Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 289

Author's POV

Vivian Duncan watched Aria Jones walk away and couldn't hide her annoyance as she turned to her brother. "Owen, how do you know her?" she demanded.

But Owen Duncan was still staring after Aria's retreating figure, completely oblivious to his sister's question.

Vivian had already taken a dislike to Aria, and seeing her brother's reaction only made her temper flare. "Owen! Don't tell me you like her?"

She was well aware of her brother's reputation with women. Any beautiful female could easily catch his interest. While Vivian had to admit that Aria Jones was indeed beautiful, she hadn't forgotten how the woman had humiliated her during that shopping incident. There was absolutely no way she would accept Aria as her brother's girlfriend.

Owen only snapped back to reality when Vivian tugged at his sleeve. He finally tore his eyes away from Aria's direction and looked at his fuming sister. "You know her?" he asked.

"Of course not! Who would want to know someone like her?" Vivian scoffed.

Owen knew his sister's temperament well enough. Her defensive response told him immediately that there was some history between them.

He clicked his tongue disapprovingly. "How long have you been in Silver Creek? And you're already bullying people?"

Vivian was stunned that her own brother would accuse her without even hearing her side. She felt a rush of indignation. "What are you talking about? I never bullied her! She's the one who was horrible to me! You have no idea how awful she was!"

"Is that so?" Owen clearly didn't believe her. "If she actually managed to put you in your place, I'd be quite impressed. Usually, you're the one intimidating others. It's refreshing to hear you might have met your match for once."

He paused, then added with a hint of amusement in his voice, "If she became your sister-in-law, I bet she'd keep you from causing so much trouble."

When Vivian heard this, her expression changed dramatically. "Have you lost your mind? That woman drives some beat-up Maserati and acts like she's something special. You can't seriously be thinking of marrying someone like her. Have all those women you've been with finally blinded you to quality?"

Owen's face cooled at Vivian's words. "After all those years of education, you still haven't learned how to respect others?"

"She disrespected me first!" Vivian protested. "She didn't even glance at me just now. Didn't you see how arrogant she was?"

"I didn't see any arrogance from her, but I certainly witnessed your entitlement. And weren't you just complaining about severe stomach pain?" Owen countered.

Vivian had been faking her symptoms, and Owen's direct question made her instantly nervous. "...Just promise you won't date her! If you make her your girlfriend, I'll call Mom immediately and tell her you're seeing some questionable woman!"

"Vivian!" Owen's face hardened with anger. "If you continue speaking about people like this, I'll send you straight back to Manhattan!"

Vivian shrank back, torn between fear and frustration. Then the tears came.

She realized with horror that her brother had never defended any of his previous girlfriends this fiercely.

Aria's POV

I had no idea my simple greeting to Owen Duncan would trigger such an argument between him and his sister Vivian. Not that I was interested in getting to know either of them better—one being a man I had no interest in, and the other being the type who stirs up drama everywhere she goes.

After walking a good distance from the outpatient clinic, my legs ached as I finally found the building where my father was staying. The elevators were packed at this hour. After waiting through two full cars, I decided to take the stairs instead, climbing all five flights while my calves burned in protest.

As I turned the corner from the stairwell, I spotted Bernard standing outside Dad's room. The hairs on my arms stood up—something wasn't right.

"Bernard?" I quickened my pace, my heels clicking against the polished floor. "Why are you standing out here?"

Bernard's eyes met mine briefly before darting away, his weathered hands fidgeting with his jacket sleeve.

My stomach clenched. I peered into the room, only to find it empty. "Where's my father?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Mr. Jones went downstairs for a walk," Bernard replied, his gaze fixed somewhere over my shoulder.

"That's strange. I just came up and didn't see him anywhere." The antiseptic smell of the hospital suddenly felt stronger, more suffocating.

"Perhaps he went to one of the small gardens. There are two of them downstairs," Bernard suggested, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.

Dad's condition had stabilized these past couple of days, and being in a hospital meant he was surrounded by medical professionals. Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

I nodded slowly, studying Bernard's face. "Did my father get another call from that person?"

"I—I wouldn't know about that," he stammered.

His reaction told me everything I needed. Dad must have sworn Bernard to secrecy, which explained his uncomfortable demeanor. No point pressing him further.

"How long has he been gone?" I asked instead.

"Not long. He just went downstairs."

Bernard hesitated, then added, "I came up to get his water bottle." He seemed relieved to remember his purpose.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify