Chapter 16

Adrian's mind briefly drifted to Vivian's poised elegance before he responded with icy detachment. "What could possibly be so urgent? I saw her earlier tonight, and she seemed perfectly fine."

Dominic, struck by sudden realization, interjected sharply. "Are you both really this oblivious to the news? This afternoon, you said?" His tone grew grave. "There was a breaking report about an explosion in the historic district downtown. If I recall correctly, wasn't there an apartment Vivian inherited from her mother in that area?"

With swift precision, Dominic handed his smartphone to Adrian.

The incident had made headlines across Crestwood's media outlets.

Initial reports suggested the blast was caused by faulty wiring, worsened by a local family's stockpile of cooking gas for their restaurant—resulting in a devastating explosion.

Adrian's gaze flickered over the disturbing images, a shadow of unease crossing his features.

But then he remembered his encounter with Vivian earlier that evening—how unharmed she had been, even matching him in their verbal sparring. The tension in his shoulders eased slightly as he dismissed the idea of her being involved.

Dominic hesitated, studying Adrian's impassive expression before cautiously adding, "Adrian, that apartment was the last thing her mother left her. It held sentimental value. Of course she'd be distraught over losing it. And after reaching out to you in desperation, only to find you unavailable…" He exhaled. "With the rumors about you and Serena circulating, her reaction isn't surprising."

He leaned in slightly. "You're still married. If divorce isn't on the table, maybe an apology would be the right move."

Adrian scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. "Sentimentality doesn't justify hysterics. A building is just property—it can't compare to human lives. Even knowing all this, I'd still prioritize taking Serena to the hospital. If Vivian had any real compassion, she wouldn't be making this about herself." His lips curled. "An apology? She owes me one, not the other way around."

Dominic fell silent, taken aback by Adrian's harsh dismissal.

He pressed his lips together, took a slow sip of his wine, then shook his head slightly before returning to the evening's festivities as if the conversation had never happened.

After a few more rounds, Dominic noticed Adrian's restless glances toward his phone.

With an exasperated sigh, he suggested, "Look, if Vivian's being difficult, I'll call her myself and smooth things over. Alright?"

"Do what you want," Adrian muttered, his tone indifferent as he cast a dismissive glance at Dominic.

Without hesitation, Dominic grabbed Adrian's phone, scrolled to Vivian's contact, and pressed call.

The room fell into heavy silence, thick with anticipation.

The line rang once, twice—then cut abruptly to a busy signal.

Unfazed, Dominic tried again.

One ring.

Then silence.

He attempted a third time.

Same result.

The calls kept ending before they could connect.