Chapter 127

Sebastian gave a careless shrug. "We're among friends here."

Harrison's voice turned stern. "You're involved in multiple high-profile deals with the Blackwood Group."

"Regardless of your personal feelings toward Adrian, you must keep them hidden. Those rumors might be entertainment for gossip blogs and idle chatter, but you, Sebastian, must never fuel them."

Vivian, who usually avoided Blackwood family affairs, was startled to discover Sebastian's connection to Adrian. There was an undeniable boldness radiating from him. He'd openly confronted the very woman his benefactor adored. Either Sebastian possessed extraordinary luck or remarkable talent to have climbed so far.

Watching his relaxed demeanor, Vivian felt compelled to offer advice. "Harrison makes a valid point, Sebastian. In your position, every word and gesture is scrutinized. You must be more careful."

Sebastian rubbed his neck sheepishly. "Understood. I'll be more cautious from now on."

Harrison shot Vivian a grateful look. "Vivian, you're the only one who can keep him in line. Now that you're working together, could you watch over him for me? His bluntness gives me daily heart attacks."

Vivian smiled gently. "Of course, Harrison. I'd be happy to."

The meal arrived shortly after, each dish a visual masterpiece promising exquisite flavors. Sebastian enthusiastically piled food onto Vivian's plate until it resembled a small mountain. Noticing her overwhelmed expression, Harrison smoothly changed topics. "Vivian, have you ever wondered why Sebastian admires you so much?"

Sebastian froze mid-serving, his head dipping slightly. "Harrison, why bring that up now?" Vivian's curiosity piqued. "What's the reason?"

"If you hold Vivian in such esteem, she deserves to know," Harrison replied. Turning to Vivian, he continued, "During Sebastian's overseas training days, there was a time he nearly quit everything. He refused to compromise his principles, yet despite his efforts, the future looked bleak. Then he discovered 'The Outsider' - it changed everything. He vowed to succeed and bring your stories to life, hoping to inspire others like himself."

'The Outsider,' one of Vivian's early works, told of ordinary people overcoming extraordinary odds. Touched, Vivian raised her glass. "To think my words could impact someone so deeply. To your perseverance, and thank you for appreciating my work."

Their glasses clinked together, the sound marking a new warmth between them. The lively conversation continued until three hours slipped away unnoticed, the restaurant nearly empty when they finally rose to leave.

Vivian excused herself to the restroom. Glancing down the corridor, she noticed the opposite private room stood vacant - Serena and her group had departed.

As she walked back, a solitary figure caught her attention. Dressed in a black shirt with a suit jacket draped over one arm, his features were partially obscured, but the unmistakable aura of detachment identified him instantly as Adrian.