Chapter 14

The tension in the room was palpable as Dominic Sinclair realized his blunder.

Adrian Blackwood's icy glare made the air turn frigid.

Only then did Dominic notice Serena Whitmore still standing there, her presence forgotten in the heat of the moment.

A quick glance confirmed Serena's smile had frozen into something brittle.

"My bad!" Dominic exclaimed dramatically, slapping his forehead and miming zipping his mouth shut.

Serena turned to Adrian, her delicate fingers curling around his forearm. "Did I somehow cause trouble between you and Vivian?" she offered softly. "I'd be happy to explain things to her if that would help."

Adrian's brow furrowed deeply. "Why would this concern you?" His confusion was evident.

Dominic, despite his earlier promise, couldn't stay silent. "Good heavens, Adrian! Have you been living under a rock? Haven't you seen the trending headlines? It's obvious why she's upset!"

Serena ventured carefully, "Could it be... those paparazzi photos of you helping me? The tabloids spun it into something scandalous. I tried to contain the rumors immediately, but with our public profiles..." Her voice trailed off, heavy with unspoken apology.

Adrian's expression softened unexpectedly. "This isn't your fault," he reassured her, his tone surprisingly gentle.

His gaze then shifted to Ethan Caldwell, who already trembled under Adrian's steel-eyed stare.

"I've been handling Ms. Whitmore's affairs all day and missed the viral news," Ethan admitted nervously. "I'll take care of this immediately." He hurried off to manage the crisis.

Serena fidgeted with her sleeve, watching Adrian with anxious eyes. "Adrian... am I causing you trouble?" she whispered.

Adrian set his phone down deliberately. "This isn't about you," he stated calmly. "She's just throwing a tantrum because she's angry with me. Where else would she go without me? I expect her to come crawling back any moment now with her suitcases."

One of Adrian's companions scoffed, raising his glass. "Marrying someone like Mr. Blackwood is the opportunity of a lifetime! Getting upset over nothing? Women need to learn their place!" The group murmured in agreement.

"Exactly! Too much leniency," another added, swirling his drink.

"With Mr. Blackwood's status - a few rumors or even affairs are hardly worth mentioning, right? What woman would willingly give up being Mrs. Blackwood and demand a divorce?"

Dominic opened his mouth to comment when an interruption came.

"Which one of you is Mr. Adrian Blackwood?"