Chapter 107

Ethan hesitated before answering the vibrating phone.

Adrian's baritone voice resonated through the receiver. "Is everything taken care of?"

A cold shiver ran down Ethan's spine as he wiped his damp palms on his trousers. "Mrs. Hartley sent her gratitude through me," he replied carefully.

On the other end, Adrian's jaw tightened visibly. "And? I specifically asked for her return to Seabreeze Villa. What was her response? I couldn't care less about her pride, but Eleanor shouldn't suffer because of it."

"Mrs. Hartley has been discharged from the hospital." Ethan inhaled sharply before continuing, "She promised to repay all medical expenses as soon as possible."

The faint amusement that had been playing on Adrian's lips vanished instantly, replaced by stunned silence. With a frustrated growl, he hurled his phone onto the leather couch.

Vivian's behavior was becoming increasingly incomprehensible. After going out of his way to help, this was the thanks he got?

His fingers raked through his dark hair as he paced the study. He'd always tried to understand her perspective, to make allowances for her difficult past. But wasn't it time she moved past old grudges?

Knowing how much Vivian adored Eleanor, he'd treated the elderly woman like family. Aware of Vivian's financial struggles, he'd personally instructed Ethan to monitor Eleanor's medical situation - which had revealed Vivian's inability to cover the hospital bills.

What shocked Adrian most was Vivian's stubborn refusal to accept help, even with Eleanor's wellbeing at stake.

Meanwhile, Vivian trudged toward her apartment building, her shoulders slumped under the weight of exhaustion. All she wanted was the sanctuary of her quiet apartment where she could finally break down.

As the elevator doors opened, she nearly collided with Lydia, who was heading out for a late-night snack.

"Vivian?" Lydia's cheerful greeting died on her lips when she noticed the red-rimmed eyes. She rushed forward, concern etching her features. "What happened? Are you okay?"

"Nothing," Vivian mumbled, attempting to brush past with downcast eyes.

Lydia hesitated in the hallway, biting her lip. After a moment, she called out tentatively, "Vivian... is this about that night at Whispering Skies? When I insisted you have that drink?"

Since Vivian's return to rebuild her career, there'd been an unspoken tension between them. Lydia wondered if that ill-fated evening had damaged their friendship beyond repair.

Gently touching Vivian's arm, Lydia continued, "I only suggested drinking because I thought it would deter unwanted attention."

Vivian stopped abruptly, turning with sudden realization. "Lydia, I don't blame you for that night at all," she said earnestly. "You've been my rock since I came back. I could never repay your kindness."

The weight of unspoken words hung between them as Vivian finally allowed herself to be pulled into a comforting embrace. For the first time in weeks, she didn't feel quite so alone.