Chapter 13

Adrian shifted slightly in his seat, his deep voice measured. "Proceed."

Ethan felt a nervous tremor run down his spine as he began hesitantly. "Mr. Blackwood, Mrs. Blackwood has left Seabreeze Villa, and—"

Serena's champagne flute paused halfway to her lips, a flicker of confusion crossing her features.

Dominic leaned in with a knowing smirk. "So you left your wife home alone while you're out with Serena? That's cold, man. Women need attention, you know."

Known among their circle as the relationship expert, Dominic had navigated countless romantic entanglements with his silver tongue and quick wit.

With a casual wave of his hand, he suggested, "Why don't we hit Opal Galleria later? My family's boutique just got an exclusive Chanel clutch from their spring collection. That should smooth things over."

Adrian remained impassive, simply gesturing for Ethan to continue. "Go on."

Ethan swallowed hard before speaking. "Mrs. Blackwood left behind the bank card—the one you gave her when you first married."

Adrian's gaze dropped to his phone, his thick lashes casting shadows that seemed to lower the temperature in the room.

His fingers moved swiftly across the screen as he accessed the banking app linked to the card.

The transaction history appeared before him.

Two years ago: a withdrawal of two million.

Exactly one year later: the same amount redeposited.

And most shockingly—a deposit of twenty million made mere hours ago.

This meant Vivian hadn't touched a single cent beyond the initial withdrawal.

Not only had she returned the original sum, but she'd now added an astonishing twenty million to the account.

Adrian's brow furrowed as he muttered, "Where the hell did she get that kind of money?"

His mind raced through Vivian's daily routine—decorating their penthouse, experimenting with new recipes, shopping for his wardrobe.

Though she'd signed with Ivory Phoenix Productions, she'd attended only one audition before refusing all other offers.

Adrian had been forced to send Ethan to intervene with her agent to avoid breach penalties.

Someone with her lifestyle shouldn't have been capable of amassing twenty million independently.

And if she possessed both the ability and ambition to earn that much, why would she have agreed to their marriage of convenience for a mere two million?

Ethan bowed his head in contrition. "My apologies, sir. This oversight is unacceptable. I'll investigate Mrs. Blackwood's financial activities immediately."

Dominic nudged Adrian with his elbow, his tone dripping with mock sympathy. "Don't tell me you got dumped, Blackwood. I've always said—neglect a woman long enough, and she'll find comfort in someone else's—"