Chapter 140

The warmth in Adrian's gaze vanished, replaced by an arctic chill. During their honeymoon phase, Vivian had frequently reminisced about her childhood, including stories about a particularly aggressive neighborhood dog that terrorized deliverymen. Her current words carried that same biting undertone.

Adrian's jaw tensed visibly before he forced a hollow laugh. Gesturing toward the bubbling pot of Szechuan hotpot, he addressed Ethan with deliberate casualness. "Why don't you share this with the production team? Our chef trained in Spicehaven - his recipes are authentic."

A flicker of recognition lit Vivian's eyes, her lips twitching with suppressed amusement. That infuriating man! One moment he's emotionally torturing her, the next he's remembering her favorite dishes.

The atmosphere lightened as the group interpreted Adrian's gesture as reconciliation. Shoulders relaxed around the table while grateful glances were exchanged. Walter seized the moment to redirect everyone's attention to the feast.

"Please try today's specials. Along with our Spicehaven chef, we've brought in an expert from Mariner's Crest. The seafood arrived fresh this morning - absolutely premium quality."

Penelope hid behind her bowl, peeking over the rim to study Adrian. The man moved with predatory grace, each motion calculated like a carefully choreographed performance of power and refinement. Even while eating, he maintained an aristocratic air that made Sebastian Hartwell pale in comparison.

As she fantasized about a future with someone more dazzling than her celebrity crush, Penelope felt her heart swell with sugary delight. Scenes from countless romance dramas played through her imagination.

Walter proudly produced his private collection of homemade baijiu, the gleam in his eye suggesting its exclusivity. The first sip earned unanimous praise - "Now this is the real deal!" One sycophantic colleague added, "This is Mr. Holloway's personal reserve, made with only the finest ingredients. We're only tasting it today thanks to Mr. Blackwood's presence."

The construction manager, cheeks already flushed, raised his glass with boisterous enthusiasm. "Between these oysters and this exceptional liquor—"

"How about visiting Mirage Lounge tonight? Emberglow County might be small, but we know all the best spots for beautiful company." The suggestion hung in the air.

Adrian's response was glacial. He barely touched his glass before slamming it down, sending liquor droplets spraying across the tablecloth. Conversation died instantly - even the crew members at neighboring tables froze mid-bite.

Vivian remained oblivious to the tension, wholly focused on her meal. The lazy susan spun continuously as hungry hands reached for dish after dish. After a grueling day, she seized this quiet moment to finally eat properly.

To her, Adrian was just another face in the crowd. His moods meant nothing compared to the steaming delicacies before her. What man could possibly compete with perfectly cooked seafood?

Adrian's stormy gaze locked onto Vivian, who continued eating with single-minded determination. His grip tightened around his glass until the tendons in his wrist stood out sharply. The sheer audacity of her indifference - they were practically encouraging him to cheat, and she couldn't be bothered to look up from her plate?

A tempest of fury raged beneath his carefully composed exterior, his expression hardening into something dangerous. The air around him practically crackled with restrained violence.