Rebirth In Divorce My New Mr. Perfect (by Summer Knowles) novel Chapter 867

James hit the record button again. “Vivian,” he said calmly, “the contrast between Harbour Crescent and Pine Mist Island was too much for you. You couldn’t sit still anymore, could you?”

Vivian chuckled. “Mr. Chancer, what makes you so sure it was me?”

He didn’t hesitate. “In the entire East Coast, who else would go to such lengths to dig up dirt on Sarah—and choose this exact moment to try to destroy her? I can’t think of anyone else but you.”

Vivian laughed softly. “Trying to get me to confess, Mr. Chancer?”

James paused, then gave a wry smile and switched off the recording. “You’re sharp, I’ll give you that.”

“Enough with the nonsense,” Vivian snapped. “I didn’t call to chat. I’m offering you a deal.”

“A deal?” he echoed.

Vivian’s voice took on a teasing lilt. “I know Sarah’s biggest secret. It’s something Zachary has gone to great lengths to keep buried. Because he knows—once Sarah finds out—she’ll cut him off completely. That’s why he’s always so guarded around me. He’s afraid I’ll be the one to tell her.”

James’s eyes narrowed, hiding his shock. What secret? He’d known Sarah for years. They’d been married, divorced... Their marriage only lasted three years, but still—he thought she’d never hidden anything from him.

“What kind of secret?” he asked cautiously.

Vivian’s tone turned sharp. “Let’s make a deal. With this secret, you’d have the power to destroy both of them. And all I want in return is a small favor.”

“What kind of favor?” James asked, frowning.

James let out a bitter laugh. “That’s exactly why I’m saying no. I do love her. And that’s why I’d never do anything that would hurt her. Whatever this secret is, if it’s powerful enough to shatter her relationship with Zachary, it’s bound to hurt her deeply. She’s been planning this party for months. I won’t ruin something she’s worked so hard for. Vivian, maybe you’ve never thought of this, but sometimes choosing not to hurt someone... is the only way to save yourself.”

“Pathetic,” Vivian hissed. "No matter what you do, she’ll never know. She’ll still treat you like some annoying afterthought. James, are you really going to be the tragic fool who loves her in silence forever? Do you seriously think that makes you noble?"

James froze.

When it came to Sarah… yes, he really was that fool.

He’d never loved anyone like this before. When he closed his eyes, she was all he saw. When he opened them—still her.