Chapter 111

"Mrs. Blackwood isn't exactly rolling in wealth, yet she managed to send such a substantial sum. That's certainly worth discussing, Mr. Blackwood."

"Absolutely worth discussing, if only to ensure she didn't borrow it from those questionable acquaintances of hers." Adrian's eyes darkened with a flicker of disdain. "I have my own phone."

Vivian had already erased his contact from her checklist, eliminating any need to borrow Ethan's device. He retrieved his phone and dialed her number.

The moment the call connected, Vivian's icy tone cut through like a winter gale. "I've reimbursed you for Grandma's medical expenses. We're even now. Though I do appreciate your help."

Her words ignited a spark of irritation in Adrian. He'd been prepared to suggest she keep the money if finances were tight, but her tone made him reconsider.

With barely concealed annoyance, he countered, "What exactly do you mean by 'we're even now'?"

He'd offered assistance genuinely, believing it his duty as a responsible husband, yet her apparent ingratitude stung.

Though vexed by Adrian's tone, Vivian acknowledged her debt in this instance. She restrained her frustration and clarified patiently, "Since I've left the Blackwood family, it wouldn't be proper to continue using your funds."

Adrian didn't accept this as clarification - he took it as provocation. With biting sarcasm, he pressed further. "So you're severing all connections with me? Do you truly believe this paltry sum settles everything between us?"

"The six hundred thousand merely covered Grandma's medical bills. As for the rest, I left twenty million at Seabreeze Villa when I departed. That money was rightfully mine. I believe that more than compensates for any expenses incurred during my two years with the Blackwoods. Moreover, I took none of the lavish jewelry or status symbols from the estate."

Vivian's voice carried quiet triumph; she spoke with unshakable conviction.

Leaving with both her dignity and financial independence felt profoundly correct. A woman needed her own resources, after all.

Adrian rose, his expression inscrutable as he gazed through the window. Throughout his career, he'd dealt with countless individuals seeking to extract additional benefits. Money had always been his solution to problems, yet Vivian presented an unexpected anomaly.

The funds he'd offered carried his genuine concern, not mere transactional value. After a prolonged silence, his deep voice finally resonated through the phone. "Vivian, have you no compassion whatsoever? What does that twenty million signify? In two years of marriage, has it truly all been reduced to financial calculations?"

Vivian's bitter laugh came swift and sharp. "Besides money, what else remains between us to divide?"

Had anyone else made such a remark, she might have interpreted it as sentimental. Coming from Adrian, it only bred confusion. Their home had never echoed with children's laughter or even pet footsteps. Emotionally, she'd poured her heart into this union tirelessly, receiving nothing in return. She'd never sought compensation for emotional labor - how dare he pose such a question now?

Adrian's silence stretched endlessly across the connection.