Chapter 155

The nurse smiled kindly. "How considerate of you. There aren't many shops open at this late hour."

Vivian managed a faint smile. Refusing would appear rude, so she whispered, "Thank you, Mr. Sterling."

Adrian gave a gracious nod before addressing the nurse. "Would you assist her with changing?"

Before the nurse could take the bag, the atmosphere in the room changed abruptly. A commanding figure strode through the doorway, his presence immediately dominating the space.

"Thank you for your assistance today, Mr. Sterling. However, it's getting late, and my wife needs rest. We'll return the favor another time." Adrian's voice was polite yet carried an unmistakable edge of dismissal.

Vivian's breath hitched as she looked up at him. His sudden appearance startled her, yet an unexpected wave of relief washed over her.

He still wore the light jacket from earlier that evening, his posture radiating quiet authority that had nothing to do with his attire.

Without any need for words or dramatic gestures, Adrian effortlessly overshadowed Maxwell in the room.

Maxwell's confident smile faltered momentarily before he recovered. "Of course," he said smoothly, extending the bag toward Adrian. "I'll leave her in your care then. Please look after Ms. Hartley."

Adrian didn't reach for the bag, his gaze steady and unyielding. Towering over Maxwell, his subtle disdain was impossible to miss.

This clearly unsettled Maxwell, though he maintained his composure.

The tension was broken when Ethan hurried in, arms laden with multiple shopping bags. His sharp eyes quickly assessed the situation.

"I've brought clothes for Mrs. Blackwood," Ethan announced, moving to Adrian's side. "The selection was limited, but I got the best available. I hope they'll do," he explained to Vivian with an apologetic tone.

The clothes Ethan presented—while not mainstream luxury brands—were clearly carefully selected. His efficiency and attention to detail made Maxwell's simple hospital pajamas seem almost laughable in comparison.

An awkward silence fell over the room. Maxwell's earlier thoughtful gesture now appeared inadequate. The contrast between their capabilities was stark.

Maxwell's smile tightened as he placed his bag on a nearby chair. "I'll stop by to check on you tomorrow, Vivian," he said casually.

Vivian, however, had already made her decision. Her voice came out clear and firm. "That won't be necessary, Mr. Sterling. I'll be going home with my husband after the treatment."

The word "husband" slipped from Vivian's lips like a gentle spring breeze—soft yet unmistakable. To Adrian, it felt like sunlight breaking through storm clouds—warm and comforting. An unusual contentment softened his normally guarded expression.

Taking a bag from Ethan, Adrian settled into the chair beside the bed. His lips curved into a tender smile that could melt the coldest heart. "Let me help you change," he murmured, his voice low and intimate, the perfect picture of a devoted spouse.

Vivian barely suppressed an eye roll. If this man ever decided to act professionally, she thought wryly, he'd sweep every acting award with performances like this.