serena and her mother."

Hearing Serena's name, Vivian froze

for a moment before hesitantly

asking Then... what should I do

now? What do Madam Burke and Serena like? I can buy them something and visit them."

Alex's expression darkened even further.

"Madam Burke and Serena aren't the kind of people who care about material things. Do you think buying a few gifts can make up for the harm they've suffered?"

With that, he grabbed his coat and said, "I have things to do." With that, he walked out of the villa.

Maxwell and Lucy watched his departing figure, then turned their angry gazes toward Vivian.

"Look at you! You've been nothing

but trouble since you were a child And now, you've even offended the Hastings family!" Lucy scolded, pointing a finger at her.

Maxwell shook his head in disappointment. "You really are..."

Vivian still looked completely innocent. "I didn't know this would happen—"

"How dare you say that?" Maxwell snapped, cutting her off.