<h4>Chapter 450: Ruthless Rejection</h4>


    Since Vivian had reached out for help, Eric couldn’tpletely ignore her plea.


    "I’m still in Country W," Vivian sobbed. "But David won’t let me go to Country S. I’m his sister, and yet he wants me to stay home and wait for some arranged marriage!"


    Vivian was generally a straightforward woman. Though she had once yed a small trick that caused misunderstandings between E and Eric, she hadn’t tried to interfere since.


    In truth, David had confined her movements, not allowing her to trouble Eric. As Eric’s friend, David knew that Eric loved E and not Vivian. He feared that Vivian’s infatuation would only lead to unnecessary heartache.


    "I see," Eric said casually. "If it’s your brother’s decision, then I definitely can’t help you. Sorry, Vivian, but you should listen to him. He only has your best interests at heart."


    He paused, then added in an even tone, "I’m married now, Vivian. There will never be anything between us. You should let go of that idea."


    Vivian had confessed her feelings for Eric a long time ago, but Eric had always seen her as a younger sister—there was never any romantic interest.


    "Don’t talk to me like that, Eric! I just want to see you," Vivian pleaded, her voice breaking with sobs.


    Just then, their food was served. Eric’s tone remained unchanged, cool andposed. "Vivian, that’s enough. I have to go now. Try seeing things from your brother’s perspective for once."


    With that, he hung up the phone.


    E didn’t ask anything. She was too hungry to focus on other matters, quickly picking up a bowl of soup and sipping a small spoonful.


    Eric smiled. "Aren’t you curious about who just called me?"


    E raised an unconcerned eyebrow. "Who was it?"


    "Vivian."


    "I know," she replied lightly, showing more interest in the te of braised eggnt in front of her.


    "She said she wants to see me."


    "Then let here," E said with a nonchnt smile.


    Eric frowned. "Honey, aren’t you the least bit jealous?"


    E burst outughing. "You don’t like her, so why would I get jealous? Besides, someone seemed awfully annoyed earlier when that young sales clerk was being attentive."


    Eric snorted coldly. "I didn’t like the way he hovered around me like a buzzing fly."


    E chuckled, amused. She knew that if the salesperson had been a beautiful woman, Eric would never have said such a thing.


    Deciding not to argue, E picked up a fish ball and took a delicate bite. Her lips, a vibrant shade of red, moved enticingly as she chewed, their glossy sheen catching the light.


    Eric nced at her and immediately felt a surge of heat flood through him. It had been so long since they’d been together intimately, and now, watching her lips, he couldn’t deny the rush of desire.


    But he reminded himself that E was pregnant with twins—he had to be doubly cautious for her and the babies.


    For Eric, the rest of lunch became a test of self-restraint. Every nce at E felt like being a hungry wolf staring at a tempting meal just out of reach.


    Finally, lunch ended. Eric apanied E to shop for an abundance of baby clothes and supplies before escorting her to the Nelson Group Hotel’s presidential suite to rest.


    As soon as the door closed behind them, Eric wrapped an arm around E’s waist, his breath hot against her ear. "E, I want..."


    E quickly moved his hands away. "Eric, the doctor said... with twins, we have to be extra cautious. Let’s wait until the fourth month, okay?"


    Eric’s face turned red as he exhaled deeply, frustrated. "Fine, I’ll go take a cold shower!"


    He had been holding himself back for months, and it was driving him crazy.


    "Don’t catch a cold," E called out, trying not tough.


    Eric didn’t even stop to answer. He was already heading for the bathroom, shutting the door behind him with haste.


    Ey bored on the bed, flipping through a book she found on the bedside table and reading it with quiet focus.


    When Eric emerged from the shower, he looked much more refreshed. He joined her, asionally joking and chatting, making the afternoon pass quickly.


    After a brief nap, E woke to find it was already past three.


    At five o’clock, E and Eric headed to the reserved private room, where they met her second brother, Aiden.


    Aiden, in contrast to Luke, was colder and more stoic. Aside from a polite greeting and a few formal exchanges, he remained mostly silent.


    E couldn’t help but feel a bit frustrated. Did her second brother dislike her?


    After losing his parents at a young age, Aiden had been raised by Lucas, who treated him like his own son. But despite being groomed as a sessor, Aiden showed little interest in the role, believing himself not capable enough.


    "E, don’t take it personally. Your second brother has always been reserved," Lucas said with a reassuring smile.


    Aiden gave a small nod, offering no defense of his demeanor. E had no choice but to ept it with a faint smile of her own.


    How did someone this quiet manage to negotiate business deals?


    Meanwhile, Luke seemed unusually uneasy, avoiding eye contact and barely lifting his head to look at E.


    "Luke, you mentioned returning to Country W soon? That’s perfect. Since you’re heading back, I’ll stay here in Country S. If you need anything, feel free to reach out to the butler or Jack," Lucas said cheerfully.


    Luke nodded. "Got it, Dad," he replied softly.


    He nced briefly at E, catching sight of Eric feeding her a piece of shrimp. An odd mix of emotions churned in his chest, making him want to leave as soon as possible.


    "E, you must have a great appetite these days," Lucas said with a chuckle. "The wedding is just around the corner. What gift would you like from me?"


    E’s lips curled into a demure smile, as serene as a white lotus in a still pond.


    "Dad, I don’t need anything. I have everything I want. My appetite has been great, though—I feel like I can never eat enough these days!"


    Lucas nced at Eric with a yful look, prompting E to quickly exin.


    "I meant I get hungry easily, not that Eric isn’t feeding me enough!" she added with augh.


    Lucas gave her a mock-reprimanding look. "You should’ve rified that earlier! I was starting to think Eric was starving you!"


    Eric smiled warmly. "I’d starve myself before I ever let my queen or our little ones go hungry!"


    Everyoneughed, including Luke and Aiden, who both cracked rare smiles.


    The atmosphere grew more rxed and lively, and after dinner, they all left the private room together.


    As they stepped out, a sh of red caught their attention. A woman hurried toward them, her voice carrying a peculiar affectation.


    "Aiden, I didn’t expect to see you here!"


    E turned to see the source of the voice. A strikingly beautiful woman approached, her refined features marred only by an overly theatrical tone.


    The woman’s face lit up in surprise when she saw Eric. "Oh, Mr. Nelson! It’s been so long. Do you remember me?" she asked with a sweet, if slightly forced, smile.


    Eric frowned, giving her a cursory nce before shaking his head. "Sorry, I don’t believe I know you."


    The womanughed lightly and wrapped her arm around Aiden’s. "No worries, it has been a while. I’m Jessica, Mr. Nelson."


    The name immediately triggered a memory for E. This was the same clueless minor celebrity who had insulted her by calling her "Bitch" three years ago!


    Oh no... E thought, inwardly groaning. She’s with Aiden now?


    She grew even more disheartened. Aiden was a handsome man with plenty of admirable qualities. Why would he fall for someone like Jessica?


    Is it just because of her overly sweet, coquettish tone? E wondered, her mind swirling in disbelief.